GENETIC COUNSELOR

Position Summary

The genetic counselor will provide genetic education, counseling and psychological support for patients who have or may be at risk for hereditary cancer. The genetic counselor will identify families at risk, interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns, and review available options with the patient and family. He/she will also coordinate and support research activities within their area of expertise.

Responsibilities

• Work directly with the referring doctor.
• Absorb the family history and counsel patients and/or families in cases of genetic cancer disorders and assist families to comprehend the diagnosis, probable course of the disorder and the available management strategies.
• Absorb families to understand alternatives for dealing with the risk of genetic disorders, help choose the course for action the patient and family deem appropriate and act in accordance with that decision.
• Absorb individuals and families to support services as needed.
• Document the discussion, prepare a family tree in the patients chart and develop written follow-up recommendations for patients, document cases and maintain appropriate records while ensuring patient confidentiality.
• Develop and present educational and related programs as appropriate and be a resource to the community and health system.
• Perform associated administrative or clerical tasks, which may include special clinical research projects, correspondence and program funding activities.
• Travel to other Covenant Health facilities to meet referring patients.
• Follows policies, procedures, and safety standards.
• Completes required education assignments annually.
• Works toward achieving goals and objectives, and participates in quality improvement initiatives as requested.

Qualifications

• Minimum Education: None specified; however, must be sufficient to meet the standards for achievement of the below indicated license and/or certification as required by the issuing authority.
• Minimum Experience: New graduates are welcome to apply.
• Licensure Requirements: Board certification or eligibility for board certification in genetic counseling through the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or American College of Medical Genetics (ACMG). If ABGC certified, the candidate must initiate Tennessee State Genetic Counseling License application process prior to starting. If not ABGC certified, the candidate must obtain Active Candidate Status as conferred by the ABGC, be scheduled to take the next available certification exam and initiate the Temporary Tennessee State Genetic Counseling License application process prior to starting.