Genetic Counselor

About the Role

Provides professional genetic counseling and education to individuals and/or family members who may be at risk for inherited cancers or other genetic conditions. Performs pedigree analyses, interprets genetic testing results, and reviews available information and options with the client and referring physician. Works closely with the director of the Genetic Center, the director of Oncology Service, a physician advisory panel, and an attending maternal fetal medicine physician to provide consultative services to pregnant and pre-conceptional patients for a wide variety of genetic indications.

The purpose of the genetic counseling session is to provide patient education, offer and coordinate genetic and prenatal testing as indicated, provide patient support, and share pertinent gathered information with the attending physician and ultrasound staff to ensure quality patient care.

Responsibilities

• Actively demonstrates the organization’s mission and core values, and conducts oneself at all times in a manner consistent with these values.
• Knows and adheres to all laws and regulations pertaining to patient health, safety, and medical information.
• Works with the Director to establish and maintain a billing system for the center, including a system for tracking downstream revenue.
• Obtains, constructs, and analyzes the family history of clients.
• Discusses benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing to help patients decide if they would like to pursue this option.
• Obtains informed consent for genetic testing, if applicable, during a genetic counseling session.
• Conducts follow-up appointments after genetic testing for results disclosure and post-test counseling.
• Provides immediate supervision for cancer risk analyst/staff assistant role.
• Creates a personalized plan to address and modify an individual’s cancer risk using national standards and guidelines such as those developed by NCCN, ASCO, and ACS for patient recommendations for risk reduction and follow-up needed.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, Human Genetics and Counseling, or related field.
• Board Certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics and Medical Board of Genetic Counseling. If a new graduate, Board eligible acceptable with requirement to obtain Board Certification no later than 24 months post-graduation.
• Prefer one to three years of experience as a genetic counselor but not required. New graduates with strong clinical education experience are acceptable.