Genetic Counselor

Job Description:

Unit-specific Responsibilities

1) The Genetic Counselor will provide genetic counseling to patients presenting to the University of Chicago GI Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic and Affiliated Medical Centers.

2) Participate in day-to-day management and coordination of all Cancer Risk Clinic/Clinical Cancer Genetics activities in the Center including opportunities to lead clinical development.

3) This unique position is multi-faceted and includes patient assessment and testing, involvement in research and teaching opportunities.

4) Involvement in professional organizations is also encouraged and facilitated.

5) Patient assessment includes clinical and laboratory studies as well as evaluation of psychological and psychosocial adjustment.

6) Data collected include personal and family histories, environmental exposure, tobacco and alcohol use, and emotional functioning.

7) Appropriate physical examinations are performed and, if indicated (family pedigree is suspicious for hereditary disease), blood is obtained from patients and family members and banked for future genetic analysis as available and appropriate.

8) Protocols for blood draw, genetic testing and results disclosure have been developed to take into account the broad range of psychological, psychosocial (e.g., family) and financial (e.g., insurance) implications.

9) The Center facilitates access to genetic testing protocols, genetic counseling, and clinical research protocols in early detection and prevention strategies to a broader global network of collaborators and former trainees.

10) In addition, the Center has developed recruitment strategies to expand the numbers and the diversity of patients seen in the GI Cancer Risk and Prevention Clinic and participating in clinical research protocols focused on behavioral modification and cancer prevention.

11) The position involves technically advanced work, requires the ability to perform tasks independently with minimal supervision, and coordination with multiple personnel.

12) Collaborations with other laboratories and investigators within the Section and Department are routine.
 

Unit-preferred Competencies

1) Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field.

2) Relies on experience and judgment to plan and accomplish goals.

3) A degree of creativity and latitude.

4) Reading, writing, verbal communication and strong organizational skills.

5) Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.

6) Ability to work skillfully with a diverse population.

7) Ability to use a computer.

8) Sedentary work (desk based, sitting for long periods of time), tallying, handling and fingering, some light work (lifting and carrying boxes of material).

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via the Applicant Inquiry Form.

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