Genetic Counselor

When you join the growing BILH team, you're not just taking a job, you’re making a difference in people’s lives.

The primary responsibility of this individual will be to see patients and provide genetic counseling at the Familial Cancer Risk Assessment Center. They will assess the patient’s risk for cancer, the probability of a hereditary cancer syndrome, provide education about cancer genetics including possible cancer risks and appropriate management, and the coordination of genetic testing and communication of test results. This individual works closely with the current cancer genetic counselors, genetic counseling assistants, Lahey physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, as well as the administration to continue to develop the growing cancer genetics program and provide excellent patient care within a multidisciplinary setting.

Job Description:

•         Obtain detailed family history and provide risk assessment. Order appropriate genetic tests and provide interpretation of test results.
•         Develop and initiate follow-up plan based on genetic tests results by collaborating with physicians, other health care professional and family members. Provide counseling and education to both the patient and the family. Ensures the treatment plan is individualized based on the patient’s and family’s understanding.
•         Assists patients in areas other than the primary specialty included but not limited to recognizing the patient’s mental and physical conditions and initiates assistance from other health care professionals.
•         Provides thorough and accurate documentation in the medical record by documenting all pertinent data, including family histories, risk assessments, genetic test results and appropriate follow-up.
•         Communicates regularly with patients and families.
•         Communicates appropriately with staff physicians, fellows, residents if applicable and clinical and administrative staff.
•         Follows-up on all ordered genetic tests.
•         Acts as a clinical resource to the Lahey staff. 
•         Works with the genetic counseling assistants to help coordinate genetic testing logistics, including at times sample collection and shipment.
•         Provides appropriate referrals and support based on the results of genetic testing. Assists patient in communicating results with other providers and family members. Helps facilitate additional surveillance and consults for patients who are determined to be high risk.
•         Provides support and participates in departmental programs (i.e. tumor boards, education conferences/symposia) to educate and update team members on issues related to genetic counseling and testing, including genetic discrimination, privacy and confidentiality, available genetic tests and guidelines for referral and follow-up of high risk patients.
•         Provides education and supervision for rotation genetic counseling students from Boston University.
•         Demonstrates accountability for professional growth and job performance by seeking opportunities to enhance job skills and knowledge by attending educational conferences/meetings.  Serves on Lahey’s Genetic Advisory Board and Cancer Committee. Collaborates with other departments to develop programs aimed at identifying at risk patients (i.e. Mammography, Pathology) who would benefit from genetic counseling and testing.
 
Organizational Requirements:
•         Maintain strict adherence to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Confidentiality policy.
•         Incorporate Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Standards of Behavior and Guiding Principles into daily activities.
•         Comply with all Lahey Hospital and Medical Center Policies.
•         Comply with behavioral expectations of the department and Lahey Hospital and Medical Center.
•         Maintain courteous and effective interactions with colleagues and patients.
•         Demonstrate an understanding of the job description, performance expectations, and competency assessment.
•         Demonstrate a commitment toward meeting and exceeding the needs of our customers and consistently adheres to Customer Service standards.
•         Participate in departmental and/or interdepartmental quality improvement activities. 
•         Participate in and successfully completes Mandatory Education.
•         Perform all other duties as needed or directed to meet the needs of the department.
 
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling from an accredited American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) program.
 
Licensure, Certification & Registration: ABGC certified or eligible. State of MA Licensed (or provisionally licensed if board eligible).
 
Experience: 1-3 years of experience in cancer genetic counseling preferred but new graduates considered.
 
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities: Advanced skills with Microsoft applications which may include Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint or Access and other web-based applications. May produce complex documents, perform analysis and maintain databases.

As a health care organization, we have a responsibility to do everything in our power to care for and protect our patients, our colleagues and our communities. Beth Israel Lahey Health requires that all staff be vaccinated against influenza (flu) as a condition of employment.

More than 35,000 people working together. Nurses, doctors, technicians, therapists, researchers, teachers and more, making a difference in patients' lives. Your skill and compassion can make us even stronger.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled