Clinical Genetic Counsellor, Genetics Department – Temporary Full-Time (1.0)

Compensation Pay Range:

$45.73-$57.11

Job Description:

Please Note: If you are a current CHEO employee with access to Workday, please apply to this posting via the Workday application as an internal applicant using the Jobs Hub.

To successfully apply for this position, please submit your application by 11:59 pm the day before the advertised closing date in the posting to ensure your application is received. 

Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.
 
CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system.
 
Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.

POSITION SUMMARY

A genetic counsellor is required to provide genetic counselling in a wide variety of circumstances.

JOB DESCRIPTION:

The genetic counsellor will:

• Conduct complete genetic assessments, including obtaining and reviewing appropriate medical records or other relevant information; conducting the necessary review of literature and protocols; determining appropriate risk figures for individuals/family members; reviewing cases with a geneticist

• Provide genetic counselling to patients and families as per current policy and procedures of the Regional Genetics Program. 

• Complete chart documentation, database updates and consultation letters to patients and referring MDs to summarize the counselling session, next steps and recommendations.

• Provide necessary ongoing support and education to patients and families; identify current sources of educational materials, support groups and other community linkages.

• Coordinate appointments, obtain records, coordinate collection and shipping of samples.

• Liaise with colleagues, internal and external health care providers and other agencies to ensure continuity of care through counselling, testing, results and follow-up.

• Maintain confidential and accurate records, and ensure completion of appropriate databases.

• Participate in on-call duties as per the current structure of the Genetics Clinic.

• Participate in the ongoing quality improvement activities of the Regional Genetics Program and in activities that enhance the overall service of the Program.

• Participate in educational and professional development activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Criminal Record Check (Essential)

• M.Sc./M.A. in Genetic Counselling (Essential)

• CAGC/ABGC Certification or eligibility (Essential)

• Comprehensive knowledge of genetic counselling (Essential)

• Previous experience working as a genetic counsellor in a medical/clinical genetics setting (Essential)

• Excellent interpersonal skills and communication skills (Essential)

• Bilingualism (English & French) (Preffered)

• Demonstrated ability to counsel with empathy and respect for clients and members of the community served (Essential)

• Excellent organizational skills, ability to work efficiently and effectively with other staff members (Essential)

• Computer skills (MS Office, Internet, Word, Cyrillic) (Essential)

* Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Please note that this position will be based out of Ottawa. Please note that location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer. All OPSEU members shall be granted an interview upon passing the pre-screening. Pre-screening might include testing.

Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process.  This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.
 

Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.    

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.

Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU).

CHEO values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process and welcome interest from all qualified applicants.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at [email protected]. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

We thank all those who apply, however, only those to be interviewed will be contacted.