Genetic Counselor
Wellstar Health Systems

Facility: Kennestone Hospital

Job Summary:

The Genetic Counselor is responsible for providing genetic risk assessment and genetic counseling to a wide variety of patients in a community hospital setting for WellStar Health System. This includes patients served by the oncology, women's health, and cardiac service line. This is a clinical position requiring clinical experience, self-direction, attention to detail and follow-up, and ability to communicate effectively with staff, patients, families and the public .The Genetic Counselor is academically and clinically prepared to provide genetic risk assessment and genetic services to individuals, families, healthcare professionals and the community. These services include but are not limited to education and counseling about the occurrence, risk of occurrence, genetic testing and interpreting results for genetically influenced disease. Reports to Director of Genetic Counseling.

Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions:
Counselor

Receive incoming referrals and initiate screening phone call Conduct in-depth, personal assessment of cancer risk based on personal, medical, occupational, environmental and family risk factors Construct a detailed pedigree expanded to the degree of reliable information (minimum 3 generations). Secures medical records to confirm information Evaluate eligibility for genetic testing. Evaluates and monitors the impact of cancer risk assessment, genetic conditions, therapeutics, or testing on the client and extended family and intervenes as needed. Provide psychological support to the client and extended family and facilitates successful adaptive responses. Facilitate genetic testing when indicated and provides ongoing follow-up to client and family. Communicate results of appointments and testing to client and others.

Educator

Assess for actual and anticipated learning and psychosocial needs of client and family regarding
cancer risk and genetic services.
Based on identified needs, delivers genetic counseling services, answers complex genetic questions
and addresses client and family concerns.
Assesses learning needs of other professionals associated with clients and patients who may be
interested in or require genetic counseling / testing. Participates in planning and providing cancer
genetic information and resources to healthcare professionals.

Professional Role
Manner and dress reflect image of professional health care provider in World Class Clinic setting
Core Responsibilities and Essential Functions
Demonstrate outstanding written, verbal, non-verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
Possess and demonstrate sensitivity to individual spiritual, cultural, language and ethnic differences.
Possess current knowledge about disease, therapy, diagnostics, technology etc. by seeking and
participating in formal and informal education opportunities related to cancer and genetics.
Serve as expert resource to co-workers and healthcare providers interested in cancer genetic issues
and cases.
Continuing improvement in knowledge base through educational opportunities

Researcher
In conjunction with Cancer Research Staff, participates in cancer genetic research trials.
Applies research findings to education, counseling, policies and procedures.

Coordinator / Administrator
Participates in Performance Improvement projects related to cancer
Work with other team members as necessary for billing, records, schedules, compliance, clinic
statistics etc.
Coordinate / participate in meetings, tumor boards, committees as needed

Required Minimum Education:
Masters Genetics required

Required Minimum License(s) and Certification(s):
All certifications are required upon hire unless otherwise stated.

Cert Genetic Counselor required Upon Hire Required and

Board Certified or board eligible by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counselors or Advanced Practice in Nursing Genetics (APGNc)

Additional License(s) and Certification(s):

Required Minimum Experience:
experience as a genetic counselor in a large health system or Oncology Practice preferred

Required Minimum Skills:

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