Genetic Counselor

Overview

Kennedy Krieger Institute has a clinical focus of meeting the specialized needs of children and adults with neurologic and developmental disorders. We are seeking a full-time genetic counselor to join our thriving team of nine genetic counselors, two clinical geneticists, and over ten neurogenetics physicians. Based in the Department of Neurology and Developmental Medicine, this position will provide genetic counseling in outpatient clinics for patients with a range of neurogenetic conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and rare diseases. These clinics include independent genetic counseling visits and working as part of a multidisciplinary team with neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and other specialists.

We are seeking a genetic counselor who has excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Principle duties and responsibilities are outlined below. The genetic counseling team receives extensive support from genetic counselor assistants, clinic coordinators, and administrative and nursing staff. This support allows the genetic counselors to practice at the top of their scope.

This position will report to the Director of Genetic Counseling Services. Additional mentorship and supervision will be provided by other members of the genetic counseling and neurogenetics team. We aim to foster individual growth and provide many opportunities for professional development. There are opportunities to participate in teaching and clinical supervision of genetic counseling graduate students. In addition, research opportunities are available and encouraged.

Kennedy Krieger Institute, an internationally recognized nonprofit organization located in the greater Baltimore-Washington DC region, transforms the lives of more than 25,000 individuals a year through outpatient and inpatient medical care and therapies; home and community services; school-based programs; professional training; research and advocacy. Kennedy Krieger is a National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) Rare Disease Center of Excellence.

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Principle duties and responsibilities:1. Provide comprehensive genetic counseling services for patients and families with known or suspected genetic disorders. Services may include standalone genetic counseling visits (face to face or, when appropriate, telehealth) as well as in conjunction with multidisciplinary clinic visits.2. Obtain and analyze detailed medical, developmental, and family histories to assess genetic risk and determine the need for genetic testing or referrals.3. Coordinate and facilitate appropriate genetic testing, including pre-test counseling, test selection, informed consent, and insurance authorization, in collaboration with Genetic Counselor Assistants and other institute support staff and services.4. Interpret genetic test results in the context of the patient’s clinical presentation and family history. Communicate findings clearly to patients, families, and the referring healthcare team.5. Provide post-test counseling, including explanation of test results and discussion of potential diagnoses and implications.6. Educate patients and families about genetic conditions, inheritance patterns, recurrence risks, family planning options, available treatments and management, and support resources.7. Conduct psychosocial assessments and provide supportive, family-centered counseling to promote the psychological well-being and informed decision-making of patients and their families.8. Document clinical interactions and maintain accurate, up-to-date medical records in compliance with Kennedy Krieger Institute, departmental, and regulatory guidelines.9. Collaborate closely with neurologists, geneticists, and other specialists as part of a multidisciplinary care team to ensure integrated patient management.10. Contribute to the development of clinical protocols and best practices for genetic counseling in neurology and rare disease settings. Assist with quality assurance and quality improvement initiatives.11. May supervise and provide clinical training to genetic counseling students as assigned by department leadership, including observation, case preparation, feedback, and evaluation in accordance with program and accreditation requirements.12. Provide educational support and training to medical staff, trainees, and community partners regarding genetic counseling, advances in genetic testing, and other relevant clinical topics.13. Maintain current knowledge of advances in genetic testing technologies, variant interpretation guidelines, emerging disease-gene discoveries, and clinical knowledge related to the neurological and rare diseases seen in clinic, ensuring evidence-based, up-to-date patient care. This may involve literature reviews, attendance at national and regional professional conferences, and other continuing education opportunities.14. Participate and assist in clinical research efforts.

Qualifications:• American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification preferred.• Must possess and maintain licensure to practice as a Supervised Genetic Counselor or Genetic Counselor in Maryland Education:• Master’s Degree from an accredited Genetic Counseling Training Program

Experience:• Minimum one year of genetic counseling experience required, which may be satisfied by clinical rotations as part of an accredited genetic counseling program and/or post-graduate employment.• Experience working with patient populations with disabilities preferred.

Core Competencies• Demonstrated competency in areas of technical knowledge, analytical analysis, case management, communicating information related to genetic disorders, and counseling patients and family members.• Ability to effectively problem solve.• Ability to use computerized analytical systems.• Must be proficient with key components of Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook, Word, Excel, Access, Teams, and PowerPoint.• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to effectively manage time and prioritize tasks.• Ability to effectively communicate (i.e., exchange and receive information with others) in work-related conversations, meetings and settings.• Ability to complete assigned tasks accurately, neatly and thoroughly.• Ability to work effectively in team settings with staff and faculty as well as with patients, students, families and the public, as appropriate.• Strong problem-solving skills.• Adherence to departmental and organizational policies and procedures. • Prudent judgement in ensuring the safety and security of patients, students, families, employees and private information. • Ability to effectively assume authority and make decisions appropriate to job duties and role.• Maintain adequate personal grooming consistent with professional appearance.• Must pursue education, training and/or other learning opportunities necessary to maintain competence and perform specific job duties.

**Please attach cover letter at time of application

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