Genetic Counselor

Your Opportunity:

Clinical & Metabolic Genetic Services, AHS South, provides the highest quality genetic health care services for the population of Southern Alberta. Genetic Services are organized in a hub-and-spoke structure, with core facility located at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and peripheral clinic sites located at Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Cambrian Wellness Centre, Chinook Regional Hospital, and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. This RFT Genetic Counsellor Position will be assigned to the Hereditary Cancer Clinic. This position is located to the Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Center in Calgary. This position reports to the Unit Manager of Genetic Services, AHS South. You will be an integral member of highly effective team responsible for providing hereditary cancer services within the Adult Clinical Genetics Division of Genetic Services. Working in close collaboration with clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, genetic assistants, administrative support, and other health care professionals, your clinical practice will primarily focus on providing genetic counselling and testing for residents of southern Alberta who may have an inherited risk for cancer. Genetic Services is implementing a number of innovative service delivery models. These include coordinating the integration of genetics heath care services into non-genetic clinician practices (Mainstreaming), as well as leveraging digital learning platforms to supplement the traditional genetic counselling encounter, including educational Webinars and Videos.

Description:

As a Genetics Counsellor I, you will determine a patient or family's risk for a genetic condition, interpret test results, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of occurrence or recurrence, and review available options with the individual/family in a manner that promotes informed choice. You will assist patients, families and/or medical care providers to understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of how genetics contributes to disease. In addition, you may guide individuals/families and other clinicians in discussions about testing options, test result interpretation, prevention, medical management, newborn metabolic screening, and options for prenatal diagnosis. You may also provide supportive counselling to individuals/families and other clinicians with sensitivity to ethnic and cultural diversity and how they address potential ethical issues. Furthermore, you may serve as a patient advocate and refer individuals and families to available support services, and as an educator and resource for other healthcare professionals and the general public.

Master's degree in Genetic Counselling. Board Certification or eligibility with either the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) or the American Board of Genetic Counsellors (ABGC).

Demonstrated expertise in identifying, gathering, analyzing and accurately interpreting complex genetic, medical and family data, and incorporating relevant clinical and best-practice guidelines, to arrive at multidimensional risk assessments and care plan for patients and families. Recognized aptitude for working effectively and productively in an interdisciplinary team, including establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships, understanding own role and the roles of other professionals, and actively seeking, respecting, considering and being receptive to the diverse perspectives and opinions of collaborators. Demonstrated emotional self-awareness and self-management, including the ability to build understanding and shared meaning between people, and strong problem solving and conflict management skills.Past experience actively participating in organizational change initiatives including building a shared vision, identifying and addressing associated risks, developing new processes and workflows, contributing to setting goals and metrics and monitoring performance, using positive feedback and recognition to support coworkers, and serving as a resource to colleagues.

Previous experience providing high quality genetic healthcare services to Adults at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. Familiarity with Genetic Services, AHS South specific processes, policies and procedures.Experience using the SHIRE Access genetic database management system.Demonstrated ability and interest in teaching and supervising students and other learners. Experience using videotelephony software to provide clinical care and education.