Job Description

At Northwestern Medicine, every patient interaction makes a difference in cultivating a positive workplace. This patient-first approach is what sets us apart as a leader in the healthcare industry. As an integral part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to join our quest for better healthcare, no matter where you work within the Northwestern Medicine system. At Northwestern Medicine, we pride ourselves on providing competitive benefits: from tuition reimbursement and loan forgiveness to 401(k) matching and lifecycle benefits, we take care of our employees. Ready to join our quest for better?

Job Description

The Genetic Counselor reflects the mission, vision, and values of NM, adheres to the organization’s Code of Ethics and Corporate Compliance Program, and complies with all relevant policies, procedures, guidelines and all other regulatory and accreditation standards.

This certified and licensed professional provides genetic counseling services for all patients. The genetic counselor will also coordinate genetic testing services. The genetic counselor will provide information and support to families at risk for a variety of inherited conditions.

Responsibilities:

• Uses organizational and unit/department resources efficiently.
• Manages work schedule efficiently, completing tasks and assignments on time.
• Contributes to opportunities and processes for continuous improvement.
• Participates in efforts to reduce costs, streamline work processes, improve and grow services we provide.
• Works in conjunction with referring physicians/office to coordinate genetic counseling/testing and interpretation of results.
• Serves as a resource for medical staff relative to appropriate referrals for genetic counseling.
• Obtains and evaluates patient's reproductive, family, and medical histories.
• Recognizes risk factors indicated by personal and/or family history.
• Analyze and interpret clinical/laboratory findings in conjunction with collaborating physician.
• Prepares for patient/case prior to meeting including literature review and database search for most current information.
• Obtains and evaluates a detailed pedigree using standardized nomenclature as dictated by the American Society for Human Genetics and the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
• Facilitates patient understanding of genetic, medical, and psychosocial information including risks, options, procedures, test results and their implications.
• Facilitates patient decision-making process and answer questions.
• Serves as the patient advocate and case manager including follow-up such as scheduling appointments, making referrals, verifying insurance coverage, and tracking test results.
• Provides grief and crisis counseling and/or referrals to individuals and families as needed/requested.
• Advises and assists staff as to relative appropriateness of patient referrals for genetic counseling.
• Conducts formal and informal education programs.
• Documents all patient-related activities in medical records. Draft, edit, and finalize summary notes for the chart and referring physician.
• Participates in research projects. Integrates research findings into practice. Utilizes the best available evidence, including research findings to guide practice decisions.
• Participates in systematic self-review. Takes action to achieve goals identified during the evaluation process.
• Performs other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biosciences, psychology, genetics, nursing or other relevant field
• MS or MA in genetic counseling, medical genetics or equivalent
• Board certified/eligible by the American Board of Genetic Counseling
• Certified Genetics Counselor with Illinois License
• BLS within 30 days of hire
• 3-5 years of experience as a Genetic Counselor
• Knowledge of medical genetic counseling
• Knowledge of psychosocial aspects including risk perception, support mechanisms, coping, etc.
• Knowledge of available resources for patients and research purposes
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to teach and evaluate
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Preferred:

• Involvement in ongoing education and professional growth opportunities - NSGC

Additional Information

Northwestern Medicine is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of age, sex, race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation or any other protected status.

If we offer you a job, we will perform a background check that includes a review of any criminal convictions. A conviction does not disqualify you from employment at Northwestern Medicine. We consider this on a case-by-case basis and follow all state and federal guidelines.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits that provide employees with tools and resources to improve their physical, emotional, and financial well-being while providing protection for unexpected life events. Please visit our  Benefits section to learn more.

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