Perinatal Counselor

SSH South Shore Hospital, Inc.; United States; On-site; USD 57,000 - 82,000; Part time

Job summary

South Shore Health is seeking a part-time Genetic Counselor in Weymouth, MA. The role focuses on counseling patients and families on genetic issues and diagnostic procedures, interpreting lab results, and coordinating follow-up care within a compassionate, high-stress environment.

Ideal candidates hold MA/MS in Genetic Counseling with 1–3 years of experience, and demonstrated strong communication and interpersonal skills. This on-site position supports the MFM unit and related programs.

Qualifications

• Must have MA/MS with specialty in Genetic Counseling preferred.
• One to three years of genetic counseling or related experience.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially in crisis situations.

Responsibilities

• Counsels patients and families on genetic counseling issues.
• Interprets genetic laboratory results and communicates findings to patients/providers.
• Gathers, interprets and delivers information to patients and families in a timely fashion.
• Maintains patient confidentiality and supports families in difficult decisions.
• Serves as a resource to staff and providers regarding genetic counseling matters.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Education

MA/MS in Genetic Counseling

Job description

Facility: LOC0001 - 55 Fogg Road55 Fogg Road Weymouth, MA 02190 Department Name: SSH Laborist APC PB Status: Part time Budgeted Hours: 0 Shift: Day (United States of America)

Responsible for counseling patients and families concerning genetic and non-genetic problems. Serves as a resource to patients, families and health care providers regarding genetic counseling issues. Works closely with patients during highly stressful times and deals with sensitive information in an empathetic and supportive manner. Participates in developing new programs related to the MFM unit

Compensation Pay Range: $41.30 - $59.70

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Counsels patients/families referred for the following:
   • Abnormal serum screening results
   • Advanced maternal age
   • Difficult decision making
   • First trimester/integrated screening
   • Pregnancy loss
   • Suspected/known fetal anomalies
   • Significant family history
   • Ultrasound findings
   • Teratogens
2. Counsels patients/families regarding diagnostic procedures:
   • Amniocentesis
   • Chorionic villus sampling (CVS)
   • Percutaneous blood sampling (PUBS)
3. Obtains family histories and evaluates need for further testing/screening:
   • Counsels patient/families regarding significant family histories
   • Makes appropriate referrals for further testing/screening
   • Triages/reviews patient histories and ensures appropriate scheduling of appointments
   • Understands that needs of patients are priorities
   • Interprets genetic laboratory results and communicates to patient/provider
   • Gathers, interprets and delivers information to patient/families in a timely fashion
   • Maintains patient confidentiality
4. Serves as a resource to staff, patient, providers regarding genetic counseling issues:
   • Provides educational programs to health care providers
   • Acts as a resource to health care providers within the hospital and the community
   • Involved in training/supervising of genetic counseling students
   • Adapts teaching/counseling format as appropriate to the patient's cognitive ability
   • Provides appropriate follow-up support/referrals
   • Supports patient/families with difficult decisions by demonstrating an understanding of the patient's reaction to "bad news" and responds with empathy and support
   • Assesses patient/families ability to cope with "bad news" and makes appropriate referrals
5. Maintains relationship with outside laboratories and is aware of quality assurance issues.
6. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:
   • Keeps abreast of changes in field, new technologies
   • Maintains membership with NSGC and/or governing board.
   • Maintains board eligibility/board certification (ABMG)
   • Attends educational seminars and meetings
   • Functions as a role model for staff by facilitating problem resolution among peers and demonstrating a constructive approach in interactions with staff and management
   • Demonstrates willingness to identify and/or assume activities relative to the ongoing development of the unit
   • Self-caring to reduce compassion fatigue
7. COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL SKILLS:
   • Communicates with staff effectively, resolving conflicts as they arise
   • Brings conflicts to the attention of the Director when appropriate
   • Communicates with patients/families effectively and respectfully

JOB REQUIREMENTS

Minimum Education - Preferred MA/MS with specialty in Genetic Counseling preferred Minimum Work Experience One to three years of genetic counseling or directly related experience. Required additional Knowledge and Abilities Good communication and interpersonal skills, especially in the areas of counseling and sensitivity to people in crisis. Maintains professional attitude in dealing with patients and staff. Ability to work in stressful situations within specific time frames while maintaining a professional and calm attitude. Day shift as needed Responsibilities if Required: Education if Required: License/Registration/Certification Requirements:

South Shore Health is a not-for-profit, charitable health system offering primary and specialty care, hospital care, home health and community care, emergency and urgent care, and preventative and wellness services. We are the largest independent health system in southeastern Massachusetts. South Shore Health brings together like-minded people who work "As One" toward a common goal of providing exceptional care the people of our region deserve. We unite top-caliber talent, technology, and service with the wishes and personal needs of patients and their families to develop individualized treatment plans.