Position overview

The ACT Genetic Service is a specialist prenatal, childhood and adult genetics service. It offers clinical genetic consultations, genetic counselling, risk assessment, education, genetic testing and psychological support to clients with a personal or family history of a genetic condition or a suspected genetic condition. Genetic Counsellors provide services at Canberra Hospital and Community Health Centres.

Key Responsibilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:

Under limited direction of the Senior Genetic Counsellor, you will perform the clinical duties of a Certified Genetic Counsellor. You will:

1. Provide a clinical service to clients in mainstream genetic clinics including attending consultations; provide genetic counselling and ongoing support to clients across campuses and using different forms of communication include telemedicine; arrange referrals to other agencies as required; and liaise with laboratories (ordering, sample collection and result review).
2. Maintain confidential patient and family records and maintain and provide statistical information as required.
3. Provide support, advice and information on genomic services for health professionals across hospital and community services.
4. Participate in relevant research programs under the direction of the Clinical Geneticist/ Senior Genetic Counsellor and participate in and coordinate quality improvement activities in the department.
5. Work to comply with the HGSA guidelines for genetic counselling.
6. Attend and actively participate in relevant professional development activities and share knowledge with colleagues. Participate in clinical supervision and continually assess performance and identify areas for professional growth.
7. Undertaking other duties as directed, within the approved scope of clinical practice ensuring the delivery of high-quality person and family centred, safe and high-quality patient care.
8. Undertake other duties appropriate to this level of classification which contribute to the operation of the organisation.

Competencies

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the following.

• Strong organisational skills with a high degree of drive
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Highly conscientious and professional in all aspects of work
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a team.

Qualifications

Essential

• A degree from a Tertiary institution.
• Completion of Masters of Genetic Counselling
• Fellow of the Human Genetics Society of Australasia.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011

Desirable

• Have an understanding of how the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) indicators align with this role.

Experience

Essential

• A recommended minimum of three years’ experience in the profession.

Desirable

• Relevant tertiary qualifications with post-qualification experience working professionally in a related/relevant organisation/service is preferred.
• Experience or knowledge of the CHS Exceptional Care Framework and all other related frameworks.

Prior to commencement

Appointment to this position is conditional on being granted and retaining appropriate clearances:

• Pre-employment National Police Check.
• Current registration issued under the Working with Vulnerable People (Background Checking) Act 2011 is required.
• Comply with Canberra Health Services Occupational Assessment, Screening and Vaccination policy.
• Comply with CHS credentialing and scope of clinical practice requirements for allied health professionals.

Important information

All employees are required to:

• Adhere to the Canberra Health Services Values and the ACT Public Service Code of Conduct.
• Act in accordance and comply with all relevant Safety and Quality policies and procedures.
• Comply with all relevant clinical and/or competency standards.

CHS is leading the drive to digitally transform health service delivery in Australia through the implementation of a territory wide Digital Health Record. Computer literacy skills are required which are relevant to this role as you will be responsible for completing required documentation and becoming a proficient user of the Digital Health Record and/or other Information Technology systems; once proficient, you will need to remain current with changes, updates, and contingencies.

What you Require (Key Selection Criteria)

These are the key selection criteria for how you will be assessed in conjunction with your resumé and experience.

1. Proven knowledge and skills in genetic counselling and the principles of clinical genetics/genomics, with the ability to exercise judgement, show initiative and maintain confidentiality in performance of tasks.
2. Ability to provide genetic risk assessment of family history including assessment of psychosocial needs within a family.
3. Proven liaison and communication skills within a multidisciplinary team and with clients and their families.
4. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a varied clinical workload while maintaining accurate documentation and attention to detail.
5. Demonstrates understanding of, and adherence to, safety and quality standards, work, health, and safety (WH&S) and the positive patient experience. Displays behaviour consistent with CHS’s values of reliable, progressive, respectful, and kind.

Work environment description

The following work environment description outlines the inherent requirements of the role and indicates how frequently each of these requirements would need to be performed. Please note that the ACT Public Service is committed to providing reasonable adjustments and ensuring all individuals have equal opportunities in the workplace.