Job Summary
This position is responsible for working with patients who have a personal or family history of cancer or other inherited disorders. The counselor obtains personal and family medical history, develops and analyzes pedigrees, determines if genetic testing is appropriate, arranges genetic testing, analyzes and interprets test results in order to provide patient care plans and treatment options. Counselors provide counseling and psychosocial support to patients and families. Works collaboratively with External Clinical Cancer Genetics program that provides medical direction for the Banner program.
Essential Functions
Provides counseling and genetic assessment services to patients with personal or family history, or are at risk for cancer. Provides education and counseling on genetic principles and tests to patients and family members.
Obtains and reviews patients personal and family medical history. Retrieves and reviews medical records. Documents family history and constructs pedigrees to assess the pattern of cancer in the family and risk of cancer and to determine whether genetics testing is appropriate.
Works in collaboration with external Clinical Cancer Genetics Program regarding clinical care and the research program. Clinical Genetics Program staff provide medical direction for the Banner program.
Interprets complex genetics principles, laboratory data and test results. Provides counseling recommendations for care and psychosocial support for patients and families regarding risk of an inherited disorder. Establishes a plan of care based on genetic assessment.
Assists with research protocol enrollment, collection of samples, data management, and patient consent in accordance with the Institutional Review Board.
Provides education of genetic counseling and cancer genetics to health care professionals, including residents, physicians, oncology program staff, as well as organizations and individual members of the community.
May assist with facility program development.
Minimum Qualifications
A Masters Degree in Genetic Counseling, obtained through a genetic counseling program accredited by the ACGC (Accrediting Council for Genetic Counseling), is required. Must be eligible for Board Certification as a Genetic Counselor. Genetic Counselor certification must be obtained within 24 months of hire.
Position requires excellent communication, interpersonal, counseling and psychosocial assessment skills in establishing patient rapport and in responding to issues of client or family; Requires critical thinking skills to complete complex research and analysis.
Preferred Qualifications
Board Certified Genetic Counselor with Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling.
Additional related education and/or experience preferred.
