This is a description of a Staff Position Classification. It is not an announcement of a position opening. To view descriptions of current openings, please go to UNMJobs and Search Postings to view positions that are currently accepting applications.
The following statements are intended to describe, in broad terms, the general functions and responsibility levels characteristic of positions assigned to this classification. They should not be viewed as an exhaustive list of the specific duties and prerequisites applicable to individual positions that have been so classified.
Summary
Under limited supervision, oversees and administers a genetic education, counseling, and psychological support program for patients and/or for families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders or who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Oversees patient testing and independently prepares comprehensive assessments of genetic risk. Coordinates, leads, and supports clinical and/or research activities within area of expertise. Provides training, guidance, and professional leadership to lower level counselors and/or other patient care staff; may develop and deliver curriculum to graduate or undergraduate students as a member of adjunct faculty.
Duties and Responsibilities
Oversees and coordinates the provision of direct patient care and assessment, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations, policies and established quality standards for clinical operations; provides direct patient care and professional assessment as appropriate to clinic requirements.
Assesses family history, and counsels patients and/or families in cases of genetic disorders or birth defects; assists families in understanding the diagnosis, probable course of the disorder, and available management strategies.
Evaluates patient information and history and determines appropriate course for genetic testing, if applicable; ensures that patients and/or families understand implications, risks, and benefits of testing.
Provides technical and professional leadership in the planning and execution of day-to-day program activities of the clinic; independently determines methods and techniques for achieving project/program objectives, within area of expertise.
Oversees or performs the administrative and day-to-day operational activities of the clinic, to include patient charting and records, facilities operations, fiscal management, and administrative support activities.
Designs and implement systems to collect, maintain, and analyze operational data; generates various regular and ad hoc reports, as well as other information related to projects and/or programs.
Develops and presents educational and related programs for medical practitioners, patient care staff, and students, within area of expertise; may develop and present individual and/or clinical classroom curriculum within area of expertise.
Develops operating goals and objectives for the unit; implements and administers methods and procedures to enhance operations, as appropriate to the unit.
Performs community liaison, presentation, and outreach activities for specific programs and/or projects, as appropriate; may assist in the development and preparation of promotional materials, educational materials, and various other media.
May plan and develop strategies for generating resources and/or revenues for specific clinical projects or programs; may prepare contract or grant proposals.
Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.
Minimum Job Requirements
Master's degree in Genetic Counseling or directly equivalent discipline; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: Board Certification as a Genetic Counselor.
Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required
Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community.
Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
Knowledge of clinical operations and procedures.
Ability to gather data, compile information, and prepare reports.
Knowledge of human genetic disorders within an area of professional specialty.
Skill in organizing resources and establishing priorities.
Skill in examining and re-engineering operations and procedures, formulating policy, and developing and implementing new strategies and procedures.
Ability to develop, plan, and implement short- and long-range goals.
Ability to supervise, advise, and train clinical professionals and/or students in area of expertise.
Ability to apply mental health counseling methods and techniques.
Ability to make administrative and procedural decisions and judgments on sensitive, confidential issues.
Knowledge of current principles, methods and procedures for the delivery of medical evaluation, diagnosis and treatment in area of expertise.
Ability to develop and maintain record-keeping systems and procedures.
Ability to develop and present educational programs and/or workshops.
Program planning and leadership skills.
Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate individual patient care programs.
Conditions of Employment
Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status, if applicable.
Must maintain certification and/or licensure status.
Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.
Successful candidate must submit to a post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check. Additional health screenings may be required, dependent on the nature of the research conducted, as determined by Employee Occupational Health Services.
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
Work is performed in an interior medical/clinical environment.
No or very limited physical effort required.
No or very limited exposure to physical risk.
The University of New Mexico provides all training required by OSHA to ensure employee safety.
