Lab Genetic Counselor - Pathology

The Medical College of Wisconsin • Milwaukee, WI

5d • Onsite

About The Position

This proposal outlines the creation and integration of a Laboratory Genetic Counselor (LGC) role supporting precision medicine in laboratory services to improve test appropriateness, result interpretation, provider support, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency. By embedding a board-certified genetic counselor within laboratory workflows, the organization can reduce downstream costs, improve turnaround time and report clarity, support precision medicine initiatives across the lifespan, and strengthen compliance with evolving guidelines and payer requirements.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree. Graduate program must be accredited by The Accreditation
• Certification as a Genetic Counselor granted by the American Board of Medical Genetics or American Board of Genetic Counseling or to be obtained within two years of hire.
• Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to effectively communicate with a variety of people under stressful circumstances with diplomacy and tact.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Ability to work independently and make patient care decisions.
• Excellent organizational and presentation skills.
• Strong problem solving and analytical skills.
• Intermediate computer skills including the use of computer applications, including Microsoft Office.
• Works in a biohazard environment, handling infectious biological specimens and practicing good safety habits, including wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) when appropriate.
• Ability to sit or stand for long periods.
• Frequently lifts up to 10 lbs.
• Work requires occasionally lifting moderate weight materials, standing, or walking continuously.
• Ability to detect and translate speech or other communication.
• May occasionally require the ability to distinguish colors and perceive relative distances between objects.

Nice To Haves

• Experience documenting in Epic is preferred.
• 1 year of progressively responsible experience in clinical genetics
• Medical/patient care counseling experience preferred

Responsibilities

• Review genetic test orders for appropriateness, completeness, and guideline alignment
• Recommend optimal testing strategies (e.g., germline vs somatic vs paired testing; screening vs diagnostic prenatal testing)
• Develop reflex testing pathways and testing algorithms aligned with NCCN, ASCO, ACOG, SMFM, ACMG, and CAP guidelines
• Reduce redraws, reorders, and inappropriate or duplicative testing
• Collaborate with molecular pathologists, laboratory directors, and variant scientists
• Provide clinical context for variant classification and report language
• Support interpretation of VUS, secondary findings, and incidental germline results
• Assist with nuanced prenatal findings (e.g., low fetal fraction, mosaicism, CNVs, and incidental maternal findings)
• Improve clarity, consistency, and clinical actionability of reports
• Serve as a genetics subject matter expert for oncologists, OB/GYNs, MFMs, midwives, APPs, pathologists, and laboratory clients
• Address pre- and post-test clinical questions
• Provide consultative guidance for complex genetic cases
• Support tumor boards, molecular case conferences, and prenatal diagnostic review meetings
• Assist with preauthorization of testing from insurance
• Ensure laboratory practices align with professional guidelines and regulatory standards
• Support informed consent and opt-in/opt-out workflows where applicable
• Reduce patient harm from misordered or misinterpreted oncology and prenatal tests
• Assist with audit readiness, quality improvement initiatives, and payer policy alignment
• Develop provider-facing educational materials and test decision tools
• Train laboratory staff on oncology and prenatal genetics concepts and workflows
• Contribute to new test development, validation, and launch planning across service lines

Benefits

• Outstanding Healthcare Coverage, including but not limited to Health, Vision, and Dental.
• Flexible Spending options
• 403B Retirement Package
• Competitive Vacation and Paid Holidays offered
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee & Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• Pet Insurance
• On campus Fitness Facility, offering onsite classes
• Additional discounted rates on items such as: Select cell phone plans, local fitness facilities, Milwaukee recreation and entertainment etc.

What This Job Offers

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