Job Description

Job Description - Genetic Counselor - OBGYN (3300128)

The Prenatal Genetic Counselors at MGH, as members of a multi-disciplinary team, provide compassionate and personalized care for patients and their families around prenatal genetic issues (including advanced maternal age, prior infant/pregnancy with a genetic syndrome or birth defect, carrier screening, screening for chromosomal abnormalities, ultrasound findings, diagnostic testing, family history of birth defect or genetic condition, and consanguinity). This includes review of medical records, obtaining family and pregnancy histories, providing education and risk assessment, explanation of screening and diagnostic tools, review of genetic literature, coordination of additional testing and referrals, interpretation of results, and communication of results to the patient and the referring clinician. The genetic counselors serve as a resource to the multidisciplinary team and participate in perinatal conferences, program committees, and educational activities for physicians and staff.

This is a full-time position, with the potential for one day a week of travel to satellite clinics in Waltham and/or Danvers.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Clinical Care Responsibilities

1. Identifies families at risk for genetic disorders, children with birth defects, or a variety of other inherited conditions.
2. Obtain medical and family history of patients and review pertinent medical records.
3. Perform risk assessment and discuss the pattern of inheritance pertinent to the specific disorder(s) that have been diagnosed in the family, and review recurrence risks for at-risk family members.
4. Interprets complex genetic and laboratory data/test results. Communicates findings with patients and providers.
5. Perform a psychosocial assessment and provide psychosocial support; counsel patients regarding available testing options and explore the risks and benefits of testing.
6. Provide immediate support and comfort to women found in ultrasound to have a fetal abnormality as needed.
7. Assist patients with navigation of financial aspects associated with genetic testing.
8. Complete chart notes of the counseling session for the family, medical records, and the referring physician.
9. Provide backup support for other genetic counselors in the department.
10. Provide appropriate written information to families about support groups and resources for their specific disorder or circumstance; facilitate referrals as needed; respond to patient's questions/concerns in a timely manner.
11. Provides follow-up discussions when needed in person or by telephone with families seen for diagnostic evaluations and/or counseling by maternal-fetal medicine specialists or genetic counselor.
12. Administrative tasks including obtaining prior authorizations, and other required paperwork for genetic tests.
13. Supervise genetic counseling students.

Adheres to the MGH patient privacy & confidentiality policy regarding verbal, written, and electronic patient information.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, Board Certification or Board Eligibility, Current or Provisional MA License and a minimum of 2 years of postgraduate relevant work experience.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:

1. Understand implications of test results.
2. Knowledge of genetic diseases, birth defects, risks, aneuploidy screening and diagnostic tools.
3. Ability to access national and local databases.
4. Maintain educational competency.
5. Knowledge of universal precautions.
6. Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including genetic counseling methods and techniques.
7. Elicit & evaluate family medical history.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Outpatient office setting with potential for time spent seeing patients at all 3 locations (Boston – main campus, Waltham and Danvers).

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

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