Genetic Counselor

Located in Boston and the surrounding communities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute brings together world renowned clinicians, innovative researchers and dedicated professionals, allies in the common mission of conquering cancer, HIV/AIDS and related diseases. Combining extremely talented people with the best technologies in a genuinely positive environment, we provide compassionate and comprehensive care to patients of all ages; we conduct research that advances treatment; we educate tomorrow's physician/researchers; we reach out to underserved members of our community; and we work with amazing partners, including other Harvard Medical School-affiliated hospitals.

Individuals in this position will work in the Center for Genetics & Prevention program providing genetic counseling services to adult patients and families under the leadership of the Clinical Director, Disease Center Leader, Associate Director and Manager of Genetic Counseling. 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 hereditary cancer conditions, including hereditary breast and ovarian syndrome, hereditary GI cancers, sarcoma, GU cancers including prostate and renal, hematologic malignancies, brain tumors, Li-Fraumeni syndrome, SDHX associated syndromes, VHL and others. Participation in numerous research and teaching initiatives is also possible and encouraged.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• 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 Chestnut Hill locations.
• Review medical records documentation of cancer and other diagnoses to facilitate evaluation and assessment of family histories.
• Determine appropriate testing options and coordinate collection of blood, saliva and tissue samples for genetic analysis.
• 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.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• 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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: 

•  Aiding in the clinical training of genetic counseling interns

• 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

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 groups as protected by law.