Genetic Counselor

UT MD Anderson Cancer Center•Houston, TX

11d

About The Position

The Genetic Counselor is an integral member of the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary Clinical Cancer Genetics Program. The program provides hereditary cancer risk assessment and consultation services, including education, genetic counseling and testing, and individualized cancer screening and prevention programs for people concerned about their personal or family history of cancer. The Genetic Counselor works with patients, families, physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to support informed healthcare decisions and improve patient outcomes. In addition to providing services at MD Anderson, the counselor may cover Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital, part of the Harris Health system, which serves low-income, uninsured, and underinsured patients in Harris County, Texas. The counselor must live in the Houston, Texas area. The role may involve travel to other MD Anderson locations and obtaining out-of-state genetic counseling licenses as required. The position also includes patient care, education and outreach, student training and supervision, and participation in clinical and research studies. Employment is subject to any required reviews and screening related to the security and integrity of critical infrastructure.

Requirements

Master's degree in Genetic Counseling.
Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) certification from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC), required upon hire.
Must live in the Houston, Texas area.
The ability to satisfy and maintain requirements necessary to ensure the security and integrity of critical infrastructure, if applicable to the position.

Nice To Haves

Experience providing cancer genetic counseling.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Ability to collaborate effectively in multidisciplinary clinical and research environments.
Eligibility to obtain CGC certification within the required timeframe.

Responsibilities

Provide cancer risk assessment and genetic counseling to patients and families referred to the Clinical Cancer Genetics Program.
Assess recurrence risk and recommend medical or genetic testing by evaluating risks, benefits, and costs.
Facilitate cancer gene testing when appropriate.
Interpret genetic testing results and communicate them to patients and referring providers.
Document genetic testing results in the UT MD Anderson electronic medical record and Clinical Cancer Genetics databases, including Progeny.
Refer patients to Medical Oncology, Gynecologic Oncology, Gastroenterology, Health Psychology, and other specialties when appropriate.
Provide cross coverage as necessary and obtain out-of-state genetic counseling licenses as required.
Deliver direct patient care through telephone, video, and in-person consultations.
Serve as a departmental, institutional, and community liaison for presentations and outreach activities.
Participate in multidisciplinary conferences, grand rounds, provider conferences, patient conferences, sponsor programs, and outreach events.
Assist with the development and preparation of promotional, educational, and referral materials, and support communications through various media channels.
Conduct public and professional presentations on hereditary cancer and genetic counseling, and educate the public, students, and healthcare professionals.
Participate in instruction and training activities for students; supervise and evaluate students during cancer genetics rotations.
Assist with the design, writing, editing, and implementation of clinical and research studies.
Initiate clinical and research projects in collaboration with faculty members and multidisciplinary teams.
Assist with participant recruitment for studies inside and outside UT MD Anderson and communicate with research participants throughout study activities.
Review clinical study materials, research documents, and patient charts as required.
Travel to other UT MD Anderson locations as required.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Employer-paid medical coverage starting on day one for employees working 30 or more hours per week.
Optional group dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance.
Accruals for paid time off and an Extended Illness Bank.
Paid holidays and wellness, childcare, and other leave options.
Tuition Assistance Program after six months of service.
Access to wellness resources, fitness resources, and employee resource groups.
Defined-benefit pension through the Teachers Retirement System.
Voluntary retirement plans.
Employer-paid life insurance and reduced salary protection programs.
Educational opportunities and individual and team recognition.