Genetic Counselor II

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 location at South Shore
• Review medical records documentation of cancer and other diagnoses to facilitate evaluation and assessment of family histories
• Coordinate collection of blood 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

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

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
• 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

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: (include number of direct reports)

• Clinical training of genetic counseling interns and Genetic Counselor I staff
• Some oversight of clinical genetics training for medical students, residents, genetics fellows and other affiliated health care providers 

• Masters in Genetic Counseling
• Equivalent Master’s degree may be sufficient if other minimum job qualifications are met
• Board-Certified, American Board of Genetic Counseling
• Licensed as a Genetic Counselor by the State of Massachusetts
• 3+ years of 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.