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.

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 Uses independent judgement to critically appraise published and unpublished data regarding testing options for a specific disorder and incorporates this appraisal into genetic counselling and follow-up plan.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