Genetics Counselor

Position Highlights

• Department: Comprehensive Breast Center
• Hours: 8.00 per week
• Shift: Shift 1

Position Summary

The genetic counselor provides risk assessment, education, counseling and psychological support to individuals and families at risk for hereditary cancer.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Under Direct Patient Contact:

• Obtain a personal medical history and family history in the form of a pedigree. 

• Assess the risk that the patient will develop cancer, the risk that the patient carries a germline mutation in a cancer susceptibility gene, and provide educational information about the suspected hereditary cancer syndrome(s). 

• Determine if genetic testing is indicated based on national guidelines and identify the most informative test options.

• Weigh and discuss the medical, psychological, social, and ethical impact of genetic testing including psychosocial assessment. 

• Obtain informed consent and coordinate genetic testing if it is pursued. 

• Interpret the results of genetic tests in the context of the personal and family history. Provide post-test counseling including discussion of the results, significance and impact of the test results, medical management recommendations/options based on national guidelines, informing other relatives (cascade testing), future contact and available resources.

• Discuss screening and prevention recommendations/options based on family history and national guidelines when appropriate.

• Maintain timely patient charting and billing submissions. Provide detailed reports for referring providers.

• Ensure information is communicated to patients with consideration of educational level, age, culture and population specific considerations.

• Collaborate with physicians and other healthcare professionals as a member of the multidisciplinary team.

• Critically assess genetic and medical literature.

• Plan, design and direct clinical genetic counseling protocols to meet CoC, NAPBC and other appropriate standards in collaboration with Cancer Center Management.

• Monitor program utilization/quality on an ongoing basis and report to administration/Cancer Center management.

• Identify and implement improvements in efficiency, quality and safety of patient care within the program.

• Create, implement, and oversee programs to identify individuals who meet national guidelines for referral to the program in collaboration with other departments.

• Participate in Cancer Case Conferences, Cancer Committee, Breast Leadership Committee, Breast Program Clinical Operations, and/or other Cancer Center committees which require genetics membership.

• Supervise Genetic Counseling students as needed.

• Participate in research activities when required including developing protocols, survey development, data gathering, writing manuscript for publication and presenting research findings at professional meetings.

• Pursue continuing education to maintain certifications and enhance expertise.

• Contribute to the professional development of peers through lectures, participation in departmental meetings, and as a subject matter expert.

• Provide education to the public through presentations and written materials.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree in genetic counseling

• Board certification by the American Board of Genetic Counselors (ABGC)

• Exceptional communication skills

Comprehensive Benefits Offered

· Competitive benefits package

· Shift Differentials

· Continuing Education assistance

· Tuition reimbursement

· Student Loan relief

· Long-term Disability

· Life insurance

· Family medical leave

· Compensation Range: $32.41 to $61.95

Note: The compensation range(s) above are a good-faith representation of the base pay rates for all positions at a given grade across the organization. Typically, a new hire can expect a starting pay rate somewhere in the lower part of the range. Actual pay rates may vary by position and will be determined based on the candidate's relevant experience. No employee will be paid below the minimum of the range. Pay ranges are listed as hourly values for both non-exempt and exempt roles.