Genetic Counselor

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.  Interested applicants may also consider taking on a role working with the Profile Study, a DFCI institute-wide initiative offering tumor and germline sequencing.  Participation in numerous research initiatives is also possible. 

• 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

• 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.