Genetic Counsellor

Job SummaryThe UBC Department of Medical Genetics seeks to be an inspiring and productive community of scholars; an outstanding provider of knowledge, technical expertise, and compassionate care for our patients; contributors to the scientific advance of our discipline; and a credible and respected source of information and advice to society at large. While focusing on areas of genetic medicine that we deem to be particularly important, we view diversity of approach and techniques to be an essential strength of our Department.We acknowledge that the University of British Columbia Faculty of Medicine and its distributed programs, which include four university academic campuses, are located on traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of Indigenous peoples around the province.This 1.0 FTE (0.8 will also be considered if preferred by the candidate) 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 Indigenous communities in BC and other jurisdictions is possible.Organizational StatusThe successful candidate will report to Dr. Laura Arbour (Medical Geneticist and Principal Investigator, UBC Department of Medical Genetics) with supervision from Alexa McAdam (Senior Genetic Counselor). For certain research related tasks, Jimena Gonzalez Lema will supervise. This position requires a high degree of independence, initiative, and professional judgement in carrying out responsibilities related to research protocols and genetic counselling. The genetic counsellor/research team member will provide supervision to students and volunteers working on research studies.Work PerformedEngage with families, communities, organizations and health care providers regarding research planning, study enrolment, results delivery, and general information about the projects.Consult with various community, government, and Indigenous stakeholders regarding project development, implementation, and troubleshooting.Enroll participants in research studies, including:Explain all aspects of the research studyReview consent forms with the study participantsObtain written informed consent from study participantsAdminister medical questionnairesArrange medical tests and/or sample collectionObtain medical recordsObtain detailed pedigrees from study participantsLiaise with laboratories to track biological samples, facilitate genetic testing, and receive test resultsProvide genetic counselling to research participants as neededCommunicate genetic test results (when pertinent) verbally and in writing to research participants, their families, and health care providersCoordinate 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)Submit ethics applications for UBC Clinical Research Ethics Board & other applicable ethics boardsProvide mentoring and assistance to research assistants based in remote communitiesSupervise undergraduate and/or graduate students, volunteers, and research assistants working within the Community Genetics Research ProgramData management:Maintain and organize confidential medical records and chartsReview medical recordsEnter data into research databasesTrack missing data, blood/saliva samples and test resultsPresent to community members and health care providersDevelop educational materials as necessaryParticipate and organize in person and virtual meetings as necessary Participate in the preparation and submission of academic publicationsCarry out pertinent literature searchesParticipate in data analysis and interpretation of resultPrepare manuscriptsOther duties related to the research projects, as requiredConsequence of Error/JudgementThe successful candidate will exercise a high level of judgment and initiative in the delivery of genetic counselling and overall coordination of research activities. Lack of careful attention to protocols and regulatory and ethical guidelines could suspend the Investigator and University as a site for further research and/or funding. Performance must strictly conform to research protocols, Tri-Council policy statement, and standard Canadian guidelines for health research involving Indigenous People.Errors in the dissemination of genetic test results or any breach of patient confidentiality could jeopardize this research study and Dr. Arbour’s research program. A confidentiality agreement must be signed, stating that any identifying and/or personal information will be held in the strictest confidence. Inaccuracies or incompleteness of data collection, or errors in the collection and handling of biological samples could result in erroneous data analysis and study results; therefore, it is imperative that the successful candidate is detail- 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 ReceivedThe 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 Gonzalez Lema. A high level of independence is required in this role.Supervision GivenThe successful candidate will share responsibility for project-related supervision of students (e.g. MSc, honours, directed studies, and/or medical students), and volunteers. Minimum QualificationsMaster’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 inclusionPreferred QualificationsRecent work experience in genetic counselling and/or genetic related researchKeen interest in Indigenous health. Demonstrated knowledge, previous experience and/or training in the ethical, social, and cultural issues around conducting research in Indigenous communities is preferred.Excellent interpersonal manner and communication skills, including clear, concise writing skillsExcellent organizational, time-management and trouble-shooting skills, with strong attention to detail.Proficiency with Word, and Excel software is required. Experience with REDCap, Progeny software, Referencing programs (ie, endnote, Mendeley), Illustrator and/or Photoshop is an asset.Ability to use statistical software including SPSS, STATA, SAS and/or R an asset.Successful completion of Tri-Council Policy Statement (TCPS) online tutorial (may be completed upon hiring).Successful completion of an Indigenous Cultural Safety Course (may be completed upon hiring).