Genetic Counsellor

**About SickKids**:
Dedicated exclusively to children and their families, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) is one of the largest and most respected paediatric healthcare centres in the world. As innovators in child health, we lead and partner to improve the health of children through the integration of healthcare, leading-edge research and education. Our reputation would not have been built - nor could it be maintained - without the skills, knowledge and experience of the extraordinary people who come to work here every day. SickKids is committed to ongoing learning and development, and features a caring and supportive work environment that combines exceptionally high standards of practice.

When you join SickKids, you become part of our community. We share a commitment and determination to fulfill our vision of _Healthier Children. A Better World_.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to work alongside the world’s best in paediatric healthcare.

**Position Description**:
In your role as a research genetic counsellor, you will contribute to the growth and development of several genomic research programs related to NDDs. You will be engaged in all aspects of the research, from study enrollment to return of research results to impact on downstream clinical care, and knowledge translation. You will work closely with another genetic counsellor, but will also be supported by a group of genomic research genetic counsellors, and connected to the team of genetic counsellors on the clinical side. For your research related activities, you will report to the research PIs and project managers, and for professional oversight you will report to the Director of Genetic Counselling at SickKids.

**Here’s What You’ll Get To Do**
- Provide pre-test genetic/genomic counselling regarding genome-wide testing and obtain consent from participants who wish to enroll in the research projects
- Work in consultation with the research team to interpret genomic data
- Generate research reports and determine return of result plan, considering ethical, social, and practical issues
- Review and obtain developmental, medical, and family history for critical analysis of genotype-phenotype correlations
- Enter and optimize data in various study databases/ programs (i.e. REDCap, Phenotips)
- Provide post-test disclosure of research results and potentially clinically relevant findings to participants, families and health care professionals
- Assist the individual/family in understanding the test results and coordinate downstream testing (clinical validation) or referrals, if indicated
- Assess psychosocial issues associated with the research finding and provide support where necessary
- Prepare, update, and amend research protocols/documents (consent forms, educational material) and liaise with research ethics board at SickKids
- Serve as a liaison for community health care professionals referring their patients into the studies
- Working with the other genomic research genetic counsellors, develop guidelines and best practices to assist other research groups looking to implement genomic testing
- Provide international leadership in genetic counselling services related to ASD/NDDs by presenting experience in oral presentations, leading workshops, and publishing manuscripts

**Here’s What You’ll Need**
- A Master of Science in Genetic Counselling
- Certification (or eligible for) by the Canadian Board of Genetic Counselling (CBGC) and/or the American Board of Genetic Counselling (ABGC)
- Experience interpreting genomic data
- Demonstrated ability in communicating genetic findings to patient/ participants
- Prior experience with or interest in neurodevelopmental/ neuropsychiatric conditions
- Professional knowledge of the rapidly changing principles and practice of medical, clinical and laboratory genetics, especially with respect to next generation sequencing technologies and the translational issues pertinent to this testing
- Effective oral and written presentation and communication skills, including telephone and video counselling
- Superior critical thinking, organizational, time management, decision-making, and continuous learning skills
- Demonstrated leadership and collaborative teamwork skills
- Commitment to the provision of evidence-based, family-centred care
- Highly developed computer skills and/or the ability to learn new computer programs

**Employment Type**

Temporary Employment (1 year contract with potential for renewal)

**Our Commitment to Diversity**:
The children and families we care for are from a variety of communities, and so are our employees. We welcome and encourage everyone to join our organization and be part of our team.

Thank you for your interest in joining SickKids. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. In accordance with our Hospital policy, employment at SickKids is conditional upon the Hospital’s receipt of all necessary documentation.

**How to Apply