Job Description

University of Utah Job Description

Job Summary

Provides 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; provides support and counseling to families and patients by referring them to relevant support services and/or providers.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from an accredited program, licensed or eligible for genetic counseling licensure in the state of Utah from the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetics Counseling, and 2 years of experience in a related field; ability to work independently, demonstrated human relations and effective communication skills are also required. Licensure to practice in a clinical field may be preferred.

Care is appropriate to the population served

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

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

Problem Solving

This position promotes the facilitation of open and accurate communication among patients, their families, referral providers, payors and the health care team. Difficulties are encountered when patients or family members do not understand or refuse to follow the health care team’s recommendations. Receiving timely requests from members of the health care team is crucial to the incumbents’ ability to make the necessary arrangements on behalf of the patient.

Comments

Work Environment and Level of Frequency that may be required:

Nearly Continuously: Office environment.

Seldom: Infectious disease, oils (there is air or skin exposure to oils or other cutting fluids).

Physical Requirements and Level of Frequency that may be required

Nearly Continuously: Hearing, listening, talking.

Often: Repetitive hand motion (such as typing), walking, standing, sitting. 

Seldom: Bending, reaching overhead.

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.