Genetic Counsellor - UBC, Vancouver

Role Overview

The casual genetic counsellor for the MAGERS (Metabolic and Genetic Explorations in Refractory Schizophrenia study) will provide coverage for the primary genetic counsellor. Responsibilities include obtaining three-generation pedigrees, providing psychiatric genetic counselling to research participants and families, designing components of the project dealing with the psychological impact of providing psychiatric genetic counselling, and aiding in project direction and administrative oversight.

Key duties

To gather complex clinical and genetic information required for the project and to coordinate relevant research procedures, major responsibilities include:

• Developing, preparing and completing patient case history files through interviews with patients and family members
• Eliciting patient/family concerns and analyzing inheritance patterns
• Summarizing data
• Obtaining relevant medical records
• Providing information to patients on particular disorders and assisting patients in coping with diagnosis
• Maintaining follow-up contacts with patients and families
• Maintaining awareness of developments in medical genetics relating to psychotic disorders
• Conducting clinical interviews for research purposes
• Assisting in development and implementation of new procedures
• Conducting research related to genetic counseling in psychosis
• Organizing and analyzing clinical research protocols and data
• Providing information to community physicians
• Performing other related duties

Requirements

Candidates must meet the following minimum qualifications and competencies:

• Master’s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling and one year of internship in medical genetics, or the equivalent in training and experience
• Board eligible for certification under the Canadian Association of Genetic Counselling or American Board of Genetic Counselling
• Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one’s own
• Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one’s own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred qualifications include a Bachelor of Science in psychology and/or research experience relevant to mental illness, a one-year internship in medical genetics or equivalent, and expertise with Mac operating systems. Candidates should also demonstrate the ability to effectively use job-specific software, build and maintain relationships, communicate effectively, stay organized, prioritize tasks under pressure, maintain attention to detail, deal with diverse people calmly, and work both independently and in a team environment.

Who you'll work with

The casual genetic counsellor will meet with the MAGERS project principal investigator on an as-needed basis while providing coverage for the primary genetic counsellor. The role involves providing occasional supervision when needed for other centre staff regarding financial and human resource matters, as well as supervising staff and students as required.