Genetic Counselor BWH Neurology
Brigham & Women's Hospital(BWH)

Job Info

Increasingly, there is growing recognition that many neurological diseases have a genetic basis, with implications for diagnosis, treatment, and family planning. In particular, the Movement Disorders, Epilepsy, and Neuromuscular Divisions care for patients with diseases with a strong genetic predisposition. These include ataxia, dystonia and familial parkinsonism, many forms of focal and generalized epilepsies, and familial neuropathies and myopathies. In Epilepsy and Neumuscular fields, recognition of the genetic basis of several epilepsy syndromes has ushered precision medicine approaches with several ongoing and upcoming clinical trials. To provide optimal care, these patients are in need of genetic risk assessment, genetic diagnosis, genetic testing, genetic counseling, and/or management of genetic disease. Care is provided by clinicians who have received training in Neurology, with varying degrees of training in genetics. Genetic counselors are experts in assisting with the diagnosis, management and counseling issues related to adult onset disease as well adults with genetic disease diagnosed in childhood. Genetic counselors work collaboratively with physicians involved in patient care, and the presence of genetic counselors is widespread in many specialty clinics at our institution, throughout the Harvard Medical affiliates, and throughout the world. Genetic counselors may also advise, help interpret and discuss exome and genome sequencing studies. This genetic counselor position will fill an unmet need in the Movement Disorders, Epilepsy, and Neuromuscular Divisions, offering a novel clinical service to patients for diagnosis and clinical management. In addition, this Genetic Counselor position will be closely aligned with novel gene/undiagnosed disease programs such as variant interpretation through the Clinical Genome Analysis Platform (CGAP), the Brigham Genomic Medicine Program and translational research efforts. We envision a full time position with the genetic counselor's time distributed amongst the three divisions.

Qualifications
PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

GENETIC COUNSELOR
• Participates in diagnostic evaluations in the Movement Disorders, Epilepsy, and Neuromuscular Clinics at BWH and other BWH clinical programs as needed. Obtains and analyzes family history, reviews clinical information on patients, performs research as necessary, and coordinates diagnostic testing. Reviews information with physicians, provides documentation of conclusions, and follows-up on outstanding laboratory data, including ensuring results have been communicated to patients.
• Provides genetic counseling services through BWH clinics as well as other clinical programs in the Mass General Brigham system as needed. Interprets family history, clinical findings and laboratory data to provide counseling for individuals or families at risk for specific hereditary disorders.
• Participates in analysis of genomic data from patients evaluated in clinic under supervision of Clinical Chief.

QUALIFICATIONS:
• Masters degree from a program accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Board certification or board eligibility as a genetic counselor by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling is required.
• Massachusetts state licensure required.

SKILLS/ABILITIES/COMPETENCIES REQUIRED:
Essential (required):

1. Work requires experience with computer programs including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel and Access.
2. Work requires strong communication skills that allow effective interaction with both medical professionals and patients or families
3. Work requires excellent written communication at both medical and lay levels.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Outpatient clinical setting in a busy, urban academic hospital.

EEO Statement
BWH is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.