Genetic Counselor I - Cancer

City of Hope • Duarte, CA

2d

About The Position

As part of a multidisciplinary team, the Genetic Counselor provides individuals and families with information about genetics and cancer risk, facilitates genetic testing, and offers psychosocial support to help patients cope with cancer risk. The role contributes to clinical, research, and education domains and performs genetic counseling under supervision and in collaboration with experienced genetic clinicians, in accordance with the ABGC Scope of Practice. Spanish bilingual ability is preferred.

Clinical work includes collecting family histories, reviewing relevant medical records, assessing pedigrees for cancer susceptibility syndromes, estimating genetic and empiric cancer risk, discussing informed consent, educating patients about the medical and psychosocial implications of cancer risk and testing, and supporting testing coordination and result interpretation under guidance. The counselor also provides pre- and post-test education and support, documents encounters, manages cases, participates in case conferences and meetings, and may observe tumor boards.

Research and education responsibilities include completing compliance training, facilitating informed consent and other tasks for research studies, contributing to research projects and presentations with senior colleagues, responding to public inquiries, participating in student training, completing and providing feedback on the Intensive Course, and supporting educational programs and materials. The position also supports ongoing professional development through education, literature review, meetings, special projects, and exploration of subspecialty interests and external professional activities.

A Master of Science in Genetic Counseling and specialized coursework and clinical training in cancer genetics are required. Candidates must be certified or board-eligible through the American Board of Genetic Counseling and obtain temporary California Department of Public Health Genetic Counseling Licensure within three months of hire and permanent licensure within twelve months of hire. No prior professional experience is required beyond completion of an accredited genetic counseling training program. Experience with Epic, Microsoft Office, and FamGenix is preferred. Pay is based on work experience, qualifications, and work location. City of Hope is an equal opportunity employer.

Requirements

• Master of Science in Genetic Counseling.
• Completion of an accredited genetic counseling training program; no prior professional experience beyond that training is required.
• Specialized courses and clinical training in the genetics of cancer.
• American Board of Genetic Counseling certification or board eligibility.
• Temporary California Department of Public Health Genetic Counseling Licensure within three months of hire.
• Permanent California Department of Public Health Genetic Counseling Licensure within twelve months of hire.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual in Spanish.
• Experience with Epic, Microsoft Office, and FamGenix.

Responsibilities

• Collect detailed family histories and retrieve and review medical records for key affected individuals.
• Assess pedigrees and recognize cancer susceptibility syndromes.
• Use appropriate models to estimate genetic and empiric cancer risk.
• Conduct informed-consent discussions, including benefits of genetic knowledge, family risk communication, privacy, confidentiality, and discrimination issues.
• Educate patients about the medical and psychosocial implications of cancer risk and genetic testing.
• Assist in coordinating genetic testing and participate in interpretation of test results under guidance.
• Support patient education based on established guidelines.
• Provide pre- and post-test education, counseling, psychosocial assessment, and support.
• Complete timely medical documentation for encounters and use an effective case-management system.
• Attend and present at case conferences and participate in relevant Division and Faculty meetings.
• Work effectively as part of a team; observe tumor boards and contribute as appropriate under supervision.
• Complete and maintain required research compliance training.
• Facilitate informed consent and complete related tasks for Division research studies.
• Attend CCG research meetings as appropriate and participate in research working groups and projects.
• Contribute to preparation and presentation of research results in partnership with senior genetic counselors and CCG faculty.
• Respond to public inquiries about genetic testing and counseling services.
• Participate in training genetic counseling interns, fellows, and other students.
• Complete the Intensive Course and provide critical feedback.
• Support Division educational activities, including workshops, conferences, presentations, and development of patient education materials.
• Enhance professional growth through educational programs, literature review, meetings, and workshops.
• Participate in special Division and institutional projects or committees and explore subspecialty and external professional opportunities.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level