Genetic Counselor 1

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Overview

The Genetic Counselor provides routine genetic counseling to individual patients and families within clinical and healthcare research environments. Responsibilities include direct patient interaction, follow-up after clinical consultations, and communication with patients, families, and healthcare providers. The role involves genetic lab support, patient advocacy, gathering patient history, and managing relevant medical and research records. The Genetic Counselor will also provide education on genetic conditions, track test results, participate in case conferences and continuing education events, and supervise trainees. This position may include coordination of patient recruitment and data collection for research studies, contributing to research, and ensuring seamless flow of information and resources for genetic testing and results.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Thorough knowledge of theories and principles of human and medical genetics and genomics.
2. Ability to obtain and evaluate a detailed pedigree using standardized nomenclature.
3. Ability to analyze and interpret information obtained from any appropriate resource material relevant to each case for diagnostic evaluation and management.
4. Skilled at providing comprehensive information to families and to health care providers regarding the etiology, inheritance, incidence/carrier risks, and natural history/prognosis for genetic condition/diseases in culturally appropriate terms that each will comprehend

Principal Responsibilities

1. Obtains and assesses patient and family medical and psycho-social histories.
2. Prepares summary of patients’ medical history for review.
3. Assesses information and refers cases to appropriate clinic or counselors.
4. Discusses results of diagnostic tests with higher level authority to determine direction of counseling plans.
5. Coordinates nationwide consultation services for patients and families involved in genetic counseling.
6. Develops genetic information material for distribution to potential patients and families.
7. Counsels and explains genetic services to patients and families.
8. Coordinates case review sessions for patients and families.
9. Ensures appropriate counseling support is developed and implemented for individuals and families.
10. Evaluates genetic counseling progress of individual or family and reports progress to higher authority.
11. Interprets genetic testing results and counseling assistance.
12. Develops written reports on family pedigree and profiles.
13. May perform other duties as assigned.

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in Genetics or a related field or an equivalent combination of experience and education.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Board eligibility or certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or American Board of Medical Genetics (ABMG).