Title:  Genetic Counselor-Full Time-Days-Le Bonheur Job

Summary

Provides genetic counseling to families and patients with genetic disorders in both outpatient clinics and through inpatient consults.  The genetic counselor works as part of a team that includes medical geneticists, genetic counselors, nurse practioners, nurses, metabolic nutritionists and a social worker.  Models appropriate behavior as exemplified in MLH Mission, Vision and Values.

Education/Experience/Licensure

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Thorough knowledge of current theories and principles of human genetics and best-practice counseling techniques.
• Motivation to increase knowledge of genetic principles through continuing education and contribution to clinical research
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to new practices and policies as part of a growing team
• Demonstrated ability to interact with peers, medical staff, patients/families and other constituents involved in patient care.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct all activities in accordance with professional ethics and values.

Key Job Responsibilities

• Reviews relevant medical history and family history, medical literature, and outside records to assess/confirm risk of genetic conditions
• Assesses the risk of occurrence or recurrence of genetic conditions.
•  Provides counseling for patients/families to facilitate understanding of genetic conditions.
• Recommends genetic testing in collaboration with the healthcare team.
• Discusses genetic testing with families, including beneftis, risks, limitations and familial implications
• Advocates on behalf of the patients/families for the protection of the patient’s health, safety and rights.
• Performs psychosocial assessments and identifies patient education resources and support organizations.
• Documents patient encounters and genetic counseling in the medical record system.
• Serves as a resources for information regarding genetic testing and identification of laboratories for send out genetic testing.
• Sees and counsels patients independently in genetic counseling clinic for appropriate referral indications and follow up of results.
• Performs clinical supervision and teaching of rotating genetic counseling students, medical students, residents, and fellows.
• Performs other job functions as needed.

Physical Requirements

• The physical activities of this position may include climbing, pushing, standing, hearing, walking, reaching, grasping, kneeling, stooping, and repetitive motion.

• Must have good balance and coordination.
• The physical requirements of this position are: medium work - exerting up to 50 lbs. of force occasionally and/or up to 25 lbs. of force frequently.
• The Associate is required to have close visual acuity including color, depth perception, and field of vision to perform an activity, such as assessing patients, preparing and analyzing data and figures; transcribing; viewing a computer terminal; or extensive reading.
• Frequent invasive and non-invasive patient contact.
• Exposure to patient body fluids as well as exposure to hazardous or poisonous materials.
• Ability to react quickly to emergency situations.