Genetic Counselor

Baystate Health • Springfield, MA

3d

About The Position

The Genetic Counselor uses cognitive skills, training, and in-depth knowledge of genetic principles and counseling techniques to help diagnose and counsel patients regarding genetic disorders, reproductive alternatives, and pregnancy exposures. The role includes comprehensive patient and family assessments, evaluation of medical and family histories and records, psychosocial assessment, risk estimation, and explanation of hereditary factors and available testing options. The counselor coordinates laboratory services, conveys and interprets results, supports patients, facilitates continuity of care and referrals, and documents consultations and patient interactions while maintaining confidentiality and respecting cultural diversity.

The position also contributes to training and supervising medical and genetic counseling students and medical residents; ongoing professional development and education; program and workplace quality improvement; educational material development and professional liaison activities; and departmental research goals. The incumbent is expected to follow system and departmental compliance policies and applicable laws and regulations, and to perform other similar and related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master's degree from an American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)-accredited program.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience.
• At least 75 points according to the stated Points Scale.
• ABGC required.
• ABMG required.
• Thorough knowledge of human genetics theories and principles and counseling techniques.
• Familiarity with the indications, limitations, and methodology of common cytogenetics, biochemical genetics, and molecular genetics tests.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Proficiency in pedigree analysis, risk assessment, screening, testing, counseling, and identifying support resources.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to organizational service standards and apply knowledge of human genetics and counseling techniques.
• Perform pedigree analysis, risk assessment, screening, testing, counseling, and identification of support resources.
• Build positive relationships with patients, families, visitors, and healthcare team members through effective communication and a respectful, empathetic, caring approach.
• Manage and solve problems.
• Collect and evaluate medical and family histories, review medical records to confirm diagnoses, assess relevant medical and genetic literature, and conduct psychosocial assessments.
• Explain hereditary factors, address misconceptions about inheritance, estimate and explain patient risk, facilitate referrals for family members, and explain testing options, including their risks, benefits, and limitations.
• Coordinate laboratory service requests and convey results to patients and referring physicians; identify complex results requiring action, seek appropriate supervision, and reassure and support patients.
• Facilitate continuity of care and make referrals as appropriate.
• Write detailed consultation reports and chart notes, track testing outcomes, and record patient interactions.
• Maintain patient confidentiality according to Practice Guidelines and HIPAA, and demonstrate appreciation of cultural diversity.
• Communicate to patients and customers that they are a high priority, including during busy periods.
• Train and supervise medical students, medical residents, and genetic counseling students enrolled in an accredited master's-level program; serve as a professional role model.
• Maintain professional knowledge through departmental journal club participation and attendance at appropriate lectures, conferences, and seminars.
• Maintain American Board of Genetic Counseling certification if ABGC/ABMG certified, serve as a role model for professional conduct, and pursue educational or research opportunities.
• Identify educational opportunities for self and colleagues and help organize, support, promote, or participate in educational conferences and activities for genetic counselors.
• Help identify and realize professional goals for counseling staff.
• Initiate and contribute to efforts to improve workplace quality.
• Prepare and disseminate educational materials for patients and professionals as needed.
• Establish and maintain liaisons with genetic professionals, laboratories, and other genetics services.
• Provide research ideas and help realize departmental research goals.

What This Job Offers

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