Genetic Counselor

Military Treatment Facilities under DHA • Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Genetic Counselor is located in the Department of Pediatrics at Madigan Army Medical Center in Tacoma, Washington. This is a direct-hire federal position. Salary negotiation may be available to candidates new to federal service, and recruitment or relocation incentives may be authorized for highly qualified candidates.

The position provides comprehensive genetic counseling to clients and families with suspected or confirmed genetic conditions. The counselor identifies families at risk, explains disorders and inheritance patterns, and reviews available options with families. The role also includes collecting genetic and family histories, constructing multi-generational pedigrees, analyzing information to support diagnostic evaluations and testing, and collaborating with health care professionals.

The counselor provides face-to-face clinical support and education to patients, parents, and individuals, and participates in multidisciplinary medical activities. The role contributes to standard operating procedures and new approaches to patient services, and supports clinical research through protocol design, consent development, enrollment, data collection, and analysis.

The position requires a one-year probationary period unless the appointee has previously met the applicable requirements. It is designated Mission Essential and Inclement Weather Essential, requires regular and recurring contact with children under 18, and is subject to background investigation, pre-employment screening, and random drug testing. The incumbent must maintain current Basic Life Support certification and consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.

Requirements

• A bachelor's or graduate degree (or higher) with major study in an academic field related to medicine, health sciences, or allied sciences appropriate to the work, such as Genetic Counseling; the degree must be from a program accredited by an accrediting body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education when obtained.
• One year of specialized experience providing genetic counseling to patients or families, interviewing patients to determine or coordinate treatment plans, and interpreting laboratory results; education cannot substitute for this experience.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and provide proof of U.S. citizenship.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification through the American Red Cross; advanced certification does not replace BLS.
• Must consent to seasonal influenza vaccination or provide a recognized exemption.
• Appointment may require a suitability or fitness determination and a completed background investigation; a Personnel Security Investigation is required.
• Must comply with pre-employment screening and random drug testing under Federal and Department of the Army Drug Free Workplace Programs.
• Must report to or remain at work during severe weather or emergency conditions as a Mission Essential and Inclement Weather Essential employee.
• The position involves regular and recurring contact with children under age 18 and is subject to DoDI 1402.05 requirements.
• A one-year probationary period applies unless the appointee has previously met the applicable requirements.
• Foreign education used to meet qualifications must be evaluated as equivalent to an accredited U.S. education program, or receive full credit at a U.S.-accredited college or university.
• Male applicants born after December 31, 1959 must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
• Direct deposit of pay is required.

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree or higher in Genetic Counseling.
• Certificate in Genetic Counseling from the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC).

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive genetic counseling for clients and families with suspected or confirmed genetic conditions.
• Identify families at risk, interpret information about disorders, analyze inheritance patterns, and review available options with families.
• Collect genetic and family histories and construct multi-generational pedigrees.
• Analyze data to support diagnostic evaluations and testing, and collaborate with health care professionals.
• Provide advisory and clinical support to patients, parents, and individuals through face-to-face counseling and education.
• Participate in multidisciplinary medical activities to provide genetic counseling support.
• Contribute to developing standard operating procedures related to program implementation.
• Provide input on new approaches to patient service based on past experience and newly learned techniques.
• Participate in clinical research, including protocol design, consent development, enrollment, data collection, and analysis.

Benefits

• Federal employees and their families have access to a comprehensive benefits package; specific eligibility depends on position type, and candidates should contact the hiring agency for details.

What This Job Offers

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