Job Overview
Location: LOC_HUB-Hub for Clinical Collaboration
Req ID: 174671
Shift: Days
Employment Status: Regular – Full Time
About Us
We’re seeking breakthrough makers! Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was built on the belief that we can change lives. Today, in every role throughout our hospital, research institute and care network, the 22,000 members of our workforce are finding new ways – big and small – to make a difference for the patients and families we serve.
We’re seeking breakthrough makers! Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia was built on the belief that we can change lives. Today, in every role throughout our hospital, research institute and care network, the 22,000 members of our workforce are finding new ways – big and small – to make a difference for the patients and families we serve.
If you are ready to challenge yourself, be inspired and grow – no matter what your role – you just may be the kind of breakthrough maker who will thrive at CHOP.
CHOP is proud to share that we are ranked No. 1 on Forbes’ 2022 list of America’s Best Large Employers!
Job Summary
The Genetic Counselor will work within the Roberts Individualized Medical Genetics Center (RIMGC) at CHOP along with its physicians, genetic counselors and staff. The RIMGC provides services to facilitate genome-level testing (panels, exome/genome testing) across all specialties in the hospital, participates in exome analysis with the Division of Genomic Diagnostics, and provides follow-up counseling services to patients and families after return of test results as needed/requested. Responsibilities will include direct patient care and genetic counseling in inpatient and outpatient settings, development of educational materials, participation in clinical research and participation in other activities of the IMGC.
As a clinically based Genetic Counselor, the major duties will be as follows:
- Reviews patient information, evaluates family history, conducts risk assessment, and recommends medical or genetic testing bases on analysis.
- Provides crisis intervention and psychosocial counseling as necessary.
- Works directly with the Attending physician assigned to the patient population.
- May assist with education/ mentorship within the Division, along with serving as a supervisor to Genetic Counseling graduate students during their clinical rotations.
- May be involved with research activity related to their specialized patient population.
Job Responsibilities
Case preparation
- Identify essential medical records
- Interpret acquired history to form basic framework of the patient’s need for triage
- Prepare letters of medical necessity to authorize requested genetic testing
Clinical Duties
- Contract with patients and families to elicit expectations and knowledge of child’s current medical situation
- Obtain patient’s medical and family histories by conducting and interviewing patients and families for probable diagnoses using symptoms and relevant clinical information
- Analyze and interpret medical and family history as a basis for differential diagnosis, risk assessment and options for genetic testing by using knowledge of inheritance patterns, epidemiologic data, quantitative genetics principles and statistical models.
- Apply knowledge of inheritance, etiology, clinical features, and natural history of genetic disorders, and birth defects to assess and calculate genetic and teratogenic risks
- Provide a case summary to medical geneticist by synthesizing, organizing and summarizing pertinent medical and genetic information
- Complete appropriate medical documentation/charting for all patient encounters in EPIC.
- Participate in exome sequencing variant analysis process by completing standardized phenotype entry into the EPIC and by participating in the variant clinical correlation sessions
Job Responsibilities (Continued)
Genetic Testing Recommendations
- Explain procedures, evaluate risks, benefits and limitations of recommended testing to facilitate informed consent
- Identify/Recommend referrals to other health care professionals
- Introduce and help families evaluate risks, benefits, and limitations of client participation in research and new studies.
- Organize testing by identifying testing lab, obtaining forms, preparing forms for lab draws
Psychosocial
- Communicate, understand, listen and manage each individual patient’s case by identifying family dynamics, emotional responses, support, cognition, retention and ethno-cultural issues.
- Elicit and interpret individual and family experiences, behaviors, emotions, perceptions and attitudes to clarify beliefs and values with regard to patient/family responses to genetic risks and testing options.
Professional Expectations
- Organize and conduct professional education outreach by participating in genetic rounds, medical/counseling education.
- Establish and maintain inter-and intradisciplinary professional relationships to function as part of a health care delivery team
- Demonstrate continued professional growth with current standards of practice and clinical research by attending and/or presenting at national and regional professional conferences.
Research
- Participate in ongoing research projects through RIMGC based on personal interest and programmatic needs
Job Responsibilities (Continued)
Follow up
- Follow labs, specialist referrals, research testing and outside clinical consultations
- Interpret lab results by using medical records, medical and genetic literature and computerized databases
- Convey genetic, medical and technical information regarding results, diagnosis, etiology, natural history, prognosis, treatment and management
- Explain technical and medical aspects of diagnostic and screening methods for future reproductive options including associated risks, benefits and limitations
- Coordinate additional testing for patient and family members
- Provide short term, client centered counseling and psychological support by assessing psychosocial needs and psychopathology to provide anticipatory guidance
- Document and present case information clearly and concisely for health professionals and families (both orally and in writing) by designing, conducing and periodically assessing the management plan and follow-up and responding to emerging issues.
- Assess local, regional and national resources and services (support groups and professional agencies) and access information pertinent to patient’s specific clinical diagnosis
- Serve as an advocate for clients to represent their interests in accessing services and responses from the medical and social service systems
Required Licenses, Certifications, Registrations
Genetic Counselor License – PA
Required Education and Experience
Required Education: Master’s Degree in Human Genetics or Genetic Counseling. According to the CMS (Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services) a copy of diploma or transcript is required as proof of academic achievement for all non-laboratory personnel performing non-waived POC testing.
Preferred Education, Experience & Cert/Lic
Preferred Licenses/certificates/registrations: Certification by ABGC
Additional Technical Requirements
- Demonstrated ability in counseling, skills, techniques and other related areas.
- Subject to pressure related to emergency clinical problems.
- Must have a high degree of flexibility of skills and hours.
- Prior experience with clinical data or research data is preferred.
To carry out its mission, it is of critical importance for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to keep our patients, families and workforce safe and healthy and to support the health of our global community. In keeping with this, CHOP has mandated all workforce members on site at any CHOP location for any portion of their time be vaccinated for COVID-19 as a condition of employment. This mandate also applies to workforce members performing work for CHOP at non-CHOP locations. Additionally, all workforce members based in or regularly scheduled to work at any New Jersey location are mandated to be both vaccinated and boosted for COVID-19, with booster timing consistent with applicable guidelines. The CHOP COVID-19 vaccine mandate is in alignment with applicable local, state and federal mandates. CHOP also requires all workforce members who work in patient care buildings or who provide patient care to receive an annual influenza vaccine. Employees may request exemption consideration for CHOP vaccine requirements for valid religious and medical reasons. Please note start dates may be delayed until candidates are fully immunized or valid exemption requests are reviewed. In addition, candidates other than those in positions with regularly scheduled hours in New Jersey, must attest to not using tobacco products.
EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor
EEO / VEVRAA Federal Contractor
