Genetics Counselor

About the role

Virginia Cancer Specialists, an affiliate of McKesson Specialty Health and US Oncology, is seeking a Full Time Genetic Counselor to join an established community cancer genetics program. The team includes 2 Licensed and Certified Genetic Counselors, a Genetic Program Assistant, and a Medical Oncologist. This role provides access to a national network of providers, education, clinical resources, research, speaking, and leadership opportunities within The US Oncology Network’s Genetic Program.

Provide hereditary risk assessment and genetic counseling to individuals with a personal and/or family history of cancer. Coordinate patient laboratory and diagnostic testing, including insurance authorization and results reporting. Maintain patient literature and educational information, and assist with clinical research studies related to cancer genetics.

Responsibilities

• Provide care in the NW sector of Virginia Cancer Specialists, including Fairfax, Fair Oaks, and Reston locations.
• Offer genetic counseling to individuals with a personal diagnosis of cancer or family history of cancer, covering risk factors, genetic concepts, and inheritance patterns.
• Collect and analyze medical and family history from patients through interviews, medical records, and family questionnaire software.
• Identify at-risk individuals who may benefit from genetic screening, testing, or counseling.
• Calculate and report personalized risk assessments to provide cancer risks for individuals and their families.
• Provide psychosocial support throughout the genetic counseling and testing process.
• Coordinate genetic testing, including communication with specialty genetic testing laboratories, scheduling, and insurance authorization.
• Counsel patients on their results, incorporating personal and family history with thorough documentation.
• Collaborate with breast surgeons, medical oncologists, nurses, social workers, and other clinicians to develop treatment plans.
• Provide genetic services to cancer patients whose somatic tumor testing indicates the need for hereditary cancer evaluation/testing as part of precision oncology.
• Assist in patient referral processes and provide long-term follow-up as necessary.
• Educate VCS providers on current guidelines and recommendations for patients qualifying for hereditary risk assessment.
• Support providers with a provider-based testing model by triaging results and scheduling patients needing further counseling.
• Participate in Cancer Committee Meetings by providing quarterly data on patients served.
• Participate in Breast Cancer Tumor Board Meetings as needed.
• Maintain patient educational resources and literature.
• Participate in weekly team meetings with the Genetics Department, presenting cases and engaging in discussions.
• Attend monthly virtual education meetings and case conferences with the US Oncology Genetics Program.

Requirements

• Master’s degree in Medical Genetics/Counseling from an accredited genetics counseling training program.
• 2-5 years of clinical experience, oncology preferred (new graduates may apply).
• Board certified or eligible for certification from the American Board of Medical Genetics.

Physical Demands

• Regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Requires vision and hearing corrected to normal ranges.

Work Environment

• Potential exposure to communicable diseases, medical preparations, and other conditions common to an oncology/hematology clinic environment.
• Frequent interaction with patients, their families, clinicians, and community support organizations.
• May require some travel by automobile within the service area.