Genetic Counselor

GENERAL SUMMARY

The Genetic Counselors at MGH, as members of a multi-disciplinary team, provide compassionate and personalized care for patients and their families around cardiac genetic issues. This includes review of medical records, obtaining family histories, providing education and risk assessment, explaining screening and diagnostic tools, reviewing genetic literature, coordinating additional testing and referrals, interpreting results, and communicating results to the patient and the referring clinician.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical Care Responsibilities

• Identify families at risk for genetic heart conditions.

• Obtain medical and family history of patients and review pertinent medical records.

• 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.

• Interpret complex genetic and laboratory data/test results. Communicate findings with patients and providers.

• Perform psychosocial assessments and provide psychosocial support; counsel patients regarding available testing options and explore the risks and benefits of testing.

• Assist patients with navigation of financial aspects associated with genetic testing

• Complete chart notes of the counseling session for the family, medical records, and the referring physician

• Provide backup support for other genetic counselors in the department.

• Provide appropriate written information to families about support groups and resources for their specific circumstance; facilitate referrals as needed; respond to patient's questions/concerns in a timely manner.

• Provide 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.

• Administrative tasks including obtaining prior authorizations, and other required paperwork for genetic test

• Supervise genetic counseling student

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

Qualifications

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:

Understand implications of test results.

Knowledge of genetic cardiac conditions and diagnostic tools.

Ability to access national and local databases.

Maintain educational competency.

Knowledge of universal precautions.

Effective interpersonal and communication skills, including genetic counseling methods and techniques.

Elicit & evaluate family medical history.

EEO Statement

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.