(Career Asssessments, Exploration & Counselling)
Career: Genetic Counselors
Job Description
Assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. Provide information to other health care providers or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions. Advise individuals and families to support informed decision making and coping methods for those at risk. May help conduct research related to genetic conditions or genetic counseling.
Job Tasks
Importance %age |
Task Description |
100
|
Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology. |
100
|
Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance. |
100
|
Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians. |
100
|
Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions. |
100
|
Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings. |
100
|
Provide patients with information about the inheritance of conditions such as breast, ovarian, prostate and colon cancer; cardiovascular disease; Alzheimer's disease; and diabetes. |
100
|
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics. |
100
|
Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians. |
100
|
Assess patients' psychological or emotional needs such as those relating to stress, fear of test results, financial issues, and marital conflicts to make referral recommendations or assist patients in managing test outcomes. |
100
|
Refer patients to specialists or community resources. |
100
|
Prepare or provide genetics-related educational materials to patients or medical personnel. |
100
|
Design and conduct genetics training programs for physicians, graduate students, other health professions or the general community. |
100
|
Collect for or share with research projects patient data related to specific genetic disorders or syndromes. |
100
|
Engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics or genetic counseling. |
100
|
Identify funding sources and write grant proposals for eligible programs or services. |
97
|
Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data. |
97
|
Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes. |
97
|
Explain diagnostic procedures such as chorionic villus sampling (CVS), ultrasound, fetal blood sampling, and amniocentesis. |
94
|
Evaluate or make recommendations for standards of care or clinical operations, ensuring compliance with applicable regulations, ethics, legislation, or policies. |
Work Activities
Importance %age |
Activity Description |
88
|
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
|
85
|
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
|
81
|
Getting Information
|
80
|
Assisting and Caring for Others
|
73
|
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
|
72
|
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
|
70
|
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
|
69
|
Processing Information
|
69
|
Training and Teaching Others
|
69
|
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
|
68
|
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
|
68
|
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
|
68
|
Analyzing Data or Information
|
67
|
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
|
63
|
Documenting/Recording Information
|
57
|
Coaching and Developing Others
|
56
|
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
|
54
|
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
|
54
|
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
|
50
|
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
|
49
|
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
|
48
|
Performing Administrative Activities
|
47
|
Thinking Creatively
|
44
|
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
|
41
|
Scheduling Work and Activities
|
40
|
Developing and Building Teams
|
39
|
Interacting With Computers
|
38
|
Staffing Organizational Units
|
35
|
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
|
32
|
Developing Objectives and Strategies
|
29
|
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
|
28
|
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
|
11
|
Handling and Moving Objects
|
9
|
Selling or Influencing Others
|
6
|
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
|
6
|
Performing General Physical Activities
|
2
|
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
|
2
|
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
|
1
|
Controlling Machines and Processes
|
0
|
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
|
0
|
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
|