Associate Genetic Counsellor

SCOPE / PURPOSE OF JOB / JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

RESPONSIBILITIES

To be responsible for specific operational aspects of GENETIX Cancer Research Malaysia ( CTSB)’s genetic counselling service and research, including:

1. Conduct pre-clinic intakes and assist the Consultant Genetic Counsellor/Clinical Geneticist to provide pre-test and results disclosure. Provides comprehensive client consultation, assessment, and genetic counselling which involves diagnosing, communicating and educating clients and/or their families regarding genetic disorders or conditions; reviewing and discussing genetic tests results; outlining and recommending screening or medical availability including participating in research related to their condition; and explaining or arranging a course of action. Meetings can also involve reviewing results of genetic testing, counselling or discussing implications, and completing documentation.
2. Assessing the cost and quality of laboratory services.
3. Assisting the Risk Management Team (consultant surgeon, consultant gynae oncologist, consultant radiologist, consultant clinical geneticist) to provide appropriate risk management to relevant patients
4. Maintaining patient records in hard and soft copy
5. Assist in preparing and submitting internal and external reports, and
6. Complying with safety, ethical and regulatory requirements.
7. Assist in administrative processes in finance, marketing and public relations etc.

Other responsibilities include:

1. To assist in preparing reports and proposals for partners and other stakeholders asnecessary.
2. To take responsibility for designated projects as necessary.
3. To assist in maintaining effective partnerships with key stakeholders, particularly withcollaborators and commercial partners.
4. To undertake other duties that may be assigned from time to time e.g., administrative tasksas required.
5. To deputise for the Head of Genetic Counselling Services when appropriate.
6. To represent the team and GENETIX appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS

Essential Qualifications

A Master’s degree in Genetic Counselling from a recognised university or training programme, or an equivalent qualification

The successful candidate should:

1. Have appropriate training in clinical genetics, genomics and genetic counselling, including supervised clinical placements as part of their training / Masters programme
2. Demonstrate knowledge of the principles of genetic risk assessment, pedigree analysis, inheritance, genetic and genomic testing, and interpretation of genetic test results.
3. Be able to provide patient-centred and culturally responsive genetic counselling under appropriate supervision.
4. Understand the principles of informed consent, confidentiality, autonomy, psychosocial assessment and ethical practice ingenetics and genomics.
5. Be able to communicate complex genetic and genomic information clearly and sensitively to patients and families.
6. Demonstrate an understanding of the psychosocial and familial implications of genetic conditions and genetic testing.
7. Be willing to practise within their level of competence and seek appropriate clinical supervision and professional support.

Skills and Attributes

1. Strong interpersonal, counselling and communication skills.
2. Ability to communicate effectively with individuals and families from diverse cultural, linguistic and socioeconomicbackgrounds.
3. Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, including with medical specialists, laboratoryprofessionals, nurses and other allied health professionals.
4. Good organisational, documentation and time-management skills.
5. Ability to maintain accurate and confidential clinical records.
6. Demonstrates professionalism, empathy, reflective practice and sound ethical judgement.
7. Ability to work independently within defined professional boundaries while recognising when supervision or referral isrequired.
8. Good written and spoken English and Bahasa Malaysia. Proficiency in additional Malaysian languages or dialects would be anadvantage.

Desirable

1. Previous clinical experience in genetic counselling, genetics/genomics, oncology, paediatrics, reproductive genetics, rarediseases or another relevant healthcare setting.
2. Experience in pre-test and post-test genetic counselling and communicating genetic test results.
3. Experience in research, education, patient advocacy or community engagement related to genetics and genomics would bean advantage.

The Associate Genetic Counsellor will be expected to participate in regular clinical supervision, continuing professional development and reflective practice.

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