Genetic Counsellor- Pediatric

Job Description

The Genetic Counsellor is responsible for providing counselling, education and support to patients and their families. The Genetic Counsellor works independently or directly with physicians to provide these services to families. The Genetic Counsellor also works with the genomics laboratory acting as a liaison between the laboratory and the clinical team. In this role the genetic counsellor will prepare genomics reports as needed and coordinate the collection of samples and ensure the correct tests is ordered.

Clinical Practice:

• Provide genetic counseling for patients and families who have a genetic diagnosis or are planning to pursue genetic testing
• Interprets family history, clinical and genetic findings to predict risk to patient. Obtains and reviews medical, developmental and family history information. Ascertains needs and agendas of patients/ families.
• Assesses, plans, provides and evaluates the educational needs of the patient and family
• Provide support to the clinical team who are pursuing genetic testing for their patients
• Coordinates one or more specialty clinics with the relevant personnel within the hospital. Devises and monitors appointments and schedules for multiple providers.
• Reviews and documents the patient’s condition and interventions
• Assists in interviewing, orientation and training of other genetic counselors
• Provides and benchmarks patient care in accordance to the standards of care, established policies, procedures and evidenced-based practices.
• Develops and participates in genetics education programs for physicians and other health professionals
• Develops and creates educational material for patients
• Utilizing a professional practice framework and evidence-based care, identifies improvement areas while minimizing risks creating care that is optimal for our children and families.
• Generate patient reports from genomic data
• Provide clear communication between the clinical team and genomics laboratory to ensure the most appropriate test is ordered for the patient and results are communicated in a timely manner
• Collaborates in developing written documents and web-based materials for a variety of purposes including journal publications and conference presentations.

Professional Practice Development:

• Identifies self-learning needs and take initiative to meet those needs
• Serves as a role model for all staff assisting in promoting and sharing knowledge via mentorship and preceptorship programs in accordance with evidence-based practice.
• Acts as a preceptor/mentor in the supervision and teaching new staff or students in the development of competencies required
• Welcomes and actively participates in staff/student orientation, promoting and supporting a positive learning environment and transcultural principles in nursing practice
• Develops and maintains own professional knowledge, clinical competency and skills utilizing reflective practice and maintaining a professional portfolio
• Participates in service activities that contribute to positive patient outcomes, a positive patient experience and a healthy professional environment

Communication:

• Interacts with children, and visitors in a courteous, respectful and helpful manner
• Interacts with members of the healthcare team in a manner that demonstrates respect, effective communication skills and promotes teamwork
• Documents all relevant information correctly, appropriately and in a timely manner
• Promotes safe patient care and a safe environment by embracing a Culture of Safety and identifying proactively areas of risk and the timely reporting of adverse safety events.

Collaboration:

• Demonstrates advocacy for children, young adults and their families.
• Encourages and involves children and their families in care decisions to make informed choices by providing them with information, support and direction to the relevant support services as appropriate.
• Contributes to the achievement of clinical quality indicators, positive patient outcomes and patient and family satisfaction through extraordinary service.
• Coordinates care across the continuum – understands and utilizes case management resources to achieve patient care goals, discharge planning, decreasing the length of stay and waiting times.

Education/Qualification (Preferred):

• Minimum 2 years’ experience
• Board Certified by relevant overseeing institution - e.g. (ABGC, ABMGG, CCGC)

Education/Qualification (Essential):

• Post Graduate Training qualification in Genetic Counseling
• Board Eligible or Board Certified by relevant overseeing institution e.g. The American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), The American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ABMGG), or The Canadian Association for Genetic Counsellors (CCGC).

Experience:

• Minimum two (2) years clinical experience in a Pediatric Hospital dealing with complex care patients