Lead Genetic Counselor

Lead Genetic Counselor

The Lead Genetic Counselor of WVU Medicine is charged with providing expert genetic counseling services to patients and families, and serving as an administrative, clinical and educational leader. This role involves direct patient care, oversight and mentorship of other genetic counselors, participation in research and quality improvement initiatives, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams. The Lead Genetic Counselor will also be responsible for developing and implementing protocols and procedures for the clinical enterprise, as well as for Peak Health, a provider-led health plan, and ensuring adherence to professional standards and ethical guidelines. This position is expected to require 50% administrative effort (WVUH 10%, Peak Health 40%), and 50% clinical effort (WVUH).

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Master's degree in genetic counseling or a closely related field such as biology, biochemistry, genetics, or psychology.

2. Board certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).

3. Valid driver's license.

4. At least five years as a Genetic Counselor or relevant experience in the field.

5. At least three years leadership/administrative experience in a leadership role supervising others, leading quality improvement initiatives, developing educational programs, etc.

6. A deep understanding of genetic principles, testing technologies, and ethical considerations.

7. Exceptional interpersonal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Active participation in a professional organization (e.g., the National Society of Genetic Counselors).

2. At least seven years as a Genetic Counselor or relevant experience in the field.

3. Work experience as a genetic counselor in an academic medical center.

4. Specialized experience in a specific area of genetic counseling (e.g., pediatrics, obstetrics, cancer, etc.).

5. Demonstrated proficiency in complex case management and risk assessment.

6. Experience developing and implementing new genetic counseling programs or services.

7. Experience leading or participating in quality improvement initiatives to enhance patient care and service delivery.

8. Participation in research projects related to genetic counseling or clinical genetics, including publications or presentations.

9. Experience developing and delivering educational programs for healthcare professionals or the community.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Provide healthcare services consistent with state law and the requirements of the professional licensing or certification authority and/or hospital privileges, where applicable.

2. Obtain and interpret specific data including family history, birth history, medical history and test results. Integrate clinic and genetic information for specialized laboratory and clinical testing. Assess the patient and family members; level of understanding of development and behavioral relationships.

3. Provides genetic counseling to patients and families, including a wide range of genetic conditions with assessment of recurrence and occurrence of the condition, nature of the condition, mode of inheritance, recurrence risk, treatments, prognosis, available services and support groups.

4. Handle complex inquiries from patients, physicians, nurses and community agencies regarding patient referrals, management and genetic questions. Develop a working knowledge of healthcare and social services available to children with special needs in West Virginia and surrounding states.

5. Intervention with local families, agencies and physicians by heightening the awareness of services and health behaviors that may reduce the symptoms of a genetic condition; facilitate the successful adaptation of the disease process; education about, administer and monitor responses of therapy of genetic conditions; advocate for and facilitate access to genetic resources and support groups; and network with members of the genetic community locally, nationally and internationally as needed.

6. Oversee caseload management and ensure quality of work among the team.

7. Train and onboard new staff.

8. Develop and deliver educational programs for healthcare professionals, students, and the community including lectures and presentations on genetic evaluation and genetic conditions.

9. Develop and implement clinical protocols and guidelines for the program.

10. Ensure program compliance with regulations and standards.

11. Assess areas of need for genetic counseling services and develop strategies for program growth and outreach.

12. Work with the Office of Physician and Provider Talent Management, to provide oversight of the genetic counselor selection process, and input on specific hiring decisions.

13. Work with Human Resources and the Chief Medical Officer to establish genetic counselor compensation.

14. Integrate emerging technologies into clinical practice.

15. Work with WVU Hospital leaders to identify competency requirements for specific privileges.

16. Travel to provide care or evaluate the quality of care at outreach clinics.

17. With system and local leaders, oversee genetic counselors' professional development, ensure genetic counselors participate in required and appropriate continuing education, and promote continued learning and ongoing evaluation of education gaps in genetic counselors' performance.

18. Keep the Department Chairs and Chief Medical Officer apprised of significant issues involving the genetic counselors.

19. Serve on committees to enhance patient care and operations.

20. Perform other duties as assigned by the Chief Medical Officer.

21. Maintain clinical practice.

22. Peak Health: Facilitate development of new policies related to genetic testing and treatments for Medical Necessity.

23. Peak Health: Facilitate review and editing of existing policies related to genetic testing and treatments for Medical Necessity.

24. Peak Health: Advise Peak Health medical directors, nurses and pharmacists related to prior authorization reviews and other items related to genetic testing/treatment.

25. Peak Health: Assist and advise Peak Health leaders in discussions/negotiations with vendors external to Peak Health in areas related to genetic testing/treatment.

26. Peak Health: Educate and advise Peak Health medical directors, nurses, pharmacists and others in areas related to genetics, genetic counseling, genetic testing and treatment of genetic disorders.

Skills and Abilities:

1. Proficiency in using genetic databases, software applications, and electronic health records.

2. Ability to interpret medical records and collaborate with other healthcare professionals.

3. Proficiency in risk assessment, pedigree analysis, and interpretation of genetic testing results.

4. Ability to explain complex genetic information in a clear and understandable manner to patients and families.

5. Strong organizational and record keeping skills.

6. Experience in performance evaluation and professional development.

7. Ability and willingness to give constructive feedback.

8. Credibility, problem solving, teamwork, consensus building, conflict resolution, and developing innovative solutions.

9. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and an effective, active listener.

10. Ability to work and function in a large, geographically dispersed, matrix organization.

11. Ability to seize new opportunities and generate new ideas.

12. Viewed by his/her colleagues as an exemplar of professionalism and is passionate regarding the provision of clinical genetics.

13. A management philosophy that exemplifies accountability, integrity, self-awareness, respect for others, collaboration, willingness to share and teach, customer service orientation, and commitment to excellence in all endeavors.

Additional Job Description:

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40

Shift: Exempt/Non-Exempt: United States of America (Exempt)

Company: UHA University Health Associates

Cost Center: 500 SMG Administration

Address: 1 Medical Center Drive Morgantown West Virginia

Equal Opportunity Employer

University Health Associates and its subsidiaries (collectively "UHA") is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local fair employment practices laws. UHA strictly prohibits and does not tolerate discrimination against employees, applicants, or any other covered persons because of race, color, religion, creed, national origin or ancestry, ethnicity, sex (including gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), age, physical or mental disability, citizenship, past, current, or prospective service in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, or local law. All UHA employees, other workers, and representatives are prohibited from engaging in unlawful discrimination. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, training, promotion, discipline, compensation, benefits, and termination of employment.