GENETIC COUNSELLOR

Provides genetic assessment and counselling for individuals/families with a
medical history of, or at increased risk of having a child with a birth defect
or genetic condition, or who are themselves at risk for a genetic disorder.

Essential Responsibilities and Duties

‎1. Works as a member of the Medical Genetics team under the supervision of a
Physician Clinical Geneticist.
‎2. Assesses psychological issues and structures counselling sessions
accordingly.
‎3. Provides comprehensive information regarding the diagnosis, etiology,
recurrence risk and available management options for a wide variety of genetic
conditions.
‎4. Assists the individual/family in making reproductive/health care decisions
consistent with their beliefs, while addressing cultural diversity and ethical
issues. Provides international leadership in genetic counselling services,
research and education.
‎5. Functions as community resource by liasing with the public and striving to
improve the genetic health of individual populations through discovery,
application and communication of genetic knowledge.
‎6. Provides empathetic, non-directive pre-natal, paediatric and general
genetic counselling in the discussion of the diagnosis (when established and
the findings when not), natural history, mode of information, plan of care,
genetic testing and/or prenatal testing options, alternative options for
dealing with the issues at hand and support services. This includes pre-natal
and general genetic counselling in specialized genetic counselling clinics
that will be run independently by the counsellor.
‎7. Obtains and analyses medical histories, results of investigations and
consultations together with sociocultural, psychodynamic and ethical issues.
‎8. Calculates risk (e.g. recurrence risk, presymptomatic diagnostic risk)
incorporating information such as medical history, family history, the
availability of genetic testing as well as relevant test results into the
appropriate statistical methodology (e.g. Bayesian analysis). Orders
appropriate laboratory tests under the supervision of the chairman or a staff
clinical geneticist.
‎9. Uses independent judgement to critically appraise published and
unpublished data regarding testing options for a specific disorder and
incorporates this appraisal into genetic counselling and follow-up plan.
‎10.Develops a genetic assessment and counselling care plan in collaboration
with the clinical geneticist, the child/family, the KFSH&RC health care team.
Liases with the relevant community agencies and resources to ensure
appropriate follow-up and support.
‎11. Assesses individual's/family's comprehension of the information provided
during the counselling session and how this is being incorporated into their
decision-making process with the resulting follow-up sessions booked
accordingly.
‎12. Addresses issues of loss and bereavement to assist the family in making
the best possible adjustment to the disorder in an affected member and/or the
risk of recurrence of that disorder in accordance with the religious beliefs
of the family.
‎13. Assesses the risk factor for pathological adaptation necessitating
referral to a mental health specialist as needed.
‎14. Serves as patient advocate and assesses his/her medical, financial,
emotional and social needs and incorporates these variables into a genetic
counselling care plan.
‎15. Provides written consultation summary letter to physicians, healthcare
providers and patients/families as well as referral letters to consultative
services. Develops standard counselling letter for various genetic disorders.
‎16. Redirects referrals as indicated in consultation with referring
physician, healthcare providers and the Physician Clinical Geneticist.
‎17. Conducts ongoing evaluation and revision of the interdisciplinary plan of
care in collaboration with the family and the healthcare team to ensure that
the individual/family needs are met. Updates medical records and keeps team
members apprised of patient problems.
‎18. Follows results of tests requested and reviews cases for further
evaluation to assure the continuity of patient care.
‎19. Participates in self and others' education, training and development, as
applicable.
‎20. Follows all hospital related policies and procedures.

Education

Master in Genetic Counselling or related fields or Bachelor of Science/Applied
Health Science or equivalent and High Post graduate diploma in Genetic
Counselling acceptable to KFSH &RC required.

Experience Required

Two (‎2) years of related experience or for Saudi Nationals, successful
completion of one (‎1) year SCDP with Master 's degree or four (‎4) years of
related experience with Bachelor's degree required.

Other Requirements(Certificates)

N/A