Genetic Counselor - Maternal Fetal Medicine

OhioHealth • Columbus, OH

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This position of Genetic Counselor resides in Maternal Fetal Medicine. In Maternal-Fetal Medicine, the Genetic Counselor may provide assessment and care for prenatal or preconception patients who are at risk for having a child with an inherited condition, birth defect, developmental disability or other disorder. Services are provided to multiple hospitals within the OhioHealth system. With supervision by the physicians in the appropriate department, the Genetic Counselor exercises independent judgment in gathering information from the patient and referring physician, assessing this information, enabling patient decision-making and presenting follow up recommendations.

Requirements

• Master's Degree (Required)
• Graduate of an accredited genetic counseling program with a Genetic Counseling.
• Credentials Board Eligible for the American Board of Genetic Counseling
• New graduates are welcome to apply!

Responsibilities

• Provides assessment and care management for genetic counseling patients.
• Exercises independent judgment in gathering information from the patient and referring physicians, assessing this information, enabling patient decision-making and presenting follow-up recommendations.
• Supports and actively participates in an integrated approach to patient care with physicians, genetic counselors, nurses, other allied health care practitioners, laboratory directors, and researchers.
• Obtains and analyzes personal and family medical histories.
• Interprets the medical and family histories for the patient.
• Teaches the patient about the risk of occurrence, recurrence and natural history of genetic conditions or genetic predisposition risk factors.
• Interprets laboratory results and suggests follow up as needed.
• Educates the patient about the available choices regarding genetic tests, including the risks, benefits and limitations of each.
• Explores the patient feelings and reactions to the various tests and potential outcomes/possible implications of results.
• Enables and supports the patient in making informed decisions that are in alignment with his/her own desires, values and spirituality.
• Advocates with insurance companies for patients requiring specialized genetic testing and makes referrals to other specialists, as needed.
• Provides bereavement support for patients and families, according to their individual needs.
• Communicates the outcome of the genetic counseling session with the patients healthcare providers via summary correspondence and/or chart documentation shared with the referring physician and by phone if needed.
• Documents all patient care activities in patient record.
• Facilitates lab testing including the appropriate reference labs and types of testing.
• Tracks labs sent out, results received and communication with patients and referring physicians offices.
• Provides recommendations for follow up, if indicated.
• May attend various meetings including the Columbus Fetal Medicine Collaborative case conferences.
• May supervise genetic counseling graduate students during clinical rotation at OhioHealth.
• Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others.
• Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for other disciplines.
• Supports and actively participates in an integrated approach to patient care.
• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in providing patient care.
• Communicates with referring healthcare providers to ensure continuity of patient care.
• Demonstrates leadership skills in problem solving and team collaboration.
• Participates in Performance Improvement activities.
• Works collaboratively with supervisors by performing other duties as requested.
• Adapts to the changing demands of the workplace and assumes a leadership role in supporting co-workers adaptation to change.
• May present cases in interdisciplinary case conferences and incorporate feedback in patient care to maximize patient outcomes.
• Provides guidance to referring Physicians and other health care professionals regarding genetic counseling and testing.
• Recognizing the clinical implications of the rapid growth in genetic testing, the Genetic Counselor is responsible for outreach and education for area medical professionals and the public.
• Consults with Physicians and nurses regarding test results, and family history. Suggests follow up course of action.
• Prepares and presents lectures to nurses, doctors, medical students and other professional staff regarding genetics as it applies to their scope of practice.
• Provides in-service educational programs to the staff and physicians in obstetrical office practices.
• Participates in talks and interviews in conjunction with Public Relations at OhioHealth.
• Supports the participation of students in observing genetic counseling work, as appropriate.
• Initiates regular contact with professional organizations for genetic counselors.
• Participates in continuing education and maintains board certification.
• Accesses genetics resources from around the United States and the world.
• Focuses on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level