Genetic Counselor

Overview

The Genetic Counselor II provides genetic counseling services to patients and families within the Center for Genetics & Prevention and the Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program under the leadership of the Clinical Director, Disease Center Leader, Associate Director of Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Counseling Managers. The Genetic Counselor II provides patient education and training support within the program. This role supports patients across the full range of hereditary cancer conditions and contributes meaningfully to program activities in education, outreach, supervision, and research. The position requires advanced knowledge of cancer genetics, strong presentation and teaching skills, and the ability to support care delivery across Dana-Farber disease centers, satellite clinics, and affiliated settings.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS, and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education Required

Master's Degree

Area of Study Required

Genetic Counseling

Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in clinical genetic counseling required.

Experience Preferred

• Up to 7 years experience in clinical cancer genetic counseling preferred.
• Experience in an academic medical center, cancer center, or similarly complex healthcare environment preferred.
• Experience in provider education, trainee supervision, clinical outreach, or research participation preferred.

License/Certification/Registration Required

• Board-Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Current licensure as a Genetic Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides genetic counseling services to adult and/or pediatric patients and families, including collection of personal and family history, hereditary cancer risk assessment, discussion of testing options, informed consent, result disclosure, and psychosocial support.
• Reviews medical records and documentation of cancer and related diagnoses to support accurate assessment of family histories and hereditary cancer risk across a broad range of conditions.

• Evaluates and selects appropriate genetic testing options and laboratories based on clinical presentation, family history, and current practice standards.

• Coordinates blood and tissue sample collection for genetic analysis and supports timely follow-up related to testing, results, and patient communication.

• Completes required clinical documentation in the electronic medical record and communicates effectively with patients, providers, and other members of the care team regarding family history review, testing eligibility, and care recommendations.

• Assists with variant interpretation for clinical cases and contributes to the development of draft patient education materials and related resources.

• Provides consultation support for patients in other Dana-Farber disease centers, clinics, satellite locations, and affiliate settings, and aids in the professional development of genetic counseling interns, medical students, and other healthcare providers.
• Provides risk review and follow-up to aid in the scheduling of patients, coverage for genetic counselors who are away, and triage patients as needed. This process may include other responsibilities.
• Provides sick coverage for other genetic counselors as needed.

In addition to the above, this position will require the individual to undertake an increasingly independent role.  The individual will also be expected to become more deeply involved in one or more key facets of the profession including supervision, training, education and research. Individuals at this level will be expected to perform many of the following:

• Provide genetic counseling services for satellite clinics as part of Dana-Farber’s community outreach programs or actively participate in the development and expansion of existing Dana-Farber clinics/consult programs.
• Educate oncology and community health care providers about cancer genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes and appropriate referrals.
• Facilitate patient support groups, organize patient educational seminars and conferences and create patient-oriented materials regarding cancer genetics.
• Teach genetics classes for genetic counseling students and medical students.
• Provide and edit drafts for patient education materials.
• Clinically supervise genetic counseling interns, medical students and genetics fellows.
• Communicate with media and outside organizations regarding cancer genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic counseling services.
• Aid in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer syndromes and/or cancer prevention.
• Lead and assist in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer syndromes and/or cancer prevention.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Advanced ability to provide genetic counseling through collection of family history, assessment and evaluation of histories, knowledge of genetics and appropriate testing, and psychosocial support.

• Expert knowledge of the major hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer genetics, and cancer risk assessment tools.

• Working knowledge of whole genome analysis and personalized genomic medicine as relevant to hereditary cancer care.

• Ability to tailor, translate, and communicate complex information in a clear and relevant way for a broad range of audiences in both oral and written formats.

• Knowledge of pedigree standards and specialized pedigree-drawing software.

• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment with multidisciplinary providers, staff, and learners across the Institute.

• Strong interpersonal skills, emotional awareness, professionalism, and patient-centered communication abilities.

• Strong research skills, especially the ability to review and synthesize relevant medical literature and apply findings to clinical and educational work.

• Advanced presentation skills and teaching abilities for formal and informal educational settings.

• Ability to manage multiple clinical, educational, and project-based priorities effectively while maintaining quality and responsiveness.

Supervisory Responsibilities

No

Patient Contact

Yes

Yes, may see adult or pediatric oncology or genetics patients.

Special Working Conditions

Availability by pager and expected on-call coverage during normal business hours at the main campus as scheduled.

Physical Demands

Frequency

Definition

Actual Time

Not Present

Activity is not present in job.

Approximately 0 hours per day.

Occasionally

Activity exists up to 1/3 of the time.

Up to approximately 3 hours per day.

Frequently

Activity exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time.

Approximately 3 to 5 hours per day.

Constantly

Activity exists 2/3 or more of the time.

Approximately 5 to 8 hours per day.

Physical Requirements

Task

Frequency

Walking

Occasionally

Sitting

Frequently

Standing

Occasionally

Reaching Overhead

Occasionally

Reaching Forward

Occasionally

Reaching Below

Occasionally

Stooping

Occasionally

Crouching

Occasionally

Kneeling

Occasionally

Fine Motor Skills

Occasionally

Grasping

Occasionally

Pinching

Not Present

Climbing Ladders

Not Present

Crawling

Not Present

Twisting

Not Present

Push Tasks by Force: 5 lbs

Occasionally

Push Tasks by Force: 6-15 lbs

Occasionally

Push Tasks by Force: 16-50lbs

Not Present

Pulling Tasks by Force: 5 lbs

Occasionally

Pulling Tasks by Force: 6-15 lbs

Occasionally

Pulling Tasks by Force: 16-50 lbs

Not Present

Lifting Tasks by Weight: 5 lbs

Occasionally

Lifting Tasks by Weight: 16-50 lbs

Occasionally

Lifting Tasks by Weight: 16-50 lbs (with use of mechanical handling equipment in certain situations)

Not Present

Activities

Activity

Yes  /  No

Comment

Works with hazardous materials.

No

Wears PPE.

No

Based on current clinic mandates.

Use of computer workstation.

Yes

Works in an environment with a range of temperatures.

No

Works with potentially infectious agents and/or patients.

No

Works with research animals.

No

Works with heavy machinery.

No

Works with blood and/or body fluids.

Yes

Works with technology.

Yes

Works with patient mobility/transfer equipment.

No

Potential for cuts by sharp items.

No

Applies to Facilities Only: Works in confined spaces.

No

Additional Physical Demands/Activities Comments

The above is intended to describe the general contents and requirements of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive statement of all duties, responsibilities or skills of personnel so classified.

Disclaimers

External and internal applicants, as well as position incumbents who become disabled as defined under state or federal law, must be able to perform the essential job functions either with or without a reasonable accommodation. The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties (including essential functions), responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job. Non-essential and/or marginal job functions may be adjusted to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities.

This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise. Employment with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is “at will.”

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong. As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are committed to having faculty and staff who offer multifaceted experiences. Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and compassionate professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.  

Pay Transparency Statement

The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate’s relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).