Genetic Counselor

Job Summary

Provides genetic counseling and referral services for patients of all age groups (including obstetric-prenatal counseling, multiple miscarriage counseling, reproductive screening and advice, newborn consultation and cancer patients) who have or are at risk for genetic conditions or birth defects. Acts as a consultant to health care providers regarding highly specialized genetic information pertinent to management of their patients.

Essential Responsibilities

Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws. Provides genetic counseling services for all areas of medical genetics including pediatric, prenatal, adult, and cancer referrals. Reviews patient chart and evaluates family history through investigation of outside records, examination of affected individuals, or family testing of chromosome analysis, DNA studies, metabolic screening, etc. Assesses recurrence risk and recommends medical or genetic testing based on analysis of the risk, benefit and cost. Provides crisis intervention and psychosocial counseling to members upon discovery of unexpected findings (e.g., malformation, biochemical disorders) regarding genetic conditions. Reviews implications and discusses options with member and/or family members. Makes referrals for ongoing care and support. Provides case management for complex genetic cases including coordination medical recommendations and management plans, testing and ongoing counseling. Develops, implements and coordinates a wide variety of genetic programs (e.g., prenatal diagnosis, California Prenatal Screening Program, carrier screening and specialty clinics). Follows guidelines mandated by the State of California. Produces culturally sensitive and age appropriate patient and health professional educational materials, and participates in community education programs. Conducts literature search on rare genetic diseases and keeps abreast of developments in the field. Develops and presents in-service education to physicians and health professional education materials, and current medical genetic topics. Maintains statistics, survey trends, and adjusts protocols to ensure appropriate patient referral and care. Recommends and implements enhanced clinical practice standards. Participates in research projects. Participates in group quality assurance case conferences with the Medical Geneticist. Reviews complex family pedigrees, unusual cases, abnormal AFP results, viewing of photographs, DNA studies, etc. Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.

Basic Qualifications

• Experience N/A Education Masters degree in Genetic Counseling or complete degree prior to employment. License, Certification, Registration Genetic Counselor License (California) required at hire from American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics OR Temporary Genetic Counselor License (California) required at hire
• National
• Provider
• Identifier required at hire
• Additional
• Requirements: Knowledge of Federal, State and Local requirements. Demonstrated analytic and diagnostic reasoning skills. Ability to clearly explain complex medical information in both verbal and written form. Previous experience or knowledge of crisis intervention and interviewing techniques. Experience in development of educational programs in human and medical genetics. Must be able to work in a Labor/Management Partnership environment. For temporary Genetic Counselor license, must work under the general supervision of a licensed genetic counselor or licensed physician: expiration is after 24 months or 30 days after notification that applicant has failed the ABGC certification exam and it cannot be renewed (whichever comes first)

Preferred Qualifications

Knowledge of computer operations preferred.