Genetic Counsellor

*JOB DESCRIPTION*
The post holder will take a leading role in institutional initiatives to plan, manage and develop Genomics, which will enable better patient care and facilicate genomic research and development. Additionally, it is preferred that they will also provide genetic counselling to SEHA patients.

*RESPONSIBILITIES*
Genomics Lead Responsibilities

• Drive the planning, development and implementation of various clinical, research, administrative and educational aspects of genomics for SEHA
• Lead, manage and develop the unit to ensure it achieves the highest possible standards of excellence in all its activities
• Manage various institutional initiatives to facilitate high quality clinical genetic services
• Strengthen and expand genetic counselling services at SEHA facilities
• Plan, develop, coordinate and/or deliver genomic educational initiatives for trainees, clinical, administrative and research professionals, including genetic courses and programs.
• Support university partners in their genomic education (may include teaching and/or clinical supervision of students)
• Promote and advance genomics research, including by establishing local and/or international research collaborations
• Represent SEHA's genomic interests on government-led committees and initiatives
• Liaise with other external partners, including industry collaborations, to support SEHA's genomics program
• Serve as a subject matter expert in genomics
• Strengthen the profile of SEHA genomics both internally and on a national level
• Attend and participate in local and international meetings
• Support the planning and management efforts of leadership to ensure the unit delivers the agreed organizational strategy and achieves the highest possible standards of excellence in all its activities
• Demonstrate vision and empower others in order to deliver the agreed organisational strategy
• Liaise with internal stakeholders, including healthcare providers, administration, academic researchers, and others to advance genomics at SEHA
• Communicate with direct line manager as well as upper management as appropriate
• Contribute to recruitment, interviewing, staff selection, planning of budget and resources and other project activities
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organisations
• Keep up to date with relevant policy publications
• Ensure the highest levels of quality, integrity and ethics in all tasks undertaken
• Execute projects according to project plan
• Compile data as necessary (ex: audit)
• Undertake other duties that may be required from time to time

Licensed Genetic Counsellor Responsibiliies (preferred)

• Manage a caseload of patients
• Collect and interpret comprehensive information with regard to patient and family history, including medical, genetic and psychosocial history
• Make appropriate and accurate risk assessments to determine the likelihood of genetic conditions in a patient, his/her offspring, and other family members, and then identify and explain options for dealing with these risks
• Discuss and educate regarding the medical features and natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic aspects, environmental factors and management of genetic conditions and the associated risks
• Identify, request* and coordinate appropriate genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies. (* request: in association/consultation with a physician, if limited through licensing)
• Integrate results of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history into genetic risk assessment
• Explain the clinical and psychosocial implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results
• Evaluate the client's or family's responses to information discussed and provide client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance
• Identify and utilize community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy
• Document patient interactions, discussions and decisions in patient's electronic medical record
• Provide written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and health care professionals
• Liaise, in the form of consultations, discussions, multidisciplinary meetings, written reports and referrals, with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal patient care
• Serve as a genetic health resource for professionals and the community
• Assist in writing policies and clinical practice guidelines
• Participate in research related to the field of genetic counseling
• Provide clinical supervision and teaching to students/trainees
• Liaise with medical clinics regarding the care of high-risk patients identified through genomics program
• Stay up to date with advances in genomics and genetic counseling through ongoing continuing education (and maintenance of licensing/certification)
• Contribute to genomics research

Reporting and communication

• Reports to Director Medical & Clinical Affairs

*QUALIFICATIONS*
Qualification :-

Required:

• Master of Science in Genetic Counselling, or comparable qualification
• Advanced knowledge of the subject matter in order to provide expert advice and support to other healthcare professionals at all levels
• Advanced communication skills (oral and written)
• High level of interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with executive level staff, members of the academic, clinical, professional, and industry sectors, and the general community

Special Certificate:-

• Genetic Counselling Certification & DOH License (required if practicing clinically through Licensed Genetic Counselor position)

Experience:-

Required:

• Five or more years of experience in the field of genetics

Desired:

• Experience managing strategic programs and initiatives, including direct supervision of staff
• Strong history of experience of interactions with national and international healthcare organizations
• Experience with education, strategy & planning