Genetic Counsellor, Genetics Program - Temporary Full-Time (1.0)

Compensation Pay Range:

$45.73-$57.11

Job Description:

Please Note: If you are a current CHEO employee with access to Workday, please apply to this posting via the Workday application as an internal applicant using the Jobs Hub.

To successfully apply for this position, please submit your application by 11:59 pm the day before the advertised closing date in the posting to ensure your application is received.

Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinabek territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land.

CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to nearly 4,500 staff and physicians dedicated to helping children and youth live their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system.

POSITION SUMMARY:

A Genetic Counsellor is required to work as a member of the CHEO Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory team, under the general supervision of the laboratory manager and laboratory head.

As part of the CHEO Regional Genetics Program, The CHEO Genetics Diagnostic Laboratory provides comprehensive diagnostic genetic testing for both pediatric and adult populations including genome-wide analysis such as karyotyping, SNP microarray and whole genome/exome sequencing to more targeted testing including FISH, gene panels and single gene testing.

We are looking for enthusiastic qualified individuals who wish to use their clinical expertise to interpret and communicate the results of genetic testing in a stimulating and supportive environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Develop a knowledge of testing technologies used in the laboratory
2. Be familiar with genomic diagnostics, and become proficient in data interpretation
3. Prepare draft laboratory reports
4. Perform data analysis and literature searches to provide clinical interpretation of genetic variants to assess their clinical relevance
5. Participate in design and maintenance of report templates including potential test interpretations
6. Respond to enquiries and provide information and support to health care providers and laboratory staff including the appropriate use of genetic tests, limitations / accuracy of tests, possible testing outcomes, sample requirements, interpretation of results and general genetics-related questions
7. Act as a liaison between clinical professionals and genetics laboratories to ensure continuity of care through counselling, testing, results and follow-up
8. Serve as a resource and participate in educational and professional development activities; develop educational information for the laboratory tests offered
9. Maintain confidential and accurate records, and ensure completion of appropriate databases
10. Participate in additional clinical, administrative, and research activities as required
11. Participate in the ongoing quality improvement activities and in activities that enhance the overall service of the Program
12. Participate in service planning, reporting and evaluation

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. Criminal Record Check (Essential)
2. M.Sc./M.A. in Genetic Counselling (Essential)
3. CAGC/ABGC Certification (or eligible for certification) (Essential)
4. Bilingualism (English & French) (Preferred)
5. Previous experience working as a genetic counsellor in a medical/clinical genetics setting (Essential)
6. Previous experience as a genetic counsellor in a laboratory setting (Preferred)
7. Effective oral and written presentation and communication skills and ability to work independently (Essential)
8. Excellent organizational skills, ability to work efficiently and effectively with other staff members (Essential)
9. Excellent computer and database skills appropriate for laboratory and clinical case management (Essential)
10. Analytical and scientific competence and knowledge of genetic concepts (Essential)
11. Professional knowledge of the rapidly changing principles and practice of medical, clinical, and laboratory genetics (Essential)
12. Strong background in genomic database utilization (Preferred)
13. Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders to understand/design report formats and process for reporting (Essential)

CHEO is committed to providing a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors. Consistent with that commitment, all applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at TalentAcquisition@cheo.on.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.