• Ad Placed : 17 Oct 2020 00:00:02 Affiliate ad
• Remuneration : PER MONTH
• Employment Type : Contract
• Employment Level : Senior Management
• Industry :

Medical
Other Medical

• Region : Kwazulu-Natal
• Company : AJ Personnel

A Counsellor (Genetic) – National Pregnancy Exposure Registry Project vacancy (Fixed Term Contract) is available at our Client, Wits Health Consortium’s Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (RHI) at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital – KwaZulu-Natal

Background

The Wits Reproductive Health and HIV Institute (Wits RHI) is a renowned African-led research institute that seeks solutions to Africa’s health challenges.

It is located within the University of the Witwatersrand and addresses some of the greatest public health concerns affecting our region, including HIV and its related problems, sexual and reproductive health and vaccinology. This is done through pioneering, multi-disciplinary research; responsive technical support and innovation in health services; and evidence-based policy development and advocacy with national, regional and global stakeholders.

Main purpose of the job

To provide genetic counseling, including risk assessment, evidence based information, support and advocacy to individuals and families who have or are at risk of, a genetic condition in order to enhance genetic knowledge of and improvement of a patient’s understanding and management of their risk or genetic condition and treatment thereof. 

To educate and upskill healthcare professionals as regards appropriate use of genetic tests, non-directive counselling and consent for genetic testing, and the interpretation and communication of genetic test results.

To provide support to the National Pregnancy Exposure Registry Project and to assist the Clinical Genetics Unit consultants in their involvement with the Department of Health pregnancy registry in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN).

Location

Based at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital – KwaZulu-Natal

Key performance areas

• Conduct a genetic risk assessment, and provide genetic counselling, evidence-based information, psychosocial support, and where appropriate follow-up, to patients with risk of or manifested genetic conditions.
• Development of counsellor led genetic services and clinics, and counsellor role in MDT clinics and services.
• Co-ordination, triage and preparation of rostered clinics at various hospitals, in order to optimize delivery of ethical genetic counseling services to ensure appropriate out-patient management
• Participation in national “outreach” programmes to provide and disseminate quality genetic counseling services to all communities, in line with the DOH primary health care norms and standards.
• Provide telephonic consultation to medical personnel and patients to resolve queries, propose action and increase awareness of service availability.
• Co-ordinate and advise on the appropriate testing procedures through liaison with laboratories and other medical professionals, to facilitate definitive diagnosis of risk of or manifested genetic conditions and appropriate follow-up treatment and management of patients.
• Communicate all abnormal laboratory results to ensure that there is no delay in commencing appropriate patient care as well as to be pro-active in educating and offering guidance to the referring clinician as required.
• Produce patient-reports and perform administrative tasks in order to ensure accurate record management for patient follow-up as is prescribed in medical ethics and accepted policies and procedures.
• Supervise, guide and mentor trainee genetic students/interns/ allied health professionals in a practical clinical environment to ensure an appropriate transfer of skills.
• Participate in the preparation and delivery of lectures to trainee genetic students, undergraduate medical students and postgraduate medical professionals in line with departmental, NHLS and University requirements.
• Participation in research projects initiated by the division of Human Genetics as per departmental requirements in order to keep abreast with changes in the field of human genetics.
• Participate in conferences, departmental seminars, post clinical ward rounds and journal clubs, to keep up-to-date and maintain a high standard of expertise in an interdisciplinary context and continued professional development.
• Provide administrative and clinical support for the KZN Pregnancy registry cases or other DoH initiatives requiring genetics review

Required minimum education and training

• Master’s degree in Genetic Counselling or equivalent field.
• Registered as Genetic Counsellor (Independent Practice) with HPCSA

Required minimum work experience

• 1 year post graduate experience (internship) in Genetic Counselling at a recognized institution.

Desirable additional education, work experience and personal abilities

• Sound ethical principals
• Excellent communication skills
• Able to travel
• Cultural diversity
• Sensitivity and understanding in communicating unpleasant news
• Must be able to speak local language.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Adaptable, approachable, empathetic and willing to take initiative.

TO APPLY

• Only if you do meet the minimum job requirements and experience as mentioned above, you may submit a detailed updated CV – Please Apply Online
• Please take note that the applicants who do not adhere to the above criteria will not be considered for the respective position.
• The closing date for all applications is 19 October 2020.
• Wits Health Consortium will only respond to shortlisted candidates.
• Candidates who have not been contacted within two weeks of the closing date can consider their applications to be unsuccessful.
• In accordance with our Employment Equity goals and plan, preference will be given to suitable applicants from designated groups as defined in the Employment Equity Act 55 of 1998 and subsequent amendments thereto.

Please note that AJ PERSONNEL is only responsible for the advertising of the advertisement on behalf of their client Wits Health Consortium.

AJ Personnel does not have any salary or other information regarding the position