Genetics Counsellor I

Your Opportunity:

Alberta Health Services is an organization where excellence, innovation and advanced learning are valued and aligned with a philosophy of Patient and Family Centered Care. As a member of our team, the successful candidate will work with some of the best professionals in Canada at one of the nation’s largest employers. The Edmonton Medical Genetics clinic provides a full range of comprehensive genetic services to those residing in the Alberta and the Northwest Territories. Services include general genetics (pediatrics and adult) with specialty services in cancer, cardiology, hematology, metabolics, neurogenetics, prenatal and others. As a member of a team that includes 12 Genetic Counsellors, 2 Dietitians, 5 Genetic Assistants, 11 Medical Geneticists and 2 Nurses, you will provide genetic counselling to individuals and families affected with, at-risk for, or coping with genetic disease in a supportive and non-directive manner that promotes informed choice. The successful candidate will be providing genetic counselling predominately within the cancer service but also could include other areas as required. Housed at the Stollery Children’s Hospital, the primary acute care center for children in the Edmonton Area and Western Canada, the Stollery developed as a specialized site with expertise and programs to ensure children who require inpatient services receive the best care possible. Highly skilled child health professionals from around the world have made the Stollery a well-recognized center for specialized pediatric services. For questions related to this posting, please reach out to the Lead Genetic Counsellor, Sajid Merchant, at 780-407-7333.

Description:

As a Genetics Counsellor I, you will determine a patient or family's risk for a genetic condition, interpret test results, analyze inheritance patterns and risks of occurrence or recurrence, and review available options with the individual/family in a manner that promotes informed choice. You will assist patients, families and medical care providers to understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of how genetics contributes to disease. In addition, you will guide individuals/families in discussions about testing options, test result interpretation, prevention, medical management, newborn metabolic screening, and options for prenatal diagnosis. You will also provide supportive counselling to individuals/families with sensitivity to ethnic and cultural diversity and they address potential ethical issues. Furthermore, you will serve as a patient advocate and refer individuals and families to available support services, and as an educator and resource people for other healthcare professionals and the general public.