What are the responsibilities and job description for the Genetic Counselor position at Dana-Farber-Partners Cancercare Network?
Overview
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.
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 and Associate Director 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 initiatives is also possible.
Responsibilities
- Provide genetic counseling for patients in the Center for Cancer Genetics & Prevention and the Center for GI Cancer Genetics & Prevention
- Provide consultation services for patients in other Dana-Farber disease centers and clinics
- Obtain and/or 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
- Liaison with patients and laboratories regarding insurance issues surrounding genetic testing
- Aid in the professional development of genetic counseling interns, medical students and other health care providers
Qualifications
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.
- 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
- 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
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.
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