Genetic Counselor

Overview

The Genetic Counselor assesses individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.

Responsibilities

• Interview patients to get comprehensive individual family and medical histories
• Review the patient’s medical history, family history and draw a family tree
• Evaluate genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific genetic disorders
• Inform the patient about chances that the cancer in one’s family is hereditary and who in the family may have increased risk for cancer
• Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts for patients or referring physicians
• Educate and review the pros and cons of genetic testing and discuss testing options for cancer screen and risk reduction
• Discuss genetic discrimination laws with regards to health and life insurance
• Arrange genetic testing for those who choose to pursue it
• Discuss insurance coverage and potential out of pocket expense
• Documents patient encounters and test results in medical record.
• Participates in community outreach efforts to educate public on genetic aspects of cancer
• Promotes cancer prevention and risk reduction strategies
• Collaborates with referring physicians and other members of the care team to facilitate testing process and communicating results
• Participates and supports research studies involving cancer risk assessment services
• Attends multidisciplinary care conferences (Tumor Boards) serving as a consultative team member
• Participates in professional educational and quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics and genomics

Qualifications

Education

Bachelor’s Degree Required / Master’s Degree Preferred in Genetic Counseling or Genetics from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling

On-going continuing education required to maintain board certification

Experience

Minimum of 1 year experience and ability to work independently

Required Licenses/Certifications

Certification by the American Board of Genetic Counseling, or Board Eligible

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Genetic counselors should possess the following specific qualities:

Compassion. Patients seek advice on family care or serious illness, so genetic counselors must be sensitive and compassionate when communicating their findings.

Critical-thinking skills. Genetic counselors analyze laboratory findings to determine how best to advise a patient or family. They use their applied knowledge of genetics to assess inherited risks properly.

Decision-making skills. Genetic counselors must use their expertise and experience to determine how to disseminate their findings properly to their patients.

Speaking skills. Genetic counselors must communicate complex findings so that their patients can understand the magnitude of a health problem

About Us

CentraState Healthcare System, a partner of Atlantic Health System, is a fully accredited, not-for-profit, community-based health system that provides comprehensive health services in the central New Jersey region. In addition to offering a full range of leading-edge diagnostic and treatment options, CentraState serves as a valuable health partner focused on the latest ways to prevent disease, promote healthy behaviors, and help people of all ages live life well. Based in Freehold, CentraState is comprised of a 284-bed acute-care hospital, a vibrant health and wellness campus, three award-winning senior living communities, a charitable foundation, and convenient satellite health pavilions offering primary care and specialty physician practices, along with access to outpatient services, such as lab and physical therapy. The system also offers a family medicine residency and geriatric fellowship training program in affiliation with Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School. Among its many honors and accreditations, CentraState is one of less than two percent of hospitals nationwide to earn Magnet® designation for nursing excellence four times and was designated a Great Place to Work-Certified™ Company by Great Place to Work® for the second consecutive year.

When you bring your talent to CentraState, you are joining a trailblazing healthcare facility, committed to providing high-quality, patient-focused care. Join us in making incredible strides in health care, and making a difference in our community. We believe in enriching the lives of our employees through work/life balance initiatives, tuition assistance, career advancement opportunities and much more.

Find out why our employees love their jobs and being part of the CentraState family!

What We Offer:

• Highly competitive compensation
• Excellent benefits package and rewards program
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• 401(a) retirement plan with employer contribution
• Life Insurance 
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Profit Sharing Program
• Growth Opportunity and Workforce Development Initiatives
• Continuing Education / Onsite Training
• A warm, welcoming company culture based upon mutual respect and a collaborative goal of providing excellent patient care
• Concierge Services with Work & Family Benefits
• Magnet recognized healthcare facility