Positions in this class serve as lead counselors, or provide counseling in a specialty area such as children's specialty services, DNA testing, or fetal anomalies. Positions are distinguished from the Genetic Counselor by the degree of complexity of cases they see, independent teaching they do in the graduate genetic counseling instructional track, the supervision they provide, and their degree of administrative autonomy, responsibility, problem solving, and creativity. Performs work of significant difficulty in providing counseling to patients with diagnosed abnormalities or risk. Receives direction from a physician specialist who may be at a different location. Genetic clinics typically serve a multi-county region of providers and patients.
Judgments affect infant mortality and public health in a wide area of the state.
Decisions may endanger the health of mother, fetus, child or family, and may have potential medico-legal ramifications. Administrative and supervisory decisions affect program direction and the work of other counselors. Master's degree in genetics or related field preferred. Significant relevant experience may be substituted for academic training. An equivalent combination of training and experience indicating possession of the preceding knowledge, skills and abilities may substitute for this education and experience.