Genetic Counselor Cancer Center

Position Summary

This position is responsible for working with patients who have a possible or established personal or family history of an inherited risk for disease. The counselor obtains personal and family medical history, develops and analyzes pedigrees, determines if genetic testing is appropriate, arranges genetic testing, analyzes and interprets test results in order to provide patient care plans and treatment options. Counselors provide counseling and psychosocial support to patients and families. Works collaboratively to provide medical direction for the program.

Core Functions

• Provides counseling and genetic assessment services to patients with personal or family history or are at risk for genetic disorders.
• Provides education and counseling on genetic principles and tests to patients and family members.
• Obtains and reviews patient’s personal and family medical history.
• Retrieves and reviews medical records.
• Documents family history and constructs pedigrees to assess the pattern of genetic disorders in the family and risk of disease and to determine whether genetics testing is appropriate.
• Works in collaboration with program (s) regarding clinical care and research to provide medical direction.
• Interprets complex genetics principles, laboratory data and test results.
• Provides counseling recommendations for care and psychosocial support for patients and families regarding risk of an inherited disorder.
• Establishes a plan of care based on genetic assessment.
• Aids in research protocol enrollment, collection of samples, data management, and patient consent in accordance with the Institutional Review Board.
• Provides education of genetic counseling and genetics to health care professionals, including residents, physicians, program staff, as well as organizations and individual members of the community.
• May assist with facility program development.

  Minimum Qualifications

  • A Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling, obtained through a genetic counseling program accredited by the ACGC (Accrediting Council for Genetic Counseling), is required.
  • Must be eligible for Board Certification as a Genetic Counselor.
  • Genetic Counselor certification must be obtained within 24 months of hire.
  • Requires excellent communication, interpersonal, counseling and psychosocial assessment skills in establishing patient rapport and in responding to issues of client or family.
  • Requires critical thinking skills to complete complex research and analysis.

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Board Certified Genetic Counselor with Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling.

  Additional Related Education And/or Experience

  Preferred.

  Position Location

  This position is on site in Tucson, Arizona.

  Work Schedule

  Your typical work schedule will be Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.