​Genetic Counselor

Department BSD PED - Pediatric Genetics and Genomics About the Department The Department of Pediatrics at the University of Chicago is a dynamic and stimulating place to work. We strive for the highest level of complex care for children from diagnosis and treatment; provide outstanding education and training for students, postgraduate scholars, and physicians; and nurture the research of Department scholars who seek to elucidate the causes of pediatric disease and identify promising new therapies. In addition to our provision of clinical care at UChicago Medicine (UCM) Comer Children’s Hospital and at our regional sites, we are currently expanding our clinical care across Northern Illinois and Northwestern Indiana. In collaboration with our partners in the Chicagoland Children’s Health Alliance (CCHA; Advocate Children’s Hospital, and NorthShore University Health System). CCHA has responsibility for the care of almost 1 million children. The Department has expanded its presence to numerous satellite sites of care across the region with the goal of providing care ‘close to home’ whenever feasible ( Our mission is to improve the health of every child entrusted to us, in an inclusive environment that is committed to family-centered care, clinical excellence, impactful scholarship, effective disease prevention, and advocacy for the appropriate care of every child. We are especially committed to the children on the South Side of Chicago and to altering the inequities in healthcare. Job Summary The job uses best practices and knowledge to provide genetics counseling services to patients, including interpretation of family and medical histories, screening, and education. The Genetic Counselor works as a member of the Section for Pediatric Genetics and Genomics, providing genetic counseling to patients and families, and will join a team of two genetic counselors and one medical geneticist. Patient responsibilities will primarily occur within the general pediatric genetics clinics; however, opportunities to be involved with inpatient care and outpatient specialty clinics will occur as the section continues to grow. The Genetic Counselor performs comprehensive personal and family assessments, including: taking medical, developmental and family histories, explaining genetic testing procedures and results, providing emotional support to families, arranging genetic testing as appropriate, interpreting testing results, and providing families with information about a genetic diagnosis. Serves as a patient advocate and educator and engages in research activities related to the field of medical genetics when opportunities arise.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with multidisciplinary healthcare team to optimize patient care. Under a moderate level of guidance, works as a member of a health care team, providing genetics counseling, screening services, community outreach programs, consultative services, and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Takes family histories, summarizes cases, explains genetic testing procedures and results, and provides general genetics counseling. Identifies families at risk, investigates the problem present in the family, interprets information about the disorder, analyzes inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and reviews available options with the family. Reviews implications with the patient and provides crisis intervention regarding unexpected genetic conditions. Serves as a patient advocate and refers individuals and families to community or state support services. Serves as an educator and resource for other health care professionals and for the general public. Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field. Work Experience: Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline. Certifications: --- Preferred Qualifications Education: Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling or Human Genetics from an Accreditation Counsel for Genetic Counseling accredited program. Experience: Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of clinical genetics. Experience with a variety of pediatric genetic conditions and genomic technologies. Licenses and Certifications: American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABCG) board certification or board eligibility. State of Illinois Genetic Counseling License. Preferred Competencies Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative. Ability to work skillfully with a diverse population. Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of people under stressful circumstances with diplomacy and tact, and deliver complex information with sensitivity and clarity. Working Conditions Direct patient contact and clinical care setting. Exposure to human b Apply tot his job Apply To this Job