Pediatric Genetic Counselor

The UVA Department of Pediatrics, Division of Genetics is growing! We have a new medical geneticist joining our team this summer and we are excited to continue to improve access to medical genetics at UVA and the surrounding areas. Additionally, we are now recruiting two new genetic counselors to be involved in this exciting time of growth for the Division. These are clinical positions where the genetic counselors will see patients both independently as well as in support of our medical geneticists and other physicians in the Health System. Under indirect supervision, the GCs provide genetic education, counseling, and psychological support to patients and their family members who may be at risk for a variety of genetic conditions. Identifies families at risk, assesses risks, interprets information about the disease, analyzes inheritance patterns, reviews testing options, facilitates DNA/genetic testing, interprets genetic test results, and reviews available medical management options for discussion with treating physician.

Additionally, the genetic counselor will travel to our monthly satellite outreach clinics within Virginia to increase patient accessibility to genetic counseling. They will also assist medical geneticists with inpatient consults. The genetic counselor may have the opportunity to specialize in an area of their choosing by being involved in a multidisciplinary clinic. Our team is also involved in the education and training of a variety of medical students, residents, fellows, and genetic counseling students. This genetic counselor will provide education for these trainees through time spent in clinic, developing education modules, and participating in case conferences.

Job Description

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide consultation and genetic counseling for a wide range of indications for prenatal, pediatric, and adult patients, both in the inpatient and outpatient setting.
  
• Review pertinent medical records in preparation for clinic visits.
  
• Elicit and evaluate family pedigrees, gather additional medical history, and provide a risk assessment.
  
• Discuss genetic diagnoses, etiology, inheritance patterns, and risk of occurrence and recurrence in language that is culturally sensitive and appropriate to the patient’s level of understanding.
  
• Order appropriate genetic testing based on evaluation of medical and family history information.
  
• Integrate genetic results with personal and family medical histories in order to assess and communicate risk factors for genetic conditions and diseases.
  
• Educate patients and their families about genetic conditions so that they may make informed decisions regarding testing and management options.
  
• Provide information about available reproductive and prenatal screening and diagnostic testing options when applicable.
  
• Provide written documentation of genetic counseling appointment and/or genetic testing results for patients, their referring health care provider, and other relevant health care professionals involved in the patient’s care.
  
• Evaluate the patient's and family's responses to the medical condition or risk of disease recurrence and provide client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance.
  
• When indicated, identify and utilize community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy.
  
• Stay current with new developments in the field of genetics and participate in continuing education.
  
• Participate in professional activities outside of clinical care, which may include, but are not limited to, teaching and supervising students, research, patient advocacy, national or institutional committees or meetings, educational lectures, and community outreach.
  
• Work independently or as part of a team with physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners, dieticians, and other health care professionals.
  
• Perform genetic counseling appointments in person or via telehealth. Genetic counselors may provide services in Charlottesville or at several satellite locations, when appropriate.
  

ORGANIZATIONAL DUTIES:

1. Communicates appropriately using good interpersonal skills.

a. Positive, professional demeanor is projected through verbal and non-verbal communications.

b. Information for patients and staff is delivered in a manner that is supportive, timely and understandable.

c. Interpersonal conflicts are resolved using appropriate methods and organizational resources, including but not limited to Employee Relations Services and Faculty Employee Assistance Program.

d. Diverse perspectives are acknowledged; language and behaviors are modeled that build inclusiveness in the work environment.

e. Ideas and suggestions are clearly communicated.

f. Clarification of communication is requested when appropriate.

2. Serves, manages and supports internal and external customers.

a. Privacy is maintained at all times for patient and employee information.

b. Actions are initiated to meet or exceed customer/co-workers expectations in delivering service by implementing the I Make the Difference philosophy (Ownership begins with me; Greet customers by making eye contact and smiling; Provide positive, professional and prompt responses, e.g. helping visitors find their way; Close every interaction with - Is there anything else I can do for you?).

c. Appropriate resources throughout the Organization are used consistently to meet customer needs.

d. Relationships with staff in other work areas are fostered to meet internal and external customer needs.

e. Positive working relationships with peers, management and customers are maintained at all times.

f. Organizational Mission and Values of Accountability, Stewardship, Professionalism, Integrity, Respect and Excellence are evident in behaviors.

3. Participates in performance improvement activities.

a. Participation in Performance Improvement activities and initiatives is on-going.

b. Initiative is demonstrated to proactively diagnose and resolve problems.

c. Change is met with positive, supportive behavior.

4. Participates as a team member and is accountable for own work responsibilities.

a. Time off is scheduled to avoid disrupting workflow.

b. Help is offered to others to solve problems and complete tasks to facilitate communication and positive team dynamics.

c. Productive work habits are consistently displayed.

d. Accountability for actions and decisions is demonstrated in daily work.

e. Feedback is solicited and accepted in a positive manner.

f. Constructive input is offered to support the work unit.

Position Compensation Range: $69,201.60 - $110,718.40 Annual

APPLICATION MATERIAL:

Please submit a cover letter, CV, and contact information for three references as part of your application. We require all three items to be submitted in order to be considered for this position.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master's degree in Genetic Counseling from an American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), or their predecessor, the American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG), accredited training program.

Experience: None

Licensure: Active Full or Temporary license in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Board

Certification or Active Candidate Status by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) is required for licensure in the State of Virginia.

GENERAL INFORMATION:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required of personnel so classified.

COVID Vaccination Requirement and Guidelines

Please visitthe UVA COVID-19 Job Requirements and Guidelines webpageprior to applying for current information regarding vaccination requirementsandguidelines for employment at UVA.

The University of Virginia, i ncluding the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physician’s Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.