Position Title: GENETIC COUNSELOR
Reports To: Division Head
Department: Genetic and Metabolic Disorders
Type: Professional-Exempt
Supervisory Responsibilities: None
Position Purpose:
Involved in the evaluation and genetic counseling of children and adults with an immense variety of genetic conditions, and to families of diverse ethnic backgrounds. Work closely with Cytogenetics, Molecular genetics, and Biochemical genetics laboratories. Assist with teaching and training of genetic counseling students, genetics fellows, and medical students/residents affiliated with Wayne State University Center of Molecular Medicine and Genetics. We also take medical students from WSU, MSU, and CMU, plus residents of various sorts. Opportunities for continued learning are encouraged and available through participation in weekly grand rounds and national conferences.
Qualifications:
Master’s degree in genetic counseling or genetics, and board certification.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Board Certified/Board Eligible
Responsibilities and Duties:
1. Interview patients to get comprehensive individual family and medical histories.
2. Evaluate genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific genetic disorders.
3. Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts for patients or referring physicians.
4. Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits, and limitations with patients, families, and other healthcare providers.
5. Counsel patients and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance regarding genetic risks and inherited conditions.
6. Participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics and genomics.
Competencies:
Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality.
Oral Communication – Employee must have the ability to communicate expressively
and
receptively in order to follow IPOS requirements, emergency procedures, and report on
activities performed. Employee must also speak clearly and persuasively in positive or
negative
situations; Listens and gets clarification; Participates in meetings.
Written Communication - Edits work for spelling and grammar; Presents numerical
data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others;
Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative
tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.
Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently.
Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect
and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own
actions; Follows through on commitments.
Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and
promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to
ensure quality.
Quantity - Meets productivity standards; Completes work in timely manner; Strives to
increase productivity; Works quickly.
Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work
responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on
time.
Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes
responsibility for own actions; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person
with an alternate plan.
Working Conditions:
1. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds with or without assistance.
2. Able to complete duties under stress, deadlines, and while attending to multiple duties simultaneously.
3. Prolonged computer related exposure, as well as sitting and standing at workstations for long periods of time.
4. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
5. Bending, sitting, and standing frequently throughout the day.
6. Occasionally travel off-site for meetings, conferences, seminars, and training.
EXEMPT STATUS: This position is exempt from overtime pay provisions of the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Job Type: Full-time
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Disability insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Education:
License/Certification:
- Genetic Counselor Licensure (Preferred)
- American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
