Job Description

Staff - Non Union
Job Category
M&P - AAPS
Job Profile
AAPS Salaried - Genetic Counsellor, Level A
Job Title
Genetic Counsellor
Department
Stowe Laboratory | Department of Psychiatry | Faculty of Medicine
Compensation Range
$6,747.50 - $9,701.42 CAD Monthly
The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.
Posting End Date
July 28, 2025
Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.
Job End Date
May 31, 2026
This position is expected to be filled by promotion/reassignment and is included here to inform you of its vacancy at the University.
Job Summary

The primary genetic counsellor for the MAGERS (Metabolic and Genetic Explorations in Refractory Schizophrenia study) will (a) obtain three-generation pedigrees and other relevant clinical data, and provide psychiatric genetic counselling (PGC) to primary research participants (patients suffering from psychotic spectrum illness and catatonia), and their participating family members; (b) design and execute the components of the project pertaining to the psychological impact of providing PGC, including delivery of genetic testing results; and (c) aid in project direction and administrative oversight, including securing research ethics and institutional approvals required for project execution.



This position is based at UBC, but may involve traveling within the lower mainland to visit research participants.



Organizational Status

The genetics counselor will meet with the MAGERS project principal investigator, on a regular basis.



Work Performed

To gather complex clinical and genetic information required for the project, and to coordinate relevant research procedures. Major responsibilities include:



Developing, preparing and completing patient case history files through interviews with patients and family members;


Eliciting patient/family concerns and analyzing inheritance patterns;


Summarizing data;


Obtaining relevant medical records;


Providing information to patients on particular disorders and assisting patients in coping with diagnosis;


Maintaining follow-up contacts with patients and families;


Maintaining awareness of developments in medical genetics relating to psychotic disorders;


Conducting clinical interviews for research purposes;


Assisting in development and implementation of new procedures;


Conducting research related to genetic counseling in psychosis;


Organizing and analyzing clinical research protocols and data;


Providing information to community physicians;


Performing other related duties.


Shared, furnished office space will be provided in the Detwiller Pavilion.



Consequence of Error/Judgement

The principal investigator for the MAGERS project will occasionally review work. Errors would have very serious consequences, and accuracy is of utmost importance. Errors could involve: poor data collection and quality, loss of project support because of delay. Errors could result in incorrect conclusions being drawn about the origin and mechanisms of severe mental illnesses.



Supervision Received

The genetics counselor will consult with the MAGERS Project PI on a weekly basis.



The genetics counselor/MAGERS project co-lead will provide occasional supervision when needed for other centre staff regarding financial and human resource matters.



Supervision Given

The genetics counselor will consult with the MAGERS Project PI on a weekly basis. The genetics counselor/MAGERS project co-lead will need to provide supervision to staff and students as needed.



Preferred Qualifications
Master s degree in Medical Genetics or Genetic Counselling. Board eligible for certification with the Canadian/American Association of Genetic Counselling.Bachelor of Science in psychology and/or research experience relevant to mental illness preferred.one year internship in medical genetics or the equivalent in training and experience.Expertise with Mac operating systems would be desirable. Ability to effectively use job-specific software at an advanced level. Ability to build and maintain relationships with clinical, technical, and student staff. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing. Ability to stay organized and ability to prioritize and work effectively under pressure to meet deadlines. Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and priorities. Ability to be thorough, accurate, and have a high level of attention to detail. Ability to deal with a diversity of people in a calm, courteous, and effective manner. Effective supervisory skills. Ability to work effectively independently and in a team environment.