Genetic Counsellor

Staff - Non Union

Job Category

M&P - AAPS

Job Profile

AAPS Salaried - Genetic Counsellor, Level A

Job Title

Genetic Counsellor

Department

Arbour Laboratory | Department of Medical Genetics | Faculty of Medicine

Compensation Range

$5,906.25 - $8,508.42 CAD Monthly

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

March 17, 2023

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the day prior to the Posting End Date above.

Job End Date

Mar 21, 2024

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Summary

This 0.8 FTE Genetic Counsellor/Research Assistant position is situated at our Community Genetics Research Program, located in Victoria BC at the UBC Island Medical Program (UVIC campus).

Travel (short trips) to some Northern BC communities is possible.

Organizational Status

Work Performed
- Liaise with families, community organizations and health care providers regarding research study enrolment, results delivery, and general information about the projects.
- Consult with various community, government, and Indigenous stakeholders regarding project development, implementation, and trouble-shooting
- Enroll participants in research studies, including:

- Explain all aspects of the research study
- Review consent forms with the study participants
- Obtain written informed consent from study participants
- Administer medical questionnaires
- Arrange medical tests and/or sample collection
- Obtain medical records
- Obtain detailed pedigrees from study participants
- Liaise with laboratories to track biological samples, facilitate genetic testing, and receive test results
- Provide genetic counselling to research participants
- Communicate genetic test results (when pertinent) verbally and in writing to research participants, their families, and health care providers
- Coordinate medical follow-up, as needed with the support of the medical lead (Dr. Arbour). (e.g. cardiology referrals)
- Create and update study enrollment forms (consent forms, ROIs, medical questionnaires, etc)
- Create and update knowledge translation materials for research participants (e.g. pamphlets, resources)
- Provide mentoring and assistance to research assistants based in remote communities
- Supervise undergraduate and/or graduate students, volunteers, and research assistants working within the Community Genetics Research Program

Data management:

- Maintain and organize confidential medical records and charts
- Review medical records
- Enter data into research databases
- Track missing data, blood/saliva samples and test results
- Present to community members and health care providers
- Participate and organize in person and virtual meetings as necessary
- Participate in the preparation and submission of academic publications
- Carry out pertinent literature searches
- Participate in data analysis and interpretation of result
- Prepare manuscripts

Other duties related to the research projects, as required

Consequence of Error/Judgement
- oriented and very careful with his/her work.

A high level of cultural competency and sensitivity is necessary in this position, as any insensitive actions could jeopardize our longstanding research relationship with the Indigenous communities we work with.

Supervision Received

The genetic counsellor/research coordinator will report to Dr. Laura Arbour (Principal Investigator, UBC Department of Medical Genetics) or Alexa McAdam. Initial training will be provided by both Alexa McAdam and Jimena Gonzales Lema. A high level of independence is required in this role.

Supervision Given

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling and one year of internship in medical genetics, or the equivalent in training and experience. Board eligible for certification under the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselling or American Board of Genetic Counselling.
- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications
- Recent work experience in genetic counselling and/or genetic related research
- Keen interest in Indigenous health. Demonstrated know