Job Description

Your Opportunity:Edmonton Medical Genetic Services is responsible for the provision of genetic diagnoses, risk assessment, test interpretation, genetic counselling, follow up and management of patients across the lifespan, affected or at risk for a genetic condition. Services are highly diverse and include subspecialties in inherited metabolics, hereditary cancer, cardiovascular, rare disease diagnostics, prenatal, ocular, neurology and general. This highly skilled multidisciplinary team comprising of Administrative Support, Geneticists, Genetic Counsellors, Nurses, Social Work, Dietitians and Pharmacy, work in a shared care model to provide the highest quality of genetic services. This requires intensive genetic work up, including complex genetic testing. With the necessary undergraduate Science degree, broad knowledge of clinical genetics and clinical experience, the Genetics Assistant (GA) will work closely with geneticists , nurses and/or genetic counsellors, supporting duties that may include but are not exclusive to: providing nonjudgmental individual and family counselling to support decision making about genetic testing that comply with the principles of informed consent, disclosure of selected low risk/reassuring genetic test results, as determined by the geneticist or genetic counsellor, completing literature reviews with a critical analysis lens, developing patient education and decision making tools as required by the service, responding to community and health care provider queries, and participating in the provision of group counselling. The GA will require knowledge of genetic conditions and genetic testing to be able to confidently counsel and address patient and provider questions, within the scope of this position. Excellent interpersonal and critical thinking skills with attention to privacy and confidentiality are necessary given the highly sensitive work.Description:As a Genetic Assistant you will work as a member of the genetics team to support workflows and clinical outcomes. You will be required to have a solid understanding of genetic testing, genetic conditions and patterns of inheritance. As a part of your day-to-day work, you may respond to queries, concerns and feedback from healthcare providers and/or patients. You may also liaise with patients, families and/or clinicians to receive informed consent, collect information, coordinate test ordering and sample collection, and to communicate select test results, including associated clinical documentation. You may be required to complete literature reviews and develop form letters, information sheets and educational tools. Assistance with face-to-face, virtual and group education/counselling sessions may also be required.

• Classification: Genetics Assistant
• Union: HSAA Facility PROF/TECH
• Unit and Program: Medical Genetics
• Primary Location: Stollery Children\'s Hospital
• Location Details: Eligible to work hybrid (on/off site) within Alberta
• Multi-Site: Not Applicable
• FTE: 0.60
• Posting End Date: 30-MAY-2024
• Employee Class: Regular Part Time
• Date Available: 15-JUL-2024
• Hours per Shift: 7.75
• Length of Shift in weeks: 2
• Shifts per cycle: 6
• Shift Pattern: Days
• Days Off: As Per Rotation
• Minimum Salary: $35.50
• Maximum Salary: $46.82
• Vehicle Requirement: Not Applicable

Required Qualifications:Completion of a bachelor\'s degree in Science, specializing in Genetics or related discipline. Additional Required Qualifications:3-5 years of experience working within a clinical genetics/metabolics service (volunteer, student or previous staff member). Ability to confidently make and receive phone calls from a variety of healthcare professionals and patients. Strong knowledge in clinical genetics, molecular biology and genetics technology. Demonstrated experience working closely with patients, which includes confidence in face to face and telephone communication. Excellent verbal, nonverbal, and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with patient families as well scientific and clinical audiences. Demonstrated experience in performing and critiquing literature searches. Preferred Qualifications:A strong emotional quotient is necessary to work effectively in this shared care model. Hospital experience and knowledge of the health systems is an asset. Scientific writing experience is an asset.Please note:All postings close at 23:59 MT of the posting end date indicated.Security Screening:A satisfactory criminal record check and/or Vulnerable Sector Search is required prior to your first day of work. Additionally, all employees have an ongoing duty to disclose any charges or convictions that may occur during their employment with AHS.Healthy Albertans. Healthy
Communities. Together.We\'re passionate about what we do. Our team of skilled and dedicated health care professionals, support staff, and physicians promote wellness and provide health care every day, all across Alberta.Everything we do at AHS reflects a patient and family centred approach; it\'s about putting patients\' and families\' experiences, priorities and trust first.We are an equal opportunity employer. AHS values the diversity of the people and communities we serve and is committed to attracting, engaging and developing a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Alberta Health Services