PERINATAL COUNSELOR

Job Description Summary

Responsible for counseling patients and families concerning genetic and non-genetic problems. Serves as a resource to patients, families and health care providers regarding genetic counseling issues. Works closely with patients during highly stressful times and deals with sensitive information in an empathetic and supportive manner. Participates in developing new programs related to the MFM unit.

Job Description

1. Counsels patients/families referred for the following:

a. Abnormal serum screening results
b. Advanced maternal age
c. Difficult decision making
d. First trimester/integrated screening
e. Pregnancy loss
f. Suspected/known fetal anomalies
g. Significant family history
h. Ultrasound findings
i. Teratogens


2. Counsels patients/families regarding diagnostic procedures:

a. Amniocentesis
b. Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
c. Percutaneous blood sampling (PUBS)


3. Obtains family histories and evaluates need for further testing/screening

a. Counsels patient/families regarding significant family histories
b. Makes appropriate referrals for further testing/screening
c. Triages/reviews patient histories and ensures appropriate scheduling of appointments
d. Understands that needs of patients are priorities
e. Interprets genetic laboratory resuls and communicates to patient/provider
f. Gathers, interprets and delivers information to patient/families in a timely fashion
g. Maintains patient confidentiality


4. Serves as a resource to staff, patient, providers regarding genetic counseling issues.

a. Provides educational programs to health care providers
b. Acts as a resource to health care providers within the hospital and the community
c. Involved in training/supervising of genetic counseling students
d. Adapts teaching/counseling format as appropriate to the patient's cognitive
e. Provides appropriate follow-up support/referals
f. Supports patient/families with difficult decisions by demonstrating an understanding of the patient's reaction to "bad news" and responds with empathy and support
g. Assesses patient/families ability to cope with "bad news" and makes appropriate referrals


5. Maintains relationship with outside laboratories and is aware of quality assurance issues.

6. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

a. Keeps abreast of changes in field, new technologies
b. Maintains membership with NSGC
c. Maintains board eligibility/board certification (ABMG
d. Attends educational seminars and meetings
e. Functions as a role model for staff by facilitating problem resolution among peers and demonstrating a constructive approach in interactions with staff and management
f. Demonstrates willingness to identify and/or assume activities relative to the ongoing development of the unit
g. Self-caring to reduce compassion fatigue


7. COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS

a. Communicates with staff effectively, resolving conflicts as they arise
b. Brings conflicts to the attention of the Director when appropriate
c. Communicates with patients/families effectively and respectfully

Essential Functions (Cont.)

I. Technology and Learning
a. Participates in continued learning and possess a willingness and ability to learn and utilize new technology and procedures that continue to develop in their role and throughout the organization.

b. Embraces technological advances that allow us to communicate information effectively and efficiently based on role.

Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially in the areas of counseling and sensitivity to people in crisis. Maintains professional attitude in dealing with patients and staff. Ability to work in stressful situations within specific time frames while maintaining a professional and calm attitude.

Minimum Education - Preferred
MA/MS with specialty in Genetic Counseling preferred

Minimum Work Experience
One to three years of genetic counseling or directly related experience.