Cancer Genetic Counselor

We are more than a health system. We are a belief system. We believe wellness and sickness are both part of a lifelong partnership, and that everyone could use an expert guide. We work hard, care deeply and reach further to help people uncover their own power to be healthy. We inspire hope. We learn, grow, and achieve more – in our careers and in our communities.

Job Description Summary:

The Cancer Genetic Counselor may provide assessment and care for patients who are at risk to have an inherited cancer predisposition syndrome or at increased risk to develop cancer based on personal and/or family history. With supervision by the physicians in the appropriate department, the Genetic Counselor exercises independent judgment in gathering information from the patient and referring physician, assessing this information, enabling patient decision-making and presenting follow up recommendations. They will also be responsible for attending various tumor boards, supervising genetic counseling graduate students, providing medical staff education, and raising awareness of genetic counseling and testing among the general public.

Responsibilities And Duties:

50%
Clinical Practice and Case Management: The Genetic Counselor provides assessment and care management for genetic counseling patients. The Genetic Counselor also exercises independent judgment in gathering information from the patient and referring physicians, assessing this information, enabling patient decision-making and presenting follow-up recommendations. Additionally, the Genetic Counselor supports and actively participants in an integrated approach to patient care with physicians, genetic counselors, nurses, other allied health care practitioners, laboratory directors, and researchers. a. Obtains and analyzes personal and family medical histories b. Interprets the medical and family histories for the patient. c. In Cancer Services, teaches the patient about the natural history of hereditary cancer susceptibility syndromes; in Maternal-Fetal Medicine, teaches the patient about the risk of occurrence, recurrence and natural history of genetic conditions or genetic predisposition risk factors. d. Interprets laboratory results and suggests follow up as needed. e. Educates the patient about the available choices regarding genetic tests, including the risks, benefits and limitations of each. f. Explores the patient feelings and reactions to the various tests and potential outcomes/possible implications of results. g. Enables and supports the patient in making informed decisions that are in alignment with his/her own desires, values and spirituality. h. Advocates with insurance companies for patients requiring specialized genetic testing and makes referrals to other specialists, as needed. i. Provides bereavement support for patients and families, according to their individual needs. j. Communicates the outcome of the genetic counseling session with the patients healthcare provides s via summary correspondence and/or chart documentation shared with the referring physician and by phone if needed d . k. Documents all patient care activities in patient record. l. Facilitates lab testing including the appropriate reference labs and types of testing. Tracks labs sent out, results received and communication with patients and referring physicians offices m. In Cancer Services, provides cancer screening recommendations based on personal and/or family history of cancer. In Maternal Fetal Medicine, provides recommendations for follow up, if indicated. n. In Cancer services, may attend tumor board, breast pre-treatment conference and second opinion clinic and other committee meetings. In Maternal Fetal Medicine, may attend various meetings including the Columbus Fetal Medicine Collaborative case conferences. o. May supervise genetic counseling graduate students during clinical rotation at OhioHealth. p. In Cancer Services, may coordinate the immunohistochemistry IH c colon and endometrial cancer screening program or other programs.
20%
Teamwork: Communicates effectively and works cooperatively with others. Demonstrates an understanding of and respect for other disciplines. Supports and actively participates in an integrated approach to patient care. Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team in providing patient care. b. Communicates with referring healthcare providers to ensure continuity of patient care. c. Leadership skills are demonstrated in problem solving and team collaboration. d. Participates in Performance Improvement activities. e. Works collaboratively with supervisors by performing other duties as requested. f. Adapts to the changing demands of the workplace and assumes a leadership role in supporting co-workers adaptation to change. g. May present cases in interdisciplinary case conferences and incorporate feedback in patient care to maximize patient outcomes.
15%
Outreach and Education: Provides guidance to referring Physicians and other health care professionals regarding genetic counseling and testing. Recognizing the clinical implications of the rapid growth in genetic testing, the Genetic Counselor is responsible for outreach and education for area medical professionals and the public. a. Consults with Physicians and nurses regarding test results, and family history. Suggests follow up course of action. b. Prepares and presents lectures to nurses, doctors, medical students and other professional staff regarding genetics as it applies to their scope of practice. c. Provides in-service educational programs to the staff and physicians in obstetrical office practices. d. Participates in talks and interviews in conjunction with Public Relations at OhioHealth. e. Supports the participation of students in observing genetic counseling work, as appropriate.
15%
Professional Development: Ensures continuous improvement in practice settings by assuming responsibility for self-development and life-long learning. a. Initiates regular contact with professional organizations for genetic counselors. b. Participates in continuing education and maintains board certification. c. Accesses genetics resources from around the United States and the world.


As a High Reliability Organization (HRO), responsibilities require focus on safety, quality and efficiency in performing job duties.  

The job profile provides an overview of responsibilities and duties and is not intended to be an exhaustive list and is subject to change at any time

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's Degree (Required)

Additional Job Description:

Graduate of an accredited genetic counseling program with a Genetic Counseling. Credentials Board Eligible for the American Board of Genetic Counseling Prenatal Genetic Counseling successful completion of clinical rotations in an accredited genetic counseling training program

Work Shift:

Day

Scheduled Weekly Hours :

40

Department

Adult Genetics

Join us!
... if your passion is to work in a caring environment
... if you believe that learning is a life-long process
... if you strive for excellence and want to be among the best in the healthcare industry

Equal Employment Opportunity

OhioHealth is an equal opportunity employer and fully supports and maintains compliance with all state, federal, and local regulations. OhioHealth does not discriminate against associates or applicants because of race, color, genetic information, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, ancestry, national origin, veteran status, military status, pregnancy, disability, marital status, familial status, or other characteristics protected by law. Equal employment is extended to all person in all aspects of the associate-employer relationship including recruitment, hiring, training, promotion, transfer, compensation, discipline, reduction in staff, termination, assignment of benefits, and any other term or condition of employment