(Archived) Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselor

Akahi Associates, LLC is seeking a highly qualified Genetic Counselor to work at our client site the National Human Genome Research Institute in Bethesda, MD. This is a full-time position with benefits. 40 hours per week, Monday – Friday.

TASKS/SERVICES. The contractor shall be guided by existing policies, procedures, directions, orders, and other guidance:

• Provide genetic counseling to NIH Undiagnosed Diseases Program (UDP) subjects including risk assessment, psychosocial support, referral to local support resources for continuity of care and other tasks necessary to provide comprehensive psychosocial support to affected families.
• Recognize and address the social and psychological needs of the patient and family; work with healthcare team staff to address those needs.
• Provide effective communication of genetic and genomic information to patients, families, referring physicians and counselors.
• Maintain contact with appropriate voluntary health groups and service organizations.
• Work with pediatric and adult UDP populations to perform studies on the heritability and psychological consequences of genetic diseases.
• Evaluate the psychosocial impact of delivery of genomic information to families; provide effective communication of this information to patients, families, referring physicians and counselors.
• Work with colleagues in the UDN to coordinate and perform studies designed by the network to evaluate the genetic counseling experience of UDN patients and their families, their understanding of genetic and genomic information and its implications for future healthcare and reproductive decision-making.
• Serve as a member of the UDP research team; author manuscripts for publication; provide assistance in the formation and direction of clinical research projects; report data at meetings and in peer-reviewed scientific publications.
• Serve as a member of the NIH Genetics Consultation Service; obtain family history and other psychosocial information; arrange for evaluation of Clinical Center patients by the genetics fellow and/or genetics consult attending physician; coordinate the delivery of genetic information and recommendations to the patient and his/her family.
• Work with bioinformatics team to improve research analysis of genomic data and prioritization of results

• Work products and documents related to providing genetic counseling to UDP subjects; recognizing and addressing the social and psychological needs of the patient and family; providing communication of genetic and genomic information to patients, families, referring physicians and counselors; maintain contact with health groups and service organizations.
• Work products and documents related to performing studies on the heritability and psychological consequences of genetic diseases; evaluating the psychological impact of delivery of genomic information to families; evaluating informed consent.
• Work products and documents related to coordinating and performing studies designed to evaluate the genetic counseling experience in the UDN patients and families; authoring manuscripts; assisting in the formation and direction of clinical research projects; reporting data at meetings and in scientific publications.
• Work products and documents related to obtaining family history and other psychological information; arranging for evaluation of patients by genetics fellow and consult attending physician; coordinating the delivery of genetic information and recommendations to patients and families.
• Work products and documents related to maintaining the database of genetic consultations including diagnosis and testing recommendations to ensure continuity of genetics services provided to patients.

• Master’s degree in Genetics Counseling. Board certified or board eligible for certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling. Three (3) years of specialized experience plus a BA/BS degree is equivalent to a Master’s degree.
• Two (2) years of experience in Genetics Counseling or a related field. Demonstrates knowledge of Genetic Counseling theories, principles, concepts and methods. Possesses the ability to recognize and address the social and psychological needs of the patient and family.
• Strong communications skills, both oral and written.
• Excellent analytical, organizational and time management skills.

For further information, to view the EEO Is The Law poster. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Only qualified individuals who are being considered will be contacted for an interview.