Under general supervision, to counsel, support, educate, and inform individuals and families with or at risk of inherited genetic disorders and birth defects about the medical, scientific, and psychological resources available to them; to promote an understanding of birth disorders so that individuals and families can adapt to the risk or condition and make informed choices. Because we serve patients throughout multiple hospitals and clinics, you may have to work at different sites. We will meet any obligations we may have when this occurs. The following are the duties performed by employees in this classification. However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level. Each individual in the classification does not necessarily perform all duties listed. Establishes a agreed upon genetic counseling agenda with the patient and their family; Elicits and obtains family history and medical information, including pregnancy development; Provides professional psychosocial genetic counseling to individuals regarding hereditary conditions posing potential risks to their children; Recommends medical or genetic testing to individuals/families at risk for genetic diseases or birth defects; Educates and explains technical and medical aspects of diagnostic and screening methods and reproductive options, including associated risks, benefits, and limitations; Coordinates communication between patient and multi-disciplinary medical team in the diagnosis and evaluation of birth conditions; Provides direct in-patient and out-patient care, including at satellite clinics; Charts, reports, coordinates, and categorizes clinical testing and test results that are approved by the specialty clinician; Supervises and teaches genetic counseling interns; Educates medical students, nurses, residents, and fellows through research, community outreach, and multi-disciplinary clinic development regarding genetic counseling and treatment services and current medical genetic updates; Responds to individuals/families in a timely manner; May be assigned as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW), as required•; Performs other duties, as required. Sufficient education, training, and experience to demonstrate the ability to perform the above tasks, plus the possession and direct application of the following knowledge and abilities:

Training and Experience Note :

The required knowledge and abilities are attained through possession of a Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling/Human Genetics or closely related field; and Two (2) years of full-time experience working as a Genetic Counselor equivalent to Genetic Counselor I with the County of Santa Clara. Special Requirements Possess and maintain a Genetic Counselor license issued by the California Department of Public Health, in good standing, for the duration of employment in this classification. Possess and maintain a valid certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, for the duration of employment in this classification. Ability to travel to alternate locations in the course of work. If driving, possession of a valid California driver's license prior to appointment and the ability to qualify for and maintain a County driver authorization. •As a condition of employment, pursuant to California Government Code Sections 3100-3109 and Local Ordinance, all County of Santa Clara employees are designated Disaster Service Workers (DSWs), including extra help. A DSW is required to complete all assigned DSW-related training, and in the event of an emergency, return to work as ordered.

Knowledge of :

Principles of supervision and training and methods of instruction; Clinical expertise in area of specialty; Inherited disorders and detectable conditions; Effective counseling technique and session structure; Benefits and risks of noninvasive screening and invasive diagnostic testing; Effective techniques for individual case management and collaboration with multidisciplinary health professionals to promote patient care; Relevant community agencies and available public and private support services; Age-specific competencies required for effective counseling on cases involving infants, children, adolescents, adults, and geriatrics; English usage, style, grammar, punctation, and spelling; Common computer systems and applications. Ability to : Supervise and assign the work of interns; Obtain and interpret family medical histories to assess the chance of disease occurrence or recurrence; Work in collaboration with health professionals to assist families facing prenatal genetic abnormalities and birth defects; Identify and respond to issues and problems effectively and in a timely manner; Maintain confidentiality; listen and obtain clarification to ensure that instructions/requests are fully comprehended; Educate individuals, families, and medical professionals about inherited genetic disorders or birth defects and the medical testing, scientific research, clinical trials, psychological resources, and other options available; Counsel patients and families to promote informed choices on various treatment options and adaptation to the risk or birth health condition; Counsel patients and families with sensitivity toward those at risk of genetic defects or birth disorders; Translate complex language of genetic medicine into understandable terms; Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures; Establish and maintain effective relationships with those contacted in the course of work, at all levels, including colleagues, the public, and representatives of other agencies. Special Requirement Travel to and provide services at satellite clinics as required.