Reports to the Practice Manager. As an integral part of the diagnostic team, provides genetic counseling and education to patients and families in a prenatal and preconception setting. Assesses individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Provides information to other healthcare providers and/or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advises and educates individuals and families to support informed decision making and coping methods for those at risk. Manages caseload and follow up care.MISSION, VALUES and SERVICE GOALS
MISSION: We deliver outstanding care, inspire health, and connect with heart.
VALUES: Trust. Respect. Integrity. Compassion.
SERVICE GOALS: Personally connect. Keep everyone informed. Be on their team.
Provides genetic counseling to patients:
Receives referrals and schedules appointments within a week of referral.
Collects genetic information to prepare for each patient referred.
Interviews patients by taking family, medical, and pregnancy histories to identify significant genetic and environmental risk factors.
Explains to patients and their family members' genetic risks, diagnosis, and available interventions and/or prevention strategies.
Gathers information and utilizes resources from various sources; calculates or cites empiric genetic risks to each individual patient or family member.
Identifies at-risk individuals and offers appropriate tests and referrals to genetic specialists.
Maintains patients' files and records, such as number of patients counseled and types of referrals, according to departmental and laboratory standards. Uses EMR systems for documentation using appropriate systems for in-patients and out-patients.
Consults with Medical Genetics Specialist or Geneticist as necessary.
Supplies detailed consultation reports to patients and physicians following counseling session.
Contributes to the achievement of established department goals and objectives and adheres to department policies, procedures, quality standards and safety standards.
Complies with applicable governmental regulations and accreditation requirements.
Participates in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.
Develops and maintains a good relationship with the referral laboratories and stays up-to-date on testing offered. Also coordinates specimen collection and delivery to laboratory of choice.
Participates in community outreach.
Serves as a resource to patients, Beacon staff and the community:
Gives lectures and educational sessions on genetic counseling and medical genetics issues to residents, staff, and community.
Participates in multidisciplinary quality and service improvement teams, in meetings and on committees, and represents the department and hospital in community outreach efforts.
Performs other functions to maintain personal competence and contribute to the overall effectiveness of the department by:
Works closely with others to ensure research programs and services are delivered in a manner that maximizes quality and productivity.
Completes other job-related assignments and special projects as assigned.
ORGANIZATIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Associate complies with the following organizational requirements:
Attends and participates in department meetings and is accountable for all information shared.
Completes mandatory education, annual compete ncies and department specific education within established timeframes.
Completes annual employee health requirements within established timeframes.
Maintains license/certification, registration in good standing throughout fiscal year.
Direct patient care providers are required to maintain current BCLS (CPR) and other certifications as required by position/department.
Consistently utilizes appropriate universal precautions, protective equipment, and ergonomic techniques to protect patient and self.
Adheres to regulatory agency requirements, survey process and compliance.
Complies with established organization and department policies.
Available to work overtime in addition to working additional or other shifts and schedules when required.
Commitment to Beacon's six-point Operating System, referred to as The Beacon Way:
Leverage innovation everywhere.
Cultivate human talent.
Embrace performance improvement.
Build greatness through accountability.
Use information to improve and advance.
Communicate clearly and continuously.
Education and Experience The knowledge, skills and abilities as indicated below are normally acquired through the successful completion of a Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling. A minimum of two years experience as a genetic counselor preferred. Experience in Perinatology is desirable. Certified (or board eligible) in genetic counseling by the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG) - - or - - Certified in genetic counseling (or board eligible) by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). If hired as board certification-eligible, must obtain requisite certification within two years of date of hire into the position.
Knowledge & Skills
Requires an in-depth knowledge of information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries and diseases including symptoms, treatment alternatives, drug properties and interactions, and preventive health-care measures.
Requires knowledge of counseling techniques and the ability to identify and utilize appropriate resources.
Demonstrates the communication skills (which includes verbal, written and listening) necessary to effectively counsel patients and their families. Also requires the ability to make group presentations.
Demonstrates the interpersonal skills necessary to promote and maintain cooperative, courteous and sincere relationships with patients, family members, physicians, staff and the public.
Demonstrates sensitivity when working with patients and their families and the ability to interact in a professional, sincere and caring manner.
Requires time management and problem solving skills and the ability to independently prioritize and organize work activities; also requires the ability to work effectively under pressure.
Demonstrates the computer skills and knowledge necessary to effectively use and support various computer programs.
Working Conditions
Works in an office environment.
Physical Demands
Requires the physical ability and stamina to perform the essential functions of the position.
