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.Performs genomic diagnostic investigation to confirm the genetic condition, segregation analysis, carried usingestablished protocols; analyses genetic results; enters data; and provides training for genetic counsellingstudents and junior medical staff. Works solely to provide general genetic counselling as member of the Medical Genomics team.

**Essential Responsibilities and Duties**:
1. Obtains and analyses medical histories, results of investigations and consultations together with sociocultural, psychodynamic and ethical issues.

2. Provides empathetic, non-directive prenatal, paediatric and general genetic counselling in the discussion of the diagnosis, natural history, mode of inheritance, plan of care, genetic testing and/or prenatal testing options, alternative options for dealing with the issues at hand.

3. Informs and counsels patient and/or families through non-directive counselling taking into consideration and respecting all ethical standards of privacy and confidentiality.

4. 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 Senior Genetic Counsellor.5. Uses independent judgement to critically appraise published and unpublished data regarding testing options for a specific disorder and incorporates this appraisal into genetic counselling and follow-up plan.

6. Develops a genetic assessment and counselling care plan in collaboration with the clinical geneticist, and the patient.

7. Assesses individuals/families 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.

8. 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.

9. Provides written consultation summary letter to physicians, healthcare providers and patient/ families as well as referral letters to consultative services. Develops standard counselling letter for various genetic disorders.

**Education**:
Master ’s degree in Genetic Counselling or Bachelor ’s Degree in Applied Sciences, Applied Health Education, or other related discipline pulse Diploma in Genetic Counselling (post-Bachelor Degree) is required.

**Experience Required**:
Grade 09:No experience required with Master’s, and two (2) years of related experience with Bachelor’s Degree Pulse Diploma is required.

Grade 10:Two (2) years of related experience with Master’s, or five (5) years with Bachelor Degree Pulse Diploma is required

**Other Requirements(Certificates)**:
Current Registration from country of origin and Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS) is required.