Job Description

Overview

This position is for a genetic counselor with pediatric oncology experience, to work in the Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program, part of the Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center and the Center for Cancer Genetics & Prevention at Dana-Farber.  While each genetic counselor may develop certain areas of expertise, all genetic counselors are cross-trained to be able to see the full range of pediatric and adult hereditary cancer conditions, including brain tumor syndromes, hematologic malignancies and bone marrow failure syndromes, telomere disorders, hereditary GI cancer syndromes, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, DICER1 syndrome, SDHx associated syndromes, VHL and others.  Participation in numerous research initiatives is also possible and encouraged.

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a leader in life changing breakthroughs in cancer research and patient care. We are united in our mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. We strive to create an inclusive, diverse, and equitable environment where we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all backgrounds, and design programs to promote public health particularly among high-risk and underserved populations. We conduct groundbreaking research that advances treatment, we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers, and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Responsibilities

Genetic Counselor I:

• Provide genetic counseling for patients in the Center for Cancer Genetics & Prevention.  
• Provide consultation services for patients in other Dana-Farber disease centers and clinics, including our Satellite location at South Shore
• Review medical records documentation of cancer and other diagnoses to facilitate evaluation and assessment of family histories
• Evaluate and select most appropriate genetic testing options and optimal laboratory
• Coordinate collection of blood and tissue samples for genetic analysis
• Complete required documentation in electronic medical record
• Assists with variant interpretation for clinical cases
• Communicate with patients, other genetic counselors and health care professionals to review family histories and determine eligibility for genetic testing and research protocols
• Aid in the professional development of genetic counseling interns, medical students and other health care providers

Genetic Counselor II:

In addition to the above, this position will require the individual to undertake an increasingly independent role.  The individual will also be expected to become more deeply involved in one or more key facets of the profession including supervision, training, education and research. Individuals at this level will be expected to participate in many of the following:

• Provide genetic counseling services for satellite clinics as part of Dana-Farber’s community outreach programs or actively participate in the development and expansion of existing Dana-Farber clinics/consult programs
• Educate oncology and community health care providers about cancer genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes and appropriate referrals
• Facilitate patient support groups, organize patient educational seminars and conferences and create patient-oriented materials regarding cancer genetics
• Teach genetics classes for genetic counseling students and medical students
• Clinically supervise genetic counseling interns, medical students and genetics fellows
• Communicate with media and outside organizations regarding cancer genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes and genetic counseling services
• Aid in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer syndromes and/or cancer prevention
• Submit data for abstracts or presentation at major genetics and/or oncology meetings and/or submit manuscripts for publication

Genetic Counselor III:

In addition to the above, this position will require the individual to undertake an increasingly independent role.  The individual will also be expected to become more deeply involved in one or more key facets of the profession including supervision, training, education and research. Individuals at this level will be expected to participate in many of the following:

• Lead and assist in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer syndromes and/or cancer prevention
• Demonstrate proficiency and autonomy in managing complex, cross disease center projects including analysis and interpretation of high-level results
• Participate in the Institute’s initiative on genomic analysis for patients as it applies to hereditary cancer
• Serve as a mentor and guide for other staff through experience in counseling for specific diseases and encouraging professional growth
• Aid in the training of genetic counselors and other staff in variant analysis and interpretation
• Coordinate internal education of genetic counselors and other staff in the CGP through patient reviews, journal clubs and lectures as necessary
• Initiate, delegate and oversee clinical research projects with an advanced level of complexity

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

Genetic Counselor I:

• Ability to provide genetic counseling through collection of family history, assessment and evaluation of histories, knowledge of genetics and appropriate testing, and psychosocial support
• Basic knowledge of hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer genetics and cancer risk assessment tools
• Some experience in cancer genetic counseling, medical research and genetic technologies
• Ability to tailor, translate and communicate complex information in a simple, relevant way for a broad range of audiences (in both oral and written format)
• Knowledge of pedigree standards and specialized pedigree-drawing software
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other members of the Center for Cancer Genetics & Prevention team
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional awareness
• Research skills, especially the ability to review and synthesize relevant medical literature

Genetic Counselor II:

This position will require more advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities than that of Genetic Counselor I:

• Ability to provide genetic counseling through collection of family history, assessment and evaluation of histories, knowledge of genetics and appropriate testing, and psychosocial support
• Expert knowledge of the major hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer genetics and cancer risk assessment tools
• Some knowledge of whole genome analysis and personalized genomic medicine
• Ability to tailor, translate and communicate complex information in a simple, relevant way for a broad range of audiences (in both oral and written format)
• Knowledge of pedigree standards and specialized pedigree-drawing software
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other members of the Center for Cancer Genetics & Prevention team
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional awareness
• Research skills, especially the ability to review and synthesize relevant medical literature
• A minimum of 3 years of in-depth experience in cancer genetic counseling, medical research and genetic technologies
• Advanced presentation skills and teaching abilities

Genetic Counselor III:

This position will require more advanced knowledge, skills, and abilities than that of Genetic Counselor II:

• Ability to provide genetic counseling through collection of family history, assessment and evaluation of histories, knowledge of genetics and appropriate testing, and psychosocial support
• Expert knowledge of both the major hereditary cancer syndromes and rare syndromes, cancer genetics and cancer risk assessment tools
• Some knowledge of whole genome analysis and personalized genomic medicine
• Ability to tailor, translate and communicate complex information in a simple, relevant way for a broad range of audiences (in both oral and written format)
• Knowledge of pedigree standards and specialized pedigree-drawing software
• Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other members of the Center for Cancer Genetics & Prevention team
• Strong interpersonal skills and emotional awareness
• Research skills, especially the ability to review and synthesize relevant medical literature
• A minimum of 6 years of in-depth experience in cancer genetic counseling, medical research and genetic technologies
• Advanced presentation skills and teaching abilities
• Leadership skills

Qualifications

Genetic Counselor I

• Masters in Genetic Counseling
• Board-Certified or Board-Eligible, American Board of Genetic Counseling
• Licensed or Provisionally-Licensed as a Genetic Counselor by the State of Massachusetts
• 0-3+ years work experience in clinical cancer genetic counseling

Genetic Counselor II

In addition to the above:

• Certified and in good standing by ABGC
• Has maintained licensure in required states
• 3 + years of work experience preferred in clinical cancer genetic counseling

Genetic Counselor III

• Certified and in good standing by ABGC
• Has maintained licensure in required states
• 6+ years of work experience preferred in clinical cancer genetic counseling

At Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, we work every day to create an innovative, caring, and inclusive environment where every patient, family, and staff member feels they belong.  As relentless as we are in our mission to reduce the burden of cancer for all, we are equally committed to diversifying our faculty and staff.  Cancer knows no boundaries and when it comes to hiring the most dedicated and diverse professionals, neither do we. If working in this kind of organization inspires you, we encourage you to apply.

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.

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