Genetic Counsellor

Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City

The post holder will take a leading role in institutional initiatives to plan, manage and develop Genomics, which will enable better patient care and facilicate genomic research and development. Additionally, it is preferred that they will also provide genetic counselling to SEHA patients.

Qualification :-

Required:
Master of Science in Genetic Counselling, or comparable qualification
Advanced knowledge of the subject matter in order to provide expert advice and support to other healthcare professionals at all levels
Advanced communication skills (oral and written)
High level of interpersonal skills to communicate effectively with executive level staff, members of the academic, clinical, professional, and industry sectors, and the general community

Special Certificate:-

Genetic Counselling Certification & DOH License (required if practicing clinically through Licensed Genetic Counselor position)

Experience:-

Required:
Five or more years of experience in the field of genetics
Desired:
Experience managing strategic programs and initiatives, including direct supervision of staff
Strong history of experience of interactions with national and international healthcare organizations
Experience with education, strategy & planning

Genomics Lead Responsibilities

Drive the planning, development and implementation of various clinical, research, administrative and educational aspects of genomics for SEHA
Lead, manage and develop the unit to ensure it achieves the highest possible standards of excellence in all its activities
Manage various institutional initiatives to facilitate high quality clinical genetic services
Strengthen and expand genetic counselling services at SEHA facilities
Plan, develop, coordinate and/or deliver genomic educational initiatives for trainees, clinical, administrative and research professionals, including genetic courses and programs.
Support university partners in their genomic education (may include teaching and/or clinical supervision of students)
Promote and advance genomics research, including by establishing local and/or international research collaborations
Represent SEHA s genomic interests on government-led committees and initiatives
Liaise with other external partners, including industry collaborations, to support SEHA s genomics program
Serve as a subject matter expert in genomics
Strengthen the profile of SEHA genomics both internally and on a national level
Attend and participate in local and international meetings
Support the planning and management efforts of leadership to ensure the unit delivers the agreed organizational strategy and achieves the highest possible standards of excellence in all its activities
Demonstrate vision and empower others in order to deliver the agreed organisational strategy
Liaise with internal stakeholders, including healthcare providers, administration, academic researchers, and others to advance genomics at SEHA
Communicate with direct line manager as well as upper management as appropriate
Contribute to recruitment, interviewing, staff selection, planning of budget and resources and other project activities
Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and maintaining personal networks, participating in professional organisations
Keep up to date with relevant policy publications
Ensure the highest levels of quality, integrity and ethics in all tasks undertaken
Execute projects according to project plan
Compile data as necessary (ex: audit)
Undertake other duties that may be required from time to time
Licensed Genetic Counsellor Responsibiliies (preferred) Manage a caseload of patients
Collect and interpret comprehensive information with regard to patient and family history, including medical, genetic and psychosocial history
Make appropriate and accurate risk assessments to determine the likelihood of genetic conditions in a patient, his/her offspring, and other family members, and then identify and explain options for dealing with these risks
Discuss and educate regarding the medical features and natural history, means of diagnosis, genetic aspects, environmental factors and management of genetic conditions and the associated risks
Identify, request* and coordinate appropriate genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies. (* request: in association/consultation with a physician, if limited through licensing)
Integrate results of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies with personal and family medical history into genetic risk assessment
Explain the clinical and psychosocial implications of genetic laboratory tests and other diagnostic studies and their results
Evaluate the client's or family's responses to information discussed and provide client-centered counseling and anticipatory guidance
Identify and utilize community resources that provide medical, educational, financial, and psychosocial support and advocacy
Document patient interactions, discussions and decisions in patient s electronic medical record
Provide written documentation of medical, genetic, and counseling information for families and health care professionals
Liaise, in the form of consultations, discussions, multidisciplinary meetings, written reports and referrals, with other healthcare professionals to provide optimal patient care
Serve as a genetic health resource for professionals and the community
Assist in writing policies and clinical practice guidelines
Participate in research related to the field of genetic counseling
Provide clinical supervision and teaching to students/trainees
Liaise with medical clinics regarding the care of high-risk patients identified through genomics program
Stay up to date with advances in genomics and genetic counseling through ongoing continuing education (and maintenance of licensing/certification)