Genetic Counselor (#MDCZ06)
$51,858.00 Yearly Min / $64,822.00 Yearly Mid / $77,786.00 Yearly Max

An incumbent in this class has a specialized mastery in Genetic Counseling disorders and conducts genetic educational programs for professionals and lay groups.

A class incumbent receives general supervision from an administrative/technical superior and is responsible for providing comprehensive genetic counseling to pregnant women or couples as well as families on a variety of hereditary disorders. Incumbents counsel patients and/or families with sickle cell anemia or teratogenic concerns, provide preconceptual counseling as well as information on prenatal diagnoses and the maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein screening program. Work includes constructing family histories, providing risk factors and providing follow-up with genetic patients who require assistance with adjusting to their genetic conditions. Incumbents present educational programs on genetic and hereditary disorders to professionals, citizen groups and general consumers of such services.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Prepares intake evaluation and compiles detailed family histories; obtains, reviews and summarizes relevant medical, developmental, social and genetic information.
   
• Constructs family histories in pedigree form.
   
• Provides comprehensive genetic counseling to pregnant women or couples desiring information on prenatal diagnoses and the maternal serum alpha-feto protein screening program.
   
• Provides genetic counseling to patients and/or their families requesting preconception counseling, with teratogenic concerns and sickle cell anemia.
   
• Provides follow-up with genetics patients who require assistance in adjusting to their genetic conditions; addresses the questions and concerns of patients.
   
• Acts as a patient advocate and liaison with the community and other health services; assists patients with obtaining services and following through with referrals to local educational, medical and social programs.
   
• Assists clinic geneticist in providing genetic services in satellite genetic clinics throughout the state.
   
• Presents educational programs on genetic and hereditary disorders to professionals, citizen groups and general consumers of such services.
   
• Maintains records of professional services to clients; assists in the collection of data as used to assess the needs of the population and provide statistical summaries

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of medical genetics and cyto genetics.
• Knowledge of the principles, practices, methods and techniques of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnoses.
• Knowledge of the functions and resources of community health, and related health service agencies.
• Ability to conduct interviews of a sensitive nature.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with patients, associates, health professionals and the public.
• Ability to prepare clear, concise reports.
• Ability to present lectures on genetics to health professionals, educators, parent support groups and civic organizations.
  

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Genetic Counselor
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Possession of a Bachelors degree or higher in Life or Physical Science or related field.
2. Knowledge of medical genetics.
3. Knowledge of genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis.