Genetic Counselor

As one of the nation’s leading pediatric health care systems, Nemours is committed to providing all children with their best chance to grow up healthy. We offer integrated, family-centered care to more than 300,000 children each year in our pediatric hospitals, specialty clinics and primary care practices in Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Nemours strives to ensure a healthier tomorrow for all children – even those who may never enter our doors – through our world-changing research, education and advocacy efforts. At Nemours, our Associates help us deliver on the promise we make to every family we have the privilege of serving: to treat their child as if they were our own. 

Genetic counseling services include obtaining and interpreting pertinent personal and family history, participating in the clinical diagnostic process, acting as a patient and family liaison, and serving as an educator and resource for patients and their families, in-house staff, other health care professionals, and the general public. Additionally, the genetic counselor coordinates appropriate genetic testing, discusses and obtains informed consent for genetic testing, interprets and reports test results, and provides access to follow-up referrals, resources and support as appropriate.

Within the division of neurology, the counselor will work in close partnership and with support from the genetic testing stewardship program (GTSP). The GC will provide information about genetic testing and its results to ordering clinicians. This GC will be a resource to clinicians within the neurology department who seek to order genetic testing. The GC will review genetic test requests for appropriateness to avoid duplicate, unnecessary or inappropriate testing. Review of the medical records may be necessary to assess the appropriateness of the test order. The GC may discuss appropriateness of testing or an alternative testing strategy with the ordering clinicians. The GC will monitor test utilization of in house providers and track recommendations, including potential cost savings and outcome data.

The GC will have direct patient contact to obtain informed consent and to return genetic testing results, as desired by the ordering clinician. The GC will review orders for signed consent, according to Delaware/Florida law. The GC will track ordered testing and follow up on results return. The GC will review results, inform the clinician of results and their interpretation, document discussion and recommended follow up.

The genetic counselor may also participate in the development and execution of clinical research studies, manuscript/abstract preparation and scientific presentations.

Essential Functions –

• Responsible for providing current and accurate information available regarding genetic testing, informed consent, results interpretation, and recommendations.
• Participates fully in the clinical genetics evaluation and documentation of physical exam under the supervision of the clinical geneticist in outpatient and inpatient settings.
• Provides clinical care to patients especially with regard to obtaining complete histories, reviewing past medical records, preparing cases, family history assessment, and coordination of diagnostic testing and follow up for individuals referred for genetic indications.
• Provides appropriate risk assessment, genetic counseling, and resource identification based on family history and genetic testing/evaluation.
• Follow up with patients as necessary regarding the disclosure and clear explanation of test results, recommendations, and psychosocial support in person, by phone, or via electronic communication.
• Communicate with appropriate medical staff for purposes of consultation, referral, and coordination of patient care. Assure complete and accurate documentation related to genetic information and genetic counseling in the medical record.
• Maintain up to date knowledge regarding clinical genetics by attending educational and scientific conferences and participation in continuing education regularly.
• Participate in the GTSP to manage utilization of testing by working with clinical staff to review test orders and help advise ordering providers.
• Track requested orders and orders placed after review, including the cost or potential cost of the requested orders and orders placed after review.
• Track test ordered and monitor results return.
• Review results and flag critical results within the EMR.
• Follow up with clinician to guide disclosure of results and clear explanation of test results, recommendations.

• Requirements

   Master’s degree from an Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling-accredited program and be either board certified or have active candidate status at the time of hire (i.e. working on passing board exam). Minimum 1 - 3 years job related experience.

Our dedication to professionals who are dedicated to children frequently earns Nemours a spot on the list of top workplaces in the communities we serve. Our Associates enjoy comprehensive benefits, including our unique “Bridge to a Healthy Future” pediatric health plan, an integrated wellness program, opportunities for professional growth, and much more. As an equal opportunity employer, Nemours focuses on the best-qualified applicants for our openings.