Genetic Counselor

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The Department of Human Genetics is currently seeking a full time Genetic Counselor 3 to work in Miami. The Genetic Counselor 3 provides clinical care, contributes towards research, and/or supports clinical laboratory services by using intermediate genetic counseling skills and competencies.  This job level demonstrates advanced level of clinical practice skills in the area of expertise, and works independently in clinical care, education, research or other related area.

JOB FUNCTIONS                                                                                                     

1. Establishes a mutually agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the patient and their family.

2. Elicits appropriate family history and medical information, including pregnancy, developmental, and medical histories.

3. Conveys genetic, medical, and technical information, such as diagnosis, etiology, and natural history.

4. Explains technical and medical aspects of diagnostic and screening methods, and reproductive options.

5. Assesses and calculates genetic and teratogenic risks.

6. Identifies, synthesizes, organizes, and summarizes pertinent medical and genetic information to identify and access appropriate local, regional, and national resources and services for families with genetic disorders.

7. Facilitates the identification of a course of action for patients and families which is appropriate in view of their risks, family goals, and ethical and religious standards.

8. Facilitates the patient’s adjustment to life with a disorder and helps affected family members to cope.

9. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

Department Specific Functions

• Demonstrates understanding related to genetic tests and the associated disorders provided by the laboratory; develops expertise in assigned testing area.

• Develops and reports results, including generating and reviewing reports, calling out/explaining abnormal, preliminary, or stat results, and suggestions for appropriate follow-up consultations or testing.

• Acts as a liaison for clients of the laboratories, providing information and technical support on appropriate test use, limits/accuracy, interpretation of results, reporting and/or follow-up of abnormal results.

• Develops and maintains clinical databases as needed. Develops and presents/publishes educational materials related to laboratory testing, design and maintain Laboratory and product-specific websites.

• Serves as a mentor/lead for other genetic counselors related to clinical care, education, or other genetic counseling related activities.

• Demonstrate positive leadership skills, which benefit patients and/or the division. Contributes to the success of the Division by suggesting and/or applying process improvements in the area of expertise.

• Utilizes curriculum design theory in all educational activities, including supervising genetic counseling students and other medical trainees.

• Develops lectures/courses, educational outreach activities/events, and creates/edits written educational materials. Participates in opportunities for more in depth teaching, as schedule permits, to include course development, research mentoring, peer and community education.

• Generates and works towards the implementation of independent research ideas/projects.

• Collaborates in the planning of research activities including (but not limited to) case reports, registry work, clinical trials, recruiting of participants, writing or managing an IRB, and participating in research committees.

• Performs multiple roles related to research projects.

• Contributes to ongoing academic output through grant writing, publication, and/or presentation on a regional and/or national level.

• Participates in divisional or organizational meetings, which may include journal clubs, case conferences, or other meetings.

Continuing Education:

If not already certified, the genetic counselor should prepare adequately for board certification exam through job duties and review of appropriate resources.  They should also pursue continued learning through attending appropriate local lectures, conferences, grand rounds, and/or regional/national meetings. 

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

QUALIFICATIONS                                                                                                    

Education:

Master’s degree in relevant field- from an Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC) accredited training program or equivalent

Certification and Licensing:

Certification by the American Board of Genetic counseling (ABGC) or the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG)

Experience:

Minimum 3 years of relevant experience

Knowledge, Skills and Attitudes:

• Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

• Skill in completing assignments accurately and with attention to detail.

• Ability to maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

• Ability to recognize, analyze and solve a variety of problems

• Ability to process and handle confidential information with discretion

• Thorough knowledge of theories and principles of human genetics, as well as broad knowledge of genetic disease

• Ability to tailor, translate and communicate complex information in a simple relevant way for a broad range of audiences

• In depth knowledge of healthcare delivery 

• Maintains certification by attending at least one conference or educational event per calendar year

• Shows effort to improve genetic counseling skills and knowledge.

•  Exemplifies interest in current research by submitting at least one abstract for acceptance at an annual conference, presenting a new research article to the department or publishing a manuscript.

• Presents at least one lecture per year or a total of 3 lectures during time as a genetic counselor to either professionals in the genetics community, students or the lay public.

• Attends at least one event, support group, or fundraiser for a community organization unrelated to conference attendance.

• Maintains active involvement in the education/supervision of genetic counseling, medical, and other students

• Ability to teach/supervise students at the University level. Should provide a minimum of two lectures to peers or students each year.

• Provides mentorship for Level I & II Genetic Counselors in the department.

• Must show effort to improve genetic counseling skills and knowledge.

• Perform leadership role and capable of representing Division on a regional and/or national level.

• Actively participate in and have a presence in community outreach/support groups. The genetic counselor should demonstrate ongoing involvement within the greater genetics community.

• Should initiate projects related to genetic counseling such as a new clinic, research study, or quality improvement.

 

The University of Miami offers competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, tuition remission and more.

UHealth-University of Miami Health System, South Florida's only university-based health system, provides leading-edge patient care powered by the ground breaking research and medical education at the Miller School of Medicine. As an academic medical center, we are proud to serve South Florida, Latin America and the Caribbean. Our physicians represent more than 100 specialties and sub-specialties, and have more than one million patient encounters each year. Our tradition of excellence has earned worldwide recognition for outstanding teaching, research and patient care. We're the challenge you've been looking for.

Patient safety is a top priority. As a result, during the Influenza ("the flu") season (September through April), the University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine requires all employees who provide ongoing services to patients, work in a location (all Hospitals and clinics) where patient care is provided, or work in patient care or clinical care areas, to have an annual influenza vaccination. Failure to meet this requirement will result in rescinding or termination of employment.

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Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

H13