Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselor

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center is a leading institution focused on cancer care, research, education, and prevention. The Clinical Cancer Genetics Program provides hereditary cancer risk assessment and consultation services through a multidisciplinary team of specially trained genetic counselors and physicians who work together to provide education, hereditary cancer risk assessment, genetic counseling, genetic testing, and individualized cancer screening and prevention programs for individuals concerned about their personal and family history of cancer. The Genetic Counselor serves as an integral member of this collaborative team. The Genetic Counselor works closely with patients, families, physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to support informed healthcare decision-making and improve patient outcomes.

UT MD Anderson is committed to advancing cancer care through exceptional patient services, innovative research, and education. In addition to providing genetic counseling services to patients at UT MD Anderson, the Genetic Counselor may provide coverage for Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, part of the Harris Health system. Harris Health serves as the public healthcare safety-net provider for Harris County, Texas, delivering care to low-income uninsured and underinsured patients. The Genetic Counselor plays a key role in supporting patient care, education, and clinical excellence across both settings.

The ideal candidate will possess a master's degree in Genetic Counseling or a related field, board certification as a Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) through the American Board of Genetic Counseling or eligibility to obtain certification within the required timeframe, experience providing cancer genetic counseling, strong communication and presentation skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary clinical and research environments. Must live in Houston, TX area.

Why Us?
As a Genetic Counselor at UT MD Anderson, you will contribute to a nationally recognized cancer center's mission of eliminating cancer through patient care, research, education, and prevention. This role offers opportunities to positively impact patients and families, collaborate with leading experts across multiple disciplines, participate in innovative clinical and research initiatives, and continue developing professionally while maintaining a rewarding career.
• Employer-paid medical coverage starting day one for employees working 30+ hours/week, plus optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
• Accruals for PTO and Extended Illness Bank, plus paid holidays, wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
• Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service and access to extensive wellness, fitness, and employee resource groups.
• Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System, voluntary retirement plans, and employer-paid life and reduced salary protection programs.

Responsibilities
Direct Patient Care Provider
• Provide detailed cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling services to patients and families referred to the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program
• Assess recurrence risk and recommend medical or genetic testing based on analysis of risks, benefits, and costs
• Facilitate cancer gene testing when appropriate
• Interpret genetic testing results and communicate results to patients and referring providers
• Document genetic testing results in the UT MD Anderson electronic medical record
• Document genetic testing results in Clinical Cancer Genetics databases, including Progeny
• Refer patients to Medical Oncology when appropriate
• Refer patients to Gynecologic Oncology when appropriate
• Refer patients to Gastroenterology when appropriate
• Refer patients to Health Psychology and other specialties when appropriate
• Provide cross coverage as necessary
• Obtain out-of-state genetic counseling licensure(s) as required
• Deliver direct patient care through telephone consultations
• Deliver direct patient care through video consultations
• Deliver direct patient care through in-person consultations

Liaison & Education
• Serve as a departmental liaison for presentations and outreach activities
• Serve as an institutional liaison for presentations and outreach activities
• Serve as a community liaison for presentations and outreach activities
• Participate in multidisciplinary conferences
• Participate in grand rounds
• Participate in provider conferences
• Participate in patient conferences
• Participate in sponsor programs
• Participate in outreach events
• Assist with the development and preparation of promotional materials
• Assist with the development and preparation of educational materials
• Assist with the development and preparation of referral materials
• Support communication initiatives through various media channels
• Conduct public presentations on hereditary cancer and genetic counseling topics
• Conduct professional presentations on hereditary cancer and genetic counseling topics
• Provide education to the public
• Provide education to students
• Provide education to healthcare professionals
• Participate in instruction and training activities for students
• Supervise students during cancer genetics rotations
• Evaluate students during cancer genetics rotations from GSBS, Emory, Baylor, and other educational programs

Clinical & Research Studies
• Assist with the design of clinical and research studies
• Assist with the writing of clinical and research studies
• Assist with the editing of clinical and research studies
• Assist with the implementation of clinical and research studies
• Initiate new clinical and research projects in collaboration with faculty members
• Initiate new clinical and research projects in collaboration with multidisciplinary teams
• Assist with participant recruitment for studies conducted within and outside UT MD Anderson
• Communicate with research participants throughout study activities
• Review clinical study materials
• Review research documents
• Review patient charts as required

Additional Functions
• Travel to other UT MD Anderson locations as required
• Perform other duties as assigned

EDUCATION

• Required: Master's Degree Genetic Counseling.

WORK EXPERIENCE

• Required: None

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS

• Required: CGC - Certified Genetic Counselor By the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Upon Hire

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, paid time off, retirement, tuition benefits, educational opportunities, and individual and team recognition.

This position may be responsible for maintaining the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, as defined in Section 113.001(2) of the Texas Business and Commerce Code and therefore may require routine reviews and screening. The ability to satisfy and maintain all requirements necessary to ensure the continued security and integrity of such infrastructure is a condition of hire and continued employment.

It is the policy of The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center to provide equal employment opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by institutional policy or by federal, state, or local laws unless such distinction is required by law.