Per Diem Perinatal Counselor

South Shore Health•Weymouth, MA

10d•Onsite

About The Position

Responsible for counseling patients and families concerning genetic and non-genetic problems. Serves as a resource to patients, families and health care providers regarding genetic counseling issues. Works closely with patients during highly stressful times and deals with sensitive information in an empathetic and supportive manner. Participates in developing new programs related to the MFM unit.

Requirements

One to three years of genetic counseling or directly related experience.
Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially in the areas of counseling and sensitivity to people in crisis.
Ability to work in stressful situations within specific time frames while maintaining a professional and calm attitude.

Nice To Haves

MA/MS with specialty in Genetic Counseling preferred.

Responsibilities

Counsels patients/families referred for abnormal serum screening results, advanced maternal age, difficult decision making, first trimester/integrated screening, pregnancy loss, suspected/known fetal anomalies, significant family history, ultrasound findings, and teratogens.
Counsels patients/families regarding diagnostic procedures such as Amniocentesis, Chorionic villus sampling (CVS), and Percutaneous blood sampling (PUBS).
Obtains family histories and evaluates the need for further testing/screening, counsels patients/families regarding significant family histories, makes appropriate referrals for further testing/screening, and triages/reviews patient histories to ensure appropriate scheduling of appointments.
Interprets genetic laboratory results and communicates them to patients/providers, gathers, interprets, and delivers information to patients/families in a timely fashion, and maintains patient confidentiality.
Serves as a resource to staff, patients, and providers regarding genetic counseling issues, provides educational programs to health care providers, acts as a resource to health care providers within the hospital and the community, and is involved in training/supervising of genetic counseling students.
Adapts teaching/counseling format as appropriate to the patient's cognitive ability, provides appropriate follow-up support/referrals, supports patients/families with difficult decisions by demonstrating an understanding of the patient's reaction to "bad news" and responding with empathy and support, and assesses patients/families' ability to cope with "bad news" and makes appropriate referrals.
Maintains relationships with outside laboratories and is aware of quality assurance issues.
Keeps abreast of changes in the field and new technologies, maintains membership with NSGC and/or governing board, maintains board eligibility/board certification (ABMG), and attends educational seminars and meetings.
Functions as a role model for staff by facilitating problem resolution among peers and demonstrating a constructive approach in interactions with staff and management, demonstrates willingness to identify and/or assume activities relative to the ongoing development of the unit, and practices self-care to reduce compassion fatigue.
Communicates with staff effectively, resolving conflicts as they arise, brings conflicts to the attention of the Director when appropriate, and communicates with patients/families effectively and respectfully.