Genetic Counselor

Clinical & Metabolic Genetic Services provides the highest quality genetic health care services for Calgary and the surrounding area. Genetic Services are organized in a hub-and-spoke structure, with core facility located at the Alberta Children’s Hospital, and peripheral clinic sites located at Richmond Road Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Cambrian Wellness Centre, Chinook Regional Hospital and Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. This 1.0 RFT Genetic Counsellor Position is assigned to the Clinical Genetics Division at the Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary. This position reports to the Unit Manager of Genetic Services. You will be a key system partner in the effective provision of genetic heath care activities at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Working in a shared care model in close partnership with medical geneticists, genetic counsellors, genetic assistants, administrative support, and other health care professionals, your clinical practice will primarily focus on neurogenetics and general genetics, including movement disorders, neurodevelopmental disorders, and neurodegenerative conditions. You will be responsible for maintaining effective relationships with patients and families, as well as their care providers, including providing personalized psychosocial support, counselling, communication and resources. You will be an expert in the field of rare disease diagnostics, ensuring health services are respectful, responsive and relevant to patient needs, preference and expectation, and based on scientific knowledge and evidence-based practice. Your role in coordination of care and interdisciplinary collaboration is paramount.

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/or medical care providers to understand and adapt to the medical, psychological and familial implications of how genetics contributes to disease. In addition, you may guide individuals/families and other clinicians in discussions about testing options, test result interpretation, prevention, medical management, newborn metabolic screening, and options for prenatal diagnosis. You may also provide supportive counselling to individuals/families and other clinicians with sensitivity to ethnic and cultural diversity and how they address potential ethical issues. Furthermore, you may serve as a patient advocate and refer individuals and families to available support services, and as an educator and resource for other healthcare professionals and the general public.

Master's degree in Genetic Counselling. Board Certification or eligibility with either the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors (CAGC) or the American Board of Genetic Counsellors (ABGC).

At least 1-2 years’ recent (within last 5 years) experience working in a clinical setting, ideally in the areas of neurodevelopmental, neurogenetic and rare disease diagnosis and counselling. Expertise in analyzing and accurately interpreting complex genetic, genomic, medical and family data to arrive at a diagnosis for pediatric patients. Recognized aptitude for relationship management, including significant experience establishing and maintaining collaborative professional relationships and working effectively within shared care multidisciplinary teams. Proven ability to participate productively in a team environment, including understanding own role and the roles of other professionals, and actively seeking, respecting, considering and being receptive to the diverse perspectives and opinions of collaborators. Demonstrated emotional self-awareness and self-management, including the ability to build understanding and shared meaning between people, and strong problem solving and conflict management skills. Experience actively participating in organizational change initiatives including building a shared vision, identifying and addressing associated risks, developing new processes and workflows, monitoring performance goals and metrics, using positive feedback and recognition to support coworkers, and serving as a resource to colleagues.

Experience with genomics-based research initiatives and rare disease networks and organizations, ideally in the areas of neurogenetics and rare disease diagnosis and counselling. Previous experience providing genetic healthcare services to children, youth, and their families at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. Familiarity with Genetic Services specific processes, policies and procedures.