Genetics Counselor

Job Description

Job Description

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

The New Jersey Pediatric Neuroscience Institute (NJPNI) is seeking a highly motivated and compassionate Genetic Counselor to join our multidisciplinary team. This role is essential in supporting pediatric neurology patients and their families throughout the genetic testing process, including both pre-test and post-test counseling. The Genetic Counselor will work closely with neurologists, nurse practitioners, and support staff to ensure seamless integration of genetic insights into clinical care.
 
Position Summary:
This position is primarily responsible for clinical genetic counseling services, including patient education, genetic risk assessment, test coordination, result interpretation, and communication. The Genetic Counselor reports directly to both the Neurology Administrator and the Director of the Neurology Division and plays a key role in clinical workflow development and patient care planning.
 
Key Responsibilities:
1. Patient Counseling

• Provide pre-test counseling to patients and families, explaining the purpose, process, potential benefits, limitations, and outcomes of genetic testing.
• Conduct post-test counseling, interpreting and communicating genetic results, discussing clinical significance, and outlining next steps in care or management.
• Educate families on hereditary conditions, risk factors, recurrence risk, and prevention or screening strategies.

 
2. Test Coordination & Clinical Integration

• Assist in the selection of appropriate genetic tests in consultation with the neurology team.
• Develop and implement clinical workflows and pathways to standardize genetic testing practices.
• In collaboration with our testing staff, coordinate test ordering, insurance pre-authorizations, and result tracking.
• Serve as a liaison between the clinical team and external genetic laboratories.

 
3. Provider & Team Support

• Collaborate with neurologists and advanced practice providers to incorporate genetic findings into comprehensive care plans.
• Act as a genetic resource and consultant for clinical staff, offering guidance on test selection and interpretation.
• Participate in team case reviews, staff education, and multidisciplinary planning meetings.

 
4. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate documentation of all counseling sessions, clinical assessments, and test results in the electronic medical record (EMR).
• Ensure compliance with institutional protocols, HIPAA, and professional ethical standards.
• Monitor ongoing quality assurance and improvement efforts related to genetic services.

 
5. Continuing Education & Advocacy

• Stay up to date with developments in medical genetics, rare disease research, and genetic technologies.
• Participate in continuing education, conferences, or genetics community forums.
• Support patient advocacy efforts and promote access to genetic counseling resources.

 
Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from an ACGC-accredited program
• ABGC board certification or active candidacy
• Strong foundation in medical genetics, counseling skills, and ethical decision-making
• Experience working with pediatric or neurology patients is a plus
• Familiarity with EMR systems and genetic test databases

 
Preferred Qualifications:

• 2+ years of clinical genetic counseling experience 
• Experience developing clinical protocols or genetic testing workflows
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team