Genetic Counselor

Genetic Counselor

Provide specialized genetic counseling, education, and support to individuals and families undergoing evaluation for, living with, or at risk for hereditary cancer syndromes. As a member of the Early Detection and Diagnosis team within the Mass General Brigham Cancer Institute, the Genetic Counselor partners with physicians and an interdisciplinary healthcare team to deliver patient-centered genetic services across a variety of oncology specialty clinics, including breast and ovarian cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, neuro-oncology, pediatric oncology, and other hereditary cancer programs.

Essential Functions

• Assess personal and family histories to evaluate the risk of hereditary cancer syndromes.
• Provide individualized genetic counseling, education, and psychosocial support to patients and families to facilitate informed decision-making.
• Recommend and coordinate appropriate genetic testing based on clinical presentation, personal history, and family history.
• Interpret genetic test results and develop individualized cancer risk assessments and management recommendations.
• Evaluate and integrate current evidence related to hereditary cancer genes and gene-disease associations into clinical decision-making.
• Communicate genetic test results, cancer risk assessments, and management recommendations to patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare providers.
• Collaborate with physicians, advanced practice providers, and interdisciplinary healthcare teams to coordinate comprehensive, patient-centered care.
• Respond to questions from patients, families, physicians, and staff regarding hereditary cancer syndromes, genetic testing, and cancer risk management.
• Document clinical encounters, recommendations, and follow-up plans in accordance with organizational and professional standards.
• Participate in quality improvement initiatives and contribute to the ongoing advancement of genetic counseling services.

Education

Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling required.

Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree? No

Licenses and Credentials

State Genetic Counselor license required.

Experience

One to two years of experience in cancer genetic counseling or a related clinical genetics setting preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer genetics, cancer risk assessment, and current genetic testing methodologies.
• Knowledge of genetic counseling principles, including psychosocial assessment, informed consent, ethical practice, and risk communication.
• Ability to interpret and apply current genetic and genomic evidence in clinical practice.
• Ability to analyze complex clinical and genetic information and exercise sound professional judgment.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific and medical information clearly, accurately, and compassionately to patients, families, healthcare providers, and colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accurate clinical documentation practices.
• Strong critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain collaborative working relationships within an interdisciplinary healthcare team.
• Ability to maintain professionalism, confidentiality, empathy, and emotional awareness when navigating sensitive patient situations.
• Knowledge of applicable clinical, regulatory, and professional standards governing genetic counseling practice.
• Proficiency with electronic medical records and clinical documentation systems.