GENETIC COUNSELOR INSTRUCTOR

University of Maryland•Baltimore, MD

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maryland School of Medicine Department of Pediatrics is recruiting a Genetic Counselor to work as a member of a health care team for the pediatric and adult genetic services, with opportunities for participation in clinical research. Genetic Counselors at the UMSOM provide information and support to families who have members with birth defects or a genetic disorder and to those who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. They identify families at risk, investigate the problem present in the family, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence and review available options with the family. Genetic Counselors also provide supportive counseling to families, serve as patient advocates and refer individuals and families to community or state support services. They serve as educators and resource people for other health care professionals and for the general public. Genetic Counselors may also work in an administrative capacity and may engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.

Requirements

Master’s degree from a graduate program accreted by the Accreditation Council of Genetic Counseling and/or active board certification or board eligibility by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
Two years or more of relevant experience in general adult and/or pediatric genetics and/or inborn errors of metabolism preferred.
Professional knowledge of the rapidly changing principles and practices of medical genetisc and genetic counseling.
Effective oral and written communication skills.
Strong organizational skills.
Possess teaching and evaluation skills.
Ability to work independently.
Knowledge of psychosocial aspects relevant to genetic counseling practice
Knowledge of patient resource information
Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, research personnel, and investigator.

Responsibilities

General clinical genetic counseling responsibilities with direct patient contact and follow-up after genetics consultation, including communication with patients, families and other health care providers.
Genetic laboratory support, including communication with patients and providers about genetic testing and results.
Triage patient referrals or professional inquiries for genetic consultation, including ascertainment of acuity of problem (especially if time sensitive as in pregnancy or newborn screening) and of the type of evaluation required (e.g. cancer, prenatal, pediatric, adult).
Obtain and evaluate a detailed pedigree using standardized nomenclature.
Obtain patient history and review and analyze pertinent records, including medical records, and research records.
Analyze and interpret information obtained from any appropriate resource materials relevant to each case for diagnostic evaluation and management.
Provide comprehensive information to families and to health care providers regarding the etiology, inheritance, incidence/carrier risks, and natural history/prognosis for genetic condition/diseases in culturally appropriate terms that each will comprehend.
Serve as a patient advocate by assisting family with referrals for services, assisting administrative team as needed with special scheduling issues and determination of financial coverage/authorization for special tests, and identifying research studies.
Participate in follow-up by tracking test results, reviewing as appropriate with the M.D. team member and conveying results to patients, family as appropriate,) and primary care provider(s).
Educate primary and other health care providers.
Document all patient-related activities in medical records.
Participate in case conferences, and teaching, including continuing education events which are relevant to the position.
Supervise trainees in genetic counseling.
Perform special projects as needed.