Genetic Counselor | Oncology

We are seeking a dedicated Genetic Counselor to join our Cancer Center team in Harrisburg, PA, providing expert counseling and risk assessment for genetic conditions to patients and their families. This position requires approximately 20% travel and offers a flexible hybrid work arrangement, including some work-from-home opportunities. Our patient-focused counselors work as part of a multidisciplinary cancer program, serving central Pennsylvania in collaboration with Hillman Cancer Center providers, staff, and patients.

About the role

UPMC Hillman is one of only 57 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers in the United States, one of just three in Pennsylvania, and the only one in western Pennsylvania. The NCI extends this designation to centers demonstrating excellence in research, patient care, education, and community outreach. UPMC Hillman earned an exceptional rating—the highest possible—in its 2020 renewal.

Responsibilities

• Operate, maintain, and update genetic databases.
• Implement treatment plans and make appropriate referrals to medical, nursing, social work, and psychological services.
• Assist genetic laboratory services with interpretation and communication of results to patients and physicians.
• Follow mandatory reporting procedures for any incident or serious event affecting or potentially affecting patient care.
• Provide comprehensive genetic counseling at all designated sites, including case preparation, contracting, review of medical and family histories, creation of pedigree, genetic risk assessment, discussion of inheritance/risk/diagnosis/natural history, genetic testing options, possible result outcomes, limited psychosocial assessment, and resource identification.
• Prepare and conduct lectures/seminars on human genetics and genetic counseling for lay groups, students, and health professionals.
• Provide clinical supervision for residents and fellows rotating through genetics.
• Assist in the development and implementation of ongoing clinical investigations in genetics by writing and editing research manuscripts and grants; recruit and enroll patients into ongoing studies.
• Act as mentor to genetic counseling graduate students from the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health.
• Maintain QA for clinical genetic counseling services.
• Communicate with patients and physicians by phone and/or in writing regarding patient care/testing, including interpretation of test results.
• Serve as a resource for health care professionals regarding genetic testing, genetically based questions, teratogens, and genetic medical information.
• Coordinate genetic testing and insurance coverage for genetics patients.

Requirements

• Master of Science in Human Genetics/Genetic Counseling from an American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) accredited institution.
• Prior genetic counseling experience preferred.
• Oncology experience preferred.

Qualifications

• American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certified genetic counselor who holds or is eligible for PA licensure.
• After hire, must be eligible to apply for a temporary provisional genetic counselor license within PA and must successfully obtain full licensure within 2 years of being hired.
• Act 34 clearance required.