GENERAL SUMMARY/OVERVIEW STATEMENT:

The Genetic Counselor Manager for the MGH Prenatal Diagnostic Center is an essential leadership position within the Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine.  This experienced healthcare professional will lead our team of genetic counselors and other staff in the delivery of evidence-based, patient-centered, consistent, high quality patient care, promote the development and satisfaction of their team, and participate in the development of protocols and best practices for the OB/GYN department, the hospital, and affiliated institutions with regards to genetic testing.  Direct patient care as well as mentorship of genetic counseling staff are critical elements of this roll.

The Prenatal Genetic Counselors at MGH, as members of a multi-disciplinary team, provide compassionate and personalized care for patients and their families around prenatal genetic issues (including advanced maternal age, prior infant/pregnancy with a genetic syndrome or birth defect, carrier screening, screening for chromosomal abnormalities, ultrasound findings, diagnostic testing, family history of birth defect or genetic condition, and consanguinity). This includes review of medical records, obtaining family and pregnancy histories, providing education and risk assessment, explanation of screening and diagnostic tools, review of genetic literature, coordination of additional testing and referrals, interpretation of results, and communication of results to the patient and the referring clinician.  The genetic counselors serve as a resource to the multidisciplinary team and participate in perinatal conferences, program committees, and educational activities for physicians and staff.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Genetic Counselor Manager Responsibilities:

In conjunction with the MFM Division Chief and the Director of the Prenatal Diagnostic Center, the genetic counselor manager is responsible for the content of all pre- and post-test counseling whether performed by obstetricians, nurses, midwives or genetic counselors.

Management/Leadership Responsibilities

• Review current literature and help to develop department protocols and guidelines
• Provides technical and professional leadership in the planning and execution of day-to-day activities of the prenatal diagnostic center and satellite locations; independently determines methods and techniques for achieving project/program objectives
• Updates knowledge of current developments in the prenatal field and genetic community by reading journal articles, attending educational meetings, and other resources for continuing education
• Attend regional and national meetings and disseminate information learned.
• Liaison to staff/MDs within and beyond the OB/GYN department representing OB genetic counselors
• Supervise genetic counseling staff for Yawkey 4, MG West and MG North
• Staff management including: recruitment, management and corrective action (if necessary) of genetic counselors
• Performance evaluations of all genetic counselors and genetic counseling assistants
• Develop & maintain competencies for the genetic counseling staff
• Development and maintenance of genetic counselor schedule
• Liaison between Prenatal Diagnostic Center, MGH Laboratory, and Specialty laboratories
• Organization of weekly multidisciplinary case conference, including active case and pending delivery list for the MFM and NICU staff
• Maintain statistics for prenatal diagnosis
• Identify issues/concerns and address them in conjunction with staff
• Provide educational support to maternal-fetal medicine, ultrasonography and obstetrics staff
• Report birth defects to MA department of public health monthly
• Recruit, interview and hire of new employees in conjunction with the MFM Division Chief

Clinical Care Responsibilities

• Identifies families at risk for genetic disorders, children with birth defects, or a variety of other inherited conditions.
• Obtain medical and family history of patients and review pertinent medical records.

• Perform risk assessment and discuss the pattern of inheritance pertinent to the specific disorder(s) that have been diagnosed in the family, and review recurrence risks for at-risk family members.
• Interprets complex genetic and laboratory data/test results. Communicates findings with patients and providers.
• Perform a psychosocial assessment and provide psychosocial support; counsel patients regarding available testing options and explore the risks and benefits of testing.
• Provide immediate support and comfort to women found in ultrasound to have a fetal abnormality as needed
• Assist patients with navigation of financial aspects associated with genetic testing
• Complete chart notes of the counseling session for the family, medical records, and the referring physician
• Provide backup support for other genetic counselors in the department.
• Provide appropriate written information to families about support groups and resources for their specific disorder or circumstance; facilitate referrals as needed; respond to patient's questions/concerns in a timely manner.
• Provides follow-up discussions when needed in person or by telephone with families seen for diagnostic evaluations and/or counseling by maternal-fetal medicine specialists or genetic counselor.
• Administrative tasks including obtaining prior authorizations, and other required paperwork for genetic tests
• Supervise genetic counseling students

Adheres to the MGH patient privacy & confidentiality policy regarding verbal, written, and electronic patient information.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES required:

Ability to perform all the responsibilities of a prenatal genetic counselor

Personal and professional integrity

Creative problem solving within a dynamic multidisciplinary environment

Program planning and leadership skills

Responsiveness to patient and staff needs, follows up to ensure goals are met

Partnership with staff of diverse knowledge and background to optimize patient care and experience

Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues

Receptive to others’ ideas and opinions

Identifies opportunities for improvement in clinical and administrative processes

Knowledge of genetic risk groups and factors

Understand implications of test results

Ability to access national and local databases

LICSENCES, CERTIFICATIONS, and/or REGISTRATIONS (if applicable):

Board Certification as a Genetic Counselor required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

3-4 Full time genetic counselors and genetic counseling assistant

FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY (if applicable):

N/A

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Full time position with protected administrative time for leadership responsibilities and administrative tasks

Outpatient office setting with time spent at all 3 locations (Boston – main campus, Waltham and Danvers).

EEO Statement 

Massachusetts General Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. Applications from protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged.