GENETIC COUNSELOR
GENETIC COUNSELOR - Obstetrics 12 week per diem position
Job Description GENERAL SUMMARY/ OVERVIEW STATEMENT: This is a 12 week per diem position covering a maternity leave. The Perinatal Diagnostic Unit provides all aspects of counseling and testing to pregnant women whose fetus is identified to have or be at increased risk of any kind of congenital abnormality. The role of the genetic counselor is central to this task, by providing the bulk of the counseling and by coordinating care between obstetricians, perinatologists, sonologists, geneticists, radiologists, pediatricians, and others involved in the care of these complicated cases. PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Provides direct counseling for routine situations such as: ?Advanced maternal age, previous infant/pregnancy with Downs Syndrome or spina bifida or other common birth defects ?Reviews available screening and diagnostic testing options, including first second trimester screening, ultrasound, CVS and amniocentesis ?Reviews race/ethnic group genetic risks ?Recurrent miscarriages and other genetic aspects ?Common environmental exposures ?Ultrasound abnormalities ?Family history evaluation Provides follow-up discussions when needed in person or by telephone with all families seen for diagnostic evaluations and/or counseling by geneticists and/or genetic counselor. Teams up with geneticist/teratologist to provide counseling in person for potentially harmful exposures in pregnancy. Participates in teaching conferences with staff in maternal-fetal medicine, ultrasonography and obstetrics in general. Provides immediate support and comfort to women found in prenatal testing to have a fetal abnormality as needed. In consultation with OB clinical staff, designs screening programs. Discusses all types of screening with obstetricians, midwives and/or nursing staff. Adheres to the MGH patient privacy confidentiality policy regarding verbal, written, and electronic patient information. QUALIFICATIONS: Master?s Degree in Genetic Counseling, Board Certification or Board Eligibility, Current or Provisional MA License. Experience preferred but not required. Recent grads are encouraged to apply. SKILLS/ ABILITIES/ COMPETENCIES REQUIRED: Understand implications of test results. Knowledge of genetic risk groups and factors. Ability to access national and local databases. Maintain educational competency. Knowledge of universal precautions. Effective interpersonal and communication skills. Elicit evaluate family medical history. WORKING CONDITIONS: Outpatient office setting with time spent seeing patients at all 3 locations (Boston ? main campus, Waltham and Danvers). Other Information Start date negotiable.