Senior Genetics Counselor - Danbury, CT

Senior Genetics Counselor - Danbury, CT

The Senior Genetic Counselor oversees genetic counseling services at multiple sites in the Network primarily focused in one area, either Cancer or Prenatal. The Senior Genetics Counselor develops consistent policies and procedures throughout the Network and monitors compliance with them. Oversees that genetic counseling services are provided to individuals and families according to established practices, policies and procedures within the context of the Network Maternal Fetal Medicine program and/ or Network Cancer program. Genetic Counselor may help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.

Responsibilities:

• Assesses individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provides information to other healthcare providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advises individuals and families to support informed decision making and coping methods for those at risk.
• Provides genetic counseling and testing to patients at risk for hereditary cancer. Assists them in making informed medical decisions based on their own personal risk assessment.
• Develops and implements programs as identified by specialties.
• Provides a comprehensive plan to help assist patients and their families with all aspects of the risk assessment and testing process, surveillance, surgical decision-making and follow-up care.
• Completes comprehensive family history documentation, risk assessment for cancer, education of basic genetic concepts, and completes a family genetic pedigree and detailed medical history.
• Counsels, obtains medical histories, and provides genetic counseling for women undergoing chorionic villus sampling, amniocentesis, detailed ultrasound examination and fetal blood sampling.
• Participates in research related to genetics.
• Counsels women with regard to first trimester risk assessment and biochemical serum screening results.
• Coordinates and interprets genetic testing and develops a management plan based on the test results.
• Establishes and maintains a genetic database, and actively participates in ongoing research projects.
• Conducts community and professional education programs.
• Direct supervision of genetic counseling students and trainees and serves as a role model for assertive, open and receptive communication style for students. Fosters the development of advanced genetic counseling skills.
• Understands legal implications of clinical procedures. Discusses informed consent including issues of privacy, confidentiality and discrimination. Functions as a patient advocate and displays sensitivity to patients and situations.
• Identifies opportunities for growth and works on marketing plans to expand clinical genetic counseling accessibility and uptake at service locations. Program development and administration of genetic counseling services through promotion and monitoring of referral sources and patient volume to enhance service utilization.
• Actively engages in implementation of new genetic counseling procedures and clinic protocols to ensure high quality and cost-effective clinical genetics services and patient satisfaction.
• Directs and facilitates the development of educational programming updates for staff and professionals. Educates individuals within the medical and general community through lectures, conferences, and one-on-one interactions.
• Fulfills all compliance responsibilities related to the position.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• This position requires a minimum formal education of Master Degree and minimum of one year job-related experience.
• Desired: CT Genetics Counselor License. Board certified or board eligible as genetics counselor from the American Board of Genetics Counseling. Genetic counseling with oncology patients, and high risk cancer and maternal fetal medicine patients. Statistical and analytical skills, management database, and proficient with MS Word and Excel. Demonstrates leadership to other staff in clinical, research, and/or administrative setting and assists coordinator of clinical genetics with caseload management and special program development.

Company: Danbury Hospital

Department: Perinatology

Exempt: Yes

Salary Range: $32.64 - $65.01 Hourly commensurate with experience