Genetic Counselor II - Clinical Genetics, San Luis Obispo

Under direction of the Division Chief and the senior genetic counselor, the genetic counselor will coordinate UCLA Peds/Adult Genetics clinic, inpatient service, and autism clinic. Duties include providing genetic counseling to patients and families in the above clinics. Other duties include supervision of genetic counseling interns and lecturing to professionals and the public on genetic counseling, genetic diseases, and genomic medicine.

A. CLINICAL GENETIC COUNSELOR

1. In conjunction with the supervising genetic counselor, coordinate genetics clinics, ascertain the appropriateness of the referral, and coordinate necessary genetic counseling services both outpatient and inpatient.
2. Obtain, review, and analyze all pertinent medical records prior to patients' appointments.
3. Provide pediatric and adult genetic counseling services for patients/families, outpatient and inpatient.
4. Obtain and evaluate a detailed pedigree using standardized nomenclatures as dictated by the American Society of Human Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
5. Counsel and advise patients regarding the significance of the genetic disorders and inheritance patterns.
6. Dictate letters to referring physicians and patients regarding genetic evaluation and recommendations.
7. Refer patients to appropriate social service agencies, parent support groups, and coordinate referrals.
8. Obtain informed consent for genetic testing including discussion of procedures, risks, and benefits.
9. Serve as a liaison between providers, allied health professionals, and patients/families.
10. Assist in the communication and clarification of genetic issues including genetic test results to clinicians and patients.
11. Educate non-geneticists, such as pediatric subspecialists regarding appropriate referrals to the UCLA Genetics and ordering genetic testing.
12. Present in professional meetings and provide in-service education.
13. Submit, co-author abstracts for presentations and/or articles for publication.
14. Teach and supervise genetic counseling students.
15. Assist in teaching and supervising medical students trainees.
16. Teach classes and workshops within the medical and general community.
17. Facilitate referrals to research studies such as the Undiagnosed Disease Network by writing referral letters, contacting the site coordinators, and discussing the option with patients.
18. Coordinate the autism clinic.
19. Manage referrals to the autism clinic and provide full genetic counseling services.
20. Assist the admission committee in interviewing applicants to the Masters Program in Genetic Counseling at UCLA.

PAY RANGE: $43.88 - 64.95

*Will hire at the Genetic Counselor 1 or 2 level based on experience and licensure of final candidate.

1. Masters of Science in Genetic Counseling conferred by a genetic counseling program accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
2. Certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
3. License of Genetic Counseling conferred by the State of California, Department of Public Health.
4. Professional and current knowledge of the rapidly changing principles and practices of genetics.
5. Knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling, including risk perception, support mechanisms, defense and coping mechanisms, relationships, and decision-making processes.
6. Ability to perform medical/research literature searches using worldwide databases, such as PUBMED, OMIM, and GENEREVIEW.
7. Ability to read, understand, and interpret research studies found in medical literature as related to clinical and research practices.
8. Ability to demonstrate independent knowledge-seeking behavior.
9. Ability to identify, evaluate, and administer appropriate educational materials in order for patients to understand complex genetic information.
10. Skills in interacting with individuals from a broad range of socioeconomic, educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
11. Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, research personnel, and investigators.
12. Ability to effectively communicate solutions and clarifications of concerns, problems, and quandaries to the respective parties involved.
13. Knowledge of patient resource information (i.e., counseling, physician referrals, support groups, community resources).
14. Effective organization skills.
15. Effective oral and written communication skills.
16. Recognize ethical dilemmas and seek appropriate assistance when necessary.
17. Skills in operating a PC word processor and programs.
18. Develop skills in telemedicine.