Genetic Counselor

Job Summary:

Provides genetic counseling and referral services for patients of all age groups (including obstetric-prenatal counseling, multiple miscarriage counseling, reproductive screening and advice, newborn consultation and cancer patients) who have or are at risk for genetic conditions or birth defects. Acts as a consultant to health care providers regarding highly specialized genetic information pertinent to management of their patients.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Upholds Kaiser Permanentes Policies and Procedures, Principles of Responsibilities and applicable state, federal and local laws.
• Provides genetic counseling services for all areas of medical genetics including pediatric, prenatal, adult, and cancer referrals.
• Reviews patient chart and evaluates family history through investigation of outside records, examination of affected individuals, or family testing of chromosome analysis, DNA studies, metabolic screening, etc.
• Assesses recurrence risk and recommends medical or genetic testing based on analysis of the risk, benefit and cost.
• Provides crisis intervention and psychosocial counseling to members upon discovery of unexpected findings (e.g., malformation, biochemical disorders) regarding genetic conditions.
• Reviews implications and discusses options with member and/or family members. Makes referrals for ongoing care and support.
• Provides case management for complex genetic cases including coordination medical recommendations and management plans, testing and ongoing counseling.
• Develops, implements and coordinates a wide variety of genetic programs (e.g., prenatal diagnosis, California Prenatal Screening Program, carrier screening and specialty clinics). Follows guidelines mandated by the State of California.
• Produces culturally sensitive and age appropriate patient and health professional educational materials, and participates in community education programs.
• Conducts literature search on rare genetic diseases and keeps abreast of developments in the field.
• Develops and presents in-service education to physicians and health professional education materials, and current medical genetic topics.
• Maintains statistics, survey trends, and adjusts protocols to ensure appropriate patient referral and care.
• Recommends and implements enhanced clinical practice standards.
• Participates in research projects.
• Participates in group quality assurance case conferences with the Medical Geneticist.
• Reviews complex family pedigrees, unusual cases, abnormal AFP results, viewing of photographs, DNA studies, etc.
• Assume other activities and responsibilities from time to time as directed.