Genetic Counselor

Overview:
The Perinatal Genetic Counselor serves as an expert responsible for providing accurate and comprehensive genetic counseling to a diverse client population, and their families, while following established genetic counseling practice guidelines and procedures to assist the patients in making complicated and informed decisions about their health and pregnancy.

 

Why UnityPoint Health? 

Culture – At UnityPoint Health, you Come for a fulfilling career and experience guided by uncompromising values and unwavering belief in doing what's right for the people we serve.

Benefits – Our competitive program offers benefits options that align with your needs and priorities, no matter what life stage you’re in.

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitment – We’re committed to ensuring you have a voice that is heard regardless of role, race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation.

Development – We believe equipping you with support and is an essential part of delivering a remarkable employment experience.

Community Involvement – Be an essential part of our core purpose—to improve the health of the people and communities we serve.

 

Visit us at (url removed)/careers to hear more from our team members about why UnityPoint Health is a great place to work.

Responsibilities:
Reviews medical records and triages new patient referrals.
Obtains medical histories, family histories, coordinates special studies.

Assures test results are available prior to appointments.

Stay current with medical genetics and genetic technology to provide clients with accurate information about genetic disorders and birth defects.

Provides comprehensive genetic counseling to each appropriate patient referred:

Reviews referrals and, when necessary, research via books, medical journals, and reliable online resources in advance of appointment.

Obtains a detailed family history and medical documentation to provide accurate risk assessment.

Provides nondirective genetic counseling based on risk assessment.

Discusses the pros and cons of testing and assist in interpretation of complex testing results.

Facilitates genetic testing when indicated, including pretest counseling and consent, sample collection, interpretation and reporting of test results and follow up.

Provides a detailed consultation letter to the referring provider.

Follows-through with supportive counseling prior, during and after the testing process with each client.

Provides multidisciplinary genetic counseling services for the community in accordance with appropriate practice guidelines, policies, and procedures:

Preconception – Carrier screening, family history counseling, recurrent miscarriages, and fertility workup.

Prenatal- AMA, APA, teratogens, positive serum screening, abnormal ultrasounds, and family history counseling.

Neonatal/pediatric – Abnormal newborn screening (metabolic or hearing loss), multifactorial birth defects and syndrome workup.

Interacts and communicates regularly with medical specialists such as perinatologists, neonatologists and oncologists, obstetricians and midwives.

Demonstrates respect and understanding of all departmental positions.

Serves as a resource for genetic information for referring physicians, ARNPs, PAs and midwives.

Provides genetic education to appropriate audiences when requested (both medical and community).

Maintains appropriate client interaction and confidentiality in appliance with HIPPA guidelines.

Documents patient interactions appropriately in EPIC and sends consultation letters as needed to referring providers.

Reviews medical journals and literature related to medical genetics.

Contributes to quality/development of clinical services through input with practice guidelines and participation on project teams.

Attends continuing education classes, in-services, grand rounds, annual genetics meetings and routinely reviews medical literature, and should attend at least one major medical genetics conference per year to maintain National Society of Genetic Counselor’s Certification.

Maintains Perinatal Genetic Services Database and provides annual minimum dataset.

Promotes genetic counseling services and maintain good communication with Perinatal Providers and staff.

Promotes genetic counseling services among referring medical providers and community health departments by providing presentations, brochures, and educational materials.

Communicates with the Billing Department to ensure highest reimbursement rates on services provided.

Works with the major third-party payers in the area to obtain and maintains preferred provider status for billing.

Be aware of what is happening in the department and organization by attending department meetings, reading emails, and regularly checking information intranet.

Maintains clinical competency to provide quality care.

Always striving to exceed patient’s expectations.

Demonstrates the knowledge that patient and workplace safety is a priority by preventing errors, accidents and infections and reporting potential or actual concerns immediately.

Integrates the UnityPoint Health-Des Moines expectations of performance in all aspects of care delivery and professional practice.

Continues professional development and involvement in professional activities that enhance practice by sharing knowledge through networking and research.

Demonstrates the UnityPoint Health Values and Standards of Behaviors as well as adheres to policies and procedures and safety guidelines.

Demonstrates ability to meet business needs of department with regular, reliable attendance.

Employee maintains current licenses and/or certifications required for the position.

Practices and reflects knowledge of HIPAA, JCAHO, DNV, OSHA, CMS and other federal/state regulatory agencies guiding healthcare.

Completes all annual education and competency requirements within the designated time frame.

Is knowledgeable of hospital and department compliance requirements for federally funded healthcare programs (e.g. Medicare and Medicaid) regarding fraud, waste and abuse.

Brings any questions or concerns regarding compliance to the immediate attention of hospital administrative staff.

Takes appropriate action on concerns reported by department staff related to compliance.

This position may be assigned a specific mission to address in an emergency to assist in disaster response and recovery as part of the UPHDM Hospital Emergency Incident Command System. Situations of a critical nature may require an individual to perform multiple tasks until additional support can be obtained.

Demonstrates initiative to improve quality and customer service by striving to exceed expectations.

Qualifications:
Education:

Master's Degree from an accredited educational institution.

Current ABGC/ABMG Certification.

If no ABGC/ABMG Certification, must obtain within one year from date of hire into the position.

Experience:

1 year Perinatal Genetic counseling experience.

2 years preferred.

Licensure/Certification:

A State of Iowa Genetic Counselor License - licenses & certifications must be maintained.

Must possess and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification or obtain certification within three (3) months from date of hire.

Valid driver’s license when driving any vehicle for work-related reasons.

Other:

Writes, reads, comprehends, and speaks fluent English.

Multicultural sensitivity.

Microsoft Office – basic computer skills.

Customer/patient focused.

Critical thinking skills using independent judgment in making decisions.

Use of usual and customary equipment used to perform essential functions of the position.

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