Genetic Counselor

OVERVIEW
This role provides genetic counseling and helps coordinate patient care by collecting medical and family history, educating patients, and arranging follow-up care. It also supports community education, maintains accurate patient records and educational resources, and serves as a resource for genetics-related questions while following professional ethics and continuing education requirements.

SCHEDULE: 40-hours per week

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Facilitates comprehensive patient care. Includes: Provides description of genetic counseling process during initial patient contact, gathers relevant information including medical records/family history and obtains appropriate current medical literature. Ensures the distribution of a summary letter to the patient and referral source in a timely fashion.

• Assists/conducts counseling session: Coordinates further care and follow-up.

• Participates in community and professional education. Accommodates the majority of requests by community and professional groups for lectures. Organizes and presents educational conference as funding is available and need is demonstrated.

• Participates in obtaining and utilizing grant funding as it is available. Ensures maximal use of grant funds.

• Promotes public awareness of the regional genetics service. Functions as a regional community resource for genetic disease-related inquiries.

• Maintains patient data for yearly statistics. Maintains documentation of the number of referrals, the referral source and patient demographic information. Maintains statistics on indication for referral and diagnosis.

• Attends continuing education programs, attending appropriate educations seminars on a yearly basis, as funding permits.

• Maintains current educational materials. Maintains up-to-date patient educational materials in sufficient quantities and maintains current medical resources used by the department staff and other medical professions.

• Provide genetic counseling and medical care as needed for position newborn screen cases. Provides information to the State of IL NBS program, as needed.

• Act as an educational resource/mentor for individuals interested in medicine and the field of medical genetics.

• Provide genetic counseling services that follow the code of ethics guidelines established by the NSGC/ABGC.

CULTURE OF EXCELLENCE BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS

To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following behavior expectations:

Quality - Follows policies and procedures; adapts to and manages changes in the environment; Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness giving attention to details; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Manages time and prioritizes effectively to achieve organizational goals.

Service - Responds promptly to requests for service and assistance; Follows the Mercyhealth Critical Moments of service; Meets commitments; Abides by MH confidentiality and security agreement; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; and effectively communicates information to partners; Thinks system wide regarding processes and functions.

Partnering - Shows commitment to the Mission of Mercyhealth and Culture of Excellence through all words and actions; Exhibits objectivity and openness to other's views; Demonstrates a high level of participation and engagement in day-to-day work; Gives and welcomes feedback; Generates suggestions for improving work: Embraces teamwork, supports and encourages positive change while giving value to individuals.

Cost - Conserves organization resources; Understands fiscal responsibility; Works within approved budget; Develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Master's level Genetics Counselor degree

CERTIFICATION AND LICENSURE

• Board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) required.

• Licensure as required by states of Illinois and Wisconsin.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong organizational skills, effective verbal and written communication, quality customer service skills, read/comprehend written instructions, follow verbal instructions, basic PC skills.

• Manage stress appropriately, make decisions under pressure, manage anger/fear/hostility/violence of others appropriately, handle multiple priorities, and work independently.

SPECIAL PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The Special Physical Demands are considered Essential Job Functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus.

PAY RANGE:

Mercyhealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.

Mercyhealth offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package including:

• Medical, Dental, Vision

• Life & Disability Insurance

• FSA/HSA Options

• Generous, accruing paid time off

• Paid Parental and caregiver leave

• Career advancement and educational opportunities

• Tuition and certification reimbursement

• Certification Reimbursement

• Well-being Programs

• Employee Discounts

• On-Demand Pay

• Financial Education

• Annual recognition/awards events

• Partner appreciation days

• Family entertainment/attractions discount

• Community service/improvement opportunities

Click here for more details regarding Mercyhealth Careers Benefit Information.

At Mercyhealth, we don't simply hire people, we empower employee-partners who are passionate about making lives better. As an integrated health system, we deliver exceptional, coordinated across seven hospitals, 85 primary and specialty clinics, and a team of over 7,500 professionals serving northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin.

Mercyhealth has been nationally recognized for our commitment to our people and culture, including:

• #1 in the nation on AARP's Best Employers for Workers Over 50

• One of Working Mother magazine's 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers

• A Top 50 Company and Top 10 Nonprofit for Executive Women