Genetic Counselor Job Description Template

The Genetic Counselor will provide counseling to individuals identified with predisposing characteristics or at elevated risk for developing cancer. The Genetic Counselor will conduct and interpret individual and family medical and psychosocial histories, provide cancer risk assessment, communicate relevant disease and risk information.  The Genetic Counselor will provide counseling regarding genetic testing including the results while supporting patients’ psychosocial needs. Performs database and primary literature searches as necessary.

Our genetics clients seek genetic counselors who have strong research and analytical skills and also a depth of experience in managing emotionally difficult personal and family medical scenarios.  Our companies offer excellent career growth potential, and excellent benefits. We have many opportunities – all with top medical institutions seeking on the best in genetics counseling leadership.

typical roles and responsibilities for Genetic Counselor

• Provide follow-up to genetic counseling visits including arranging consultations with other specialists, risk assessment modeling.
• Prepare consultation reports, obtaining outside medical records or specimens, facilitate authorization for patients’ insurance coverage for genetic testing.
• Works with patients, facilitating family communication and requesting follow-up visits.
• Serves as primary contact and liaison for specified clinical departments or research groups.
• Attend appropriate departmental conferences, tumor boards or meetings.
• Facilitate the identification of high risk patients for genetic counseling and clinical research protocols.
• Assist with clinical studies, particularly in research subject recruitment both inside and outside of the institution.
• Develop educational materials, review patient charts, contact family members when appropriate, and conduct public and professional presentations.
• Participate in design, writing or editing of research protocols.
• Initiate new research projects in consultation with a faculty member and works with the multidisciplinary team to implement these projects.

Requirements for Genetic Counselor

• Bachelor’s degree in a scientific discipline
• Masters of Science in genetic counseling conferred by a genetic counseling program accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Board eligible or certified by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Current working knowledge of the rapidly changing principles and practices of genetics.
• Knowledge of the psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling, including risk perception, support mechanisms, defense and coping mechanisms, relationships and decision-making processes.
• Experience performing medical/research literature searches using worldwide databases, such as PUBMED, OMIM and GENEREVIEW.
• Strong skills in interacting with individuals from a broad range of socioeconomic, educational, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
• Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, research personnel and investigators.
• Knowledge of patient resource information including counseling, physician referrals, support groups, community resources.
• Recognize ethical dilemmas and seek appropriate assistance when necessary.

Salary range for Genetic Counselor