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State of Washington Classified Job Specification

GENETICS COUNSELOR 2

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GENETICS COUNSELOR 2
Class Code: 360F
Category: Social Services


Definition

Evaluate family history and genetic test results and provide genetic counseling services to patients and/or families. Participate in health sciences research, clinical care activities and/or participate in health sciences teaching activities.

Distinguishing Characteristics

Under general direction, analyze and interpret family histories and genetic test results. Assess individual and/or reproductive risk and counsel clients with complex genetics problems such as consanguinity, recurrent pregnancy loss, and/or family history of chromosome abnormalities. Conduct research; provide clinical care and/or instruction in genetic counseling.

Typical Work

Provide specialty consultation to other health care staff including community physicians and other primary care providers; 

Compile complete family history; obtain and review medical records; assess risk of genetic disease and provide grief and crisis counseling to individuals and/or families; 

Recommend specialized genetic testing; identify additional family members to be tested; 

Assist medical geneticist in identifying differential diagnosis and determining patient management needs; 

Discuss prognosis and management options with patient and primary caregiver and develop patient management plan; 

Educate patients regarding their genetic risks/options; explain disease signs and symptoms, probability of recurrence, prognosis, diagnostic methods/procedures, alternate courses of action and available options; 

Provide follow-up patient care; 

Coordinate patient services with social services, clergy, health care providers and other resources based upon evaluation of individual patient needs; 

Participate in teaching health care professionals, health sciences students and the general community; 

Assist principal investigator in developing and implementing investigative approaches; 

Develop procedures for data collection; make recommendations for services and/or program changes;  

Participate in the development of educational programs; 

May provide work direction for Genetics Counselor 1; 

Perform the duties of Genetics Counselor 1; 

Perform related duties as required.

Legal Requirement(s)

Accreditation Requirement:  Certification by a national certification board for medical genetics personnel as a Genetics Counselor. 

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

Desirable Qualifications

A Master's Degree in genetics counseling or a related field from a program accredited by a national certification board for medical genetics personnel 

AND 

One year of experience as a Genetics Counselor 1.

Class Specification History

New Class: 4-6-90
Revise Class: 6-4-93
Revised new class code: (formerly 6191) effective July 1, 2007

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.