Genetic Counselor

Job Details

General

This position is located off campus at Dell Children’s Medical Center (4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Tx). It is expected that work is conducted on-site. This position is considered essential in its support of clinical operations for the program.

Purpose

The Genetic Counselor provides expert guidance and support to individuals and families regarding genetic conditions and inherited disorders. This role involves assessing family history, conducting genetic testing, and interpreting results to determine risk factors for various genetic conditions. The Genetic Counselor educates patients on their options, helps them understand the implications of genetic information, and provides emotional support throughout the process. Reporting to the Chief of the Pediatric Neurogenetics Center, the Genetic Counselor collaborates closely with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals.

Responsibilities

Patient Assessment and Counseling

Conduct detailed interviews to gather family and medical history.

Assess risk factors for genetic conditions based on collected data.

Provide counseling to patients and families regarding genetic risks and testing options.

Interpret genetic test results and explain their implications.

Develop personalized care plans based on genetic information.

Genetic Testing Coordination

Coordinate and facilitate genetic testing procedures.

Ensure informed consent is obtained from patients.

Communicate with laboratories to manage test logistics.

Monitor and follow up on test results.

Document all testing procedures and outcomes.

Education and Training

Educate patients and families about genetic conditions and testing.

Develop educational materials and resources.

Provide training to healthcare staff on genetic counseling practices.

Conduct workshops and seminars on genetic topics.

Evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs.

Collaboration and Communication

Work closely with physicians to integrate genetic information into patient care plans.

Communicate effectively with clinical staff regarding patient status and needs.

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings.

Coordinate with other departments to ensure comprehensive patient care.

Provide updates on patient progress and outcomes.

Research and Development

Participate in clinical research studies related to genetics.

Contribute to the development of new genetic counseling techniques and protocols.

Stay informed about advancements in genetic testing and counseling.

Collaborate with research teams to enhance genetic services.

Present research findings at conferences and seminars.

Marginal or Periodic Functions

Administrative Duties

Prepare reports and presentations for management.

Participate in departmental meetings and committees.

Inventory Management

Manage supplies and equipment related to genetic testing.

Ensure availability of necessary materials.

Conduct regular inventory checks.

Community Outreach

Participate in community events to raise awareness about genetic counseling.

Provide informational sessions to the public.

Collaborate with community organizations to promote genetic services.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Technical Learning

Skilled Definition : Quickly learns and applies new technical skills.

Effective Behaviors :

Adapts to new technologies and procedures.

Seeks out training opportunities.

Demonstrates proficiency in using medical equipment.

Patient Care

Skilled Definition : Provides high-quality care and support to patients.

Effective Behaviors :

Empathizes with patients' needs and concerns.

Ensures patient comfort and safety.

Delivers consistent and reliable care.

Collaboration

Skilled Definition : Works effectively with others to achieve common goals.

Effective Behaviors :

Communicates clearly and respectfully.

Shares information and resources.

Builds strong working relationships.

Problem Solving

Skilled Definition : Identifies and resolves issues efficiently.

Effective Behaviors :

Analyzes situations and develops solutions.

Thinks critically and logically.

Implements effective interventions.

Attention to Detail

Skilled Definition : Pays close attention to all aspects of the job.

Effective Behaviors :

Ensures accuracy in documentation.

Follows protocols meticulously.

Identifies and corrects errors promptly.

Required Qualifications

Required : Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) certification

Education : Master's degree in Genetic Counseling.

Experience : 2 years of clinical experience in genetic counseling.

Relevant education or experience may be substituted as appropriate.

Preferred Qualifications

Licensed Genetic Counselor (LGC) in the state of Texas.

Experience : 2 years of experience in genetic counseling, with a focus in Neurology and / or Pediatrics.

Salary Range

$80,000 + depending on qualifications

Working Conditions

Standard office equipment

Repetitive use of a keyboard

May be exposed to such occupational hazards as communicable diseases, blood borne pathogens, ionizing and non-ionizing radiation, hazardous medications and disoriented or combative patients, or others.

This position is located off campus at Dell Children’s Medical Center (4900 Mueller Blvd, Austin, Tx). It is expected that work is conducted on-site. This position is considered essential in its support of clinical operations for the program.

Required Materials

Resume / CV

3 work references with their contact information; at least one reference should be from a supervisor

Letter of interest

Important   for applicants who are NOT current university employees or contingent workers :  You will be prompted to submit your resume the first time you apply, then you will be provided an option to upload a new Resume for subsequent applications. Any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) will be uploaded in the Application Questions section; you will be able to multi-select additional files. Before submitting your online job application, ensure that ALL Required Materials have been uploaded. Once your job application has been submitted, you cannot make changes.

Important for Current university employees and contingent workers :  As a current university employee or contingent worker, you MUST apply within Workday by searching for Find UT Jobs. If you are a current University employee, log-in to Workday, navigate to your Worker Profile, click the Career link in the left hand navigation menu and then update the sections in your Professional Profile before you apply. This information will be pulled in to your application. The application is one page and you will be prompted to upload your resume. In addition, you must respond to the application questions presented to upload any additional Required Materials (letter of interest, references, etc.) that were noted above.

Employment Eligibility :

Regular staff who have been employed in their current position for the last six continuous months are eligible for openings being recruited for through University-Wide or Open Recruiting, to include both promotional opportunities and lateral transfers. Staff who are promotion / transfer eligible may apply for positions without supervisor approval.

Retirement Plan Eligibility :

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

Background Checks :

A criminal history background check will be required for finalist(s) under consideration for this position.