Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

This position is responsible for providing information and support to families who have members with birth defects, genetic disorders or who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Identifies, investigates, interprets and communicates potential risk factors and provides support and counseling to families and patients by referring them to relevant support services.

Qualifications

Required

• Current license as a Genetic Counselor in the State of Utah.

• Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from an accredited program or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience).

Preferred

• Licensure to practice in a clinical field.

This position is patient-sensitive and must fulfill all associated vaccination requirements, or be approved for an exemption, prior to the first day of work. We protect our patients, coworkers and community by requiring all patient-sensitive employees to be immunized according to CDC standards and hospital policy. Limited exemptions may be made for documented medical contraindications or religious beliefs that object to vaccinations.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Disclaimer

This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Essential Functions

• Performs genetic risk assessments by collecting and evaluating medical and family histories.
• Analyzes and interprets information obtained from patient, medical records and resource materials.
• Evaluates complex medical and genetic literature and incorporates it into clinical practice.
• Explains testing options, procedures, test results and their implications; performs psychosocial assessment during genetic consultation and provides grief and crisis counseling as needed.
• Works with health care team in development and implementation of the care plan.
• Advises patients and families regarding financial and community resources.
• Evaluates outcomes and modifies testing or medical recommendations.
• Facilitates involvement of treatment team members, timely reports and scheduling of team conferences.
• Contacts payers, and submits reports regarding initial assessment, expected outcome, cost and recommended discharge plan.
• Ensures the payer is represented in staffing conferences when requested.
• May engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.

Problem Solving

• Demonstrated potential ability to perform the essential functions as outlined above.
• Ability to provide care to the population served.
• Demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to promote the facilitation of open and accurate communication among patients, their families, referral providers, payers and the health care team.

Comments

The staff member must be able to demonstrate the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  The individual must demonstrate knowledge of the principles of life span growth and development and the ability to assess data regarding the patient's status and provide care as described in the department's policies and procedures manual.