Genetic Counselor - Pediatrics

Summary

Works with health care team to provide information, support, counseling, advocacy, case management, and referrals to families. Serves as educator and resource for other health care professionals and for the general public. May participate in research and outreach activities as assigned.

Primary Responsibilities

• Elicits pertinent medical, genetic and family history information and interpret the significance for use in pattern recognition, risk assessment and genetic counseling.
• Coordinates appropriate laboratory tests and convey results and analysis to patients and physician, including results requiring action.
• Provides information regarding etiology, inheritance, incidence/carrier risks, and natural history/prognosis for genetic conditions and diseases.
• Facilitates patients’ understanding of genetic, medical, and psychosocial issues including risks, testing options and procedures, and test results/implications.
• Evaluates the psychosocial and functional needs of patients/families.
• Designs and implements appropriate care plans and monitor patient outcomes. Meets all documentation requirements for patient medical records. Incorporates medical and genetic literature into clinical practice.
• Manages patient appointments and prepares families for initial visit by providing information on services.
• Facilitates patient access to other medical services, agencies and community resources as appropriate.
• Provides grief and crisis counseling in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
• Formulates genetic testing and/or medical recommendations in collaboration with physician team.
• Facilitates referrals for other family members who seek information in regard to Genetic Testing.
• Evaluates patient/family outcomes and modify genetic testing/medical recommendations as needed.
• Facilitates educational experience of genetic counseling students, medical students, fellows, and residents rotating through the Genetics Center.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Knowledge – Skills – Abilities

• Knowledge of clinical features and natural history of broad range of genetic diseases.
• Familiarity with general indications, limitations and methodology of common tests used in the field.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to conduct all activities in a professional and ethical manner and demonstrate effective behaviors as outlined in the organization-wide core competencies, including cultural competency and ability to maintain strict confidentiality.
  
  

Qualifications

Appropriate experience may be substituted for education on an equivalent basis.

Minimum Required Education: Master’s Degree. Graduate program must be accredited by The Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling.

Minimum Required Experience

Preferred Experience: At least 1 year of progressively responsible experience in clinical genetics

Required Certification/Licensure(s): Certification as a Genetic Counselor granted by the American Board of Medical Genetics or American Board of Genetic Counseling or to be obtained within two years of hire. Additionally require a genetic counselor's license within the state of Wisconsin.

Physical Requirements

Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.

Work Environment

Occasional exposure to dust, noise, temperature changes, or contact with water or other liquids. Work is performed in an environmentally controlled environment.

Sensory Acuity

Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication required. May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Why MCW?

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental. Along with Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.
  
  

For a brief overview of our benefits see: Benefits Overview

For a full list of positions see: MCW Careers

At MCW all of our endeavors, from our internal operations to our interactions with our partners, are driven by our shared organizational values: Caring – Collaborative – Curiosity – Inclusive – Integrity – Respect. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values diversity in backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives through merit-based processes and in alignment with all applicable laws. We believe that embracing human differences is critical to realize our vision of a healthier world, and we recognize that a healthy and thriving community starts from within. Our values define who we are, what we stand for and how we conduct ourselves at MCW. If you believe in embracing individuality and working together according to these principles to improve health for all, then MCW is the place for you. For more information, please visit our institutional website.

MCW as an Equal Opportunity Employer and Commitment to Non-Discrimination:

The Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students, as well as ensuring equal educational opportunity, employment, and access to services, programs, and activities, without regard to an individual's race, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, predisposing genetic characteristic, or military status. Employees, students, applicants or other members of the MCW community (including but not limited to vendors, visitors, and guests) may not be subjected to harassment that is prohibited by law or treated adversely or retaliated against based upon a protected characteristic.