Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Genetic Counselor II

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute$107K — $124K *
Healthcare
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Genetic Counseling or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years of relevant experience in genetic counseling
  • Advanced understanding of cancer genetics and hereditary cancer syndromes
  • Strong presentation and teaching skills for diverse audiences
  • Proficient in utilizing electronic medical record systems and pedigree-drawing software

Responsibilities

  • Provide comprehensive genetic counseling to patients and families
  • Conduct thorough reviews of medical records and family histories
  • Select appropriate genetic testing options based on clinical assessment
  • Coordinate sample collection and ensure timely follow-up with patients
  • Document clinical interactions and communicate effectively within care teams
  • Assist in variant interpretation and development of educational materials
  • Support education and training of genetic counseling interns and other learners

Benefits

  • Opportunity for professional development and training
  • Involvement in community outreach and expansion of cancer care programs
  • Access to research studies focusing on hereditary cancer syndromes
  • Participation in patient support activities and educational seminars
  • Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams in a prestigious institute
Full Job Description
The Genetic Counselor II provides genetic counseling services to patients and families within the Center for Genetics & Prevention and the Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program under the leadership of the Clinical Director, Disease Center Leader, Associate Director of Genetic Counseling, and Genetic Counseling Managers. The Genetic Counselor II provides patient education and training support within the program. This role supports patients across the full range of hereditary cancer conditions and contributes meaningfully to program activities in education, outreach, supervision, and research. The position requires advanced knowledge of cancer genetics, strong presentation and teaching skills, and the ability to support care delivery across Dana-Farber disease centers, satellite clinics, and affiliated settings.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

  • Provides genetic counseling services to adult and/or pediatric patients and families, including collection of personal and family history, hereditary cancer risk assessment, discussion of testing options, informed consent, result disclosure, and psychosocial support.
  • Reviews medical records and documentation of cancer and related diagnoses to support accurate assessment of family histories and hereditary cancer risk across a broad range of conditions.
  • Evaluates and selects appropriate genetic testing options and laboratories based on clinical presentation, family history, and current practice standards.
  • Coordinates blood and tissue sample collection for genetic analysis and supports timely follow-up related to testing, results, and patient communication.
  • Completes required clinical documentation in the electronic medical record and communicates effectively with patients, providers, and other members of the care team regarding family history review, testing eligibility, and care recommendations.
  • Assists with variant interpretation for clinical cases and contributes to the development of draft patient education materials and related resources.
  • Provides consultation support for patients in other Dana-Farber disease centers, clinics, satellite locations, and affiliate settings, and aids in the professional development of genetic counseling interns, medical students, and other healthcare providers.
  • Provides risk review and follow-up to aid in the scheduling of patients, coverage for genetic counselors who are away, and triage patients as needed. This process may include other responsibilities.
  • Provides sick coverage for other genetic counselors as needed.

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 perform 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.
  • Provide and edit drafts for patient education materials.
  • 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.
  • Lead and assist in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer syndromes and/or cancer prevention.


Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Advanced 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.
  • Working knowledge of whole genome analysis and personalized genomic medicine as relevant to hereditary cancer care.
  • Ability to tailor, translate, and communicate complex information in a clear and relevant way for a broad range of audiences in both oral and written formats.
  • Knowledge of pedigree standards and specialized pedigree-drawing software.
  • Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment with multidisciplinary providers, staff, and learners across the Institute.
  • Strong interpersonal skills, emotional awareness, professionalism, and patient-centered communication abilities.
  • Strong research skills, especially the ability to review and synthesize relevant medical literature and apply findings to clinical and educational work.
  • Advanced presentation skills and teaching abilities for formal and informal educational settings.
  • Ability to manage multiple clinical, educational, and project-based priorities effectively while maintaining quality and responsiveness.


The hiring range is based on market pay structures, with individual salaries determined by factors such as business needs, market conditions, internal equity, and based on the candidate's relevant experience, skills and qualifications.

For union positions, the pay range is determined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

$107,291.00 - $124,033.00

About Dana-Farber Cancer Institute

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is a non-profit organization that provides cancer treatment and research services. The institute was founded in 1947 and is affiliated with Harvard Medical School. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to providing the highest quality care to cancer patients, and is dedicated to finding new treatments and cures for the disease. The institute offers a range of services, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is also involved in a number of research initiatives, and has made significant contributions to the field of cancer research.
Learn more about Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Size
5,000 employees
Industry
Founded
1947

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