Genetic Counselor

Department
 

BSD MED - Section Administrator: Hematology and Oncology

About the Department
 

For more than 50 years, The University of Chicago has been a leader in cancer research. In fact, seminal discoveries made at UChicago have stimulated the development and introduction of many of the cancer treatments used today. Many of the roots of chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, gene therapy, and bone marrow transplantation can be traced to UChicago. As members of The University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center (UCCCC), they are committed to exploring and developing innovative ways to prevent and reduce the devastating effects of cancer. Although they recognize that they may never find a universal cure for all cancers, they are dedicated to transforming this deadly disease into a chronic ailment. The UCCCC strives to not only meet the needs of its patients, but also perform research of the highest quality, while supporting local physicians and providing enhanced education for health professionals. They also aim to strengthen links with the surrounding community.

Job Summary
 

The Genetics Counselor primarily provides genetic counseling to a diverse patient population presenting to the University of Chicago Medical Center, the University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center and affiliated medical centers. Participates in day-to-day management and coordination of all Cancer Risk Clinic/Clinical Cancer Genetics activities in the Center including opportunities to participate in clinical, educational, and research program development in the areas of familial hematological and rare cancer syndromes in addition to hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. Will collaborate with providers, administrators, and research support staff and coordinate training & development, providing continuing education and assisting with administrative issues as they relate to program development within the Center and the Cancer Risk Clinic.

Responsibilities

• Works as a member of a multi-disciplinary health care team providing genetic counseling, screening services, report analysis, consultative services and support to families who have members with birth defects or genetic disorders and to families who may be at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. 

• Identifies families at risk, investigates the problem present in the family, interprets information about the disorder, analyzes inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and reviews available options with the family; reviews implications with the patient and provides crisis intervention regarding unexpected genetic conditions.

• Conducts family histories, summarize cases, explain genetic testing procedures, interpret laboratory results , and communicate findings to patients and care teams.

• Reviews implications with the patient and provides crisis intervention regarding unexpected genetic conditions.

• Committed to staying up to date with new mutations and NCCN guidelines or management recommendations. 

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with medical teams and staff across multiple cancer programs within the Cancer Service Line and across the network.

• Support physician faculty members in accomplishing our education mission by participating in training of medical students, undergraduate students, physicians, nurses, and genetic counseling students and other in-coming team members in cancer risk assessment and prevention.

• May conducts in-service training of staff in the medical center (internal/external) on cancer risk assessment.

• May monitor research protocols progress; assists with collection of blood samples and other biospecimens for research & clinical genetic testing.

• May engage in and develop external national, regional and local education lectures; and writes abstract, manuscripts, & journal publications.

• Reviews implications with the patient and provides crisis intervention regarding unexpected genetic conditions. Serves as a patient advocate and refers individuals and families to community or state support services. Serves as an educator and resource for other health care professionals and for the general public.

• May engage in research activities related to the field of medical genetics and genetic counseling.

• Performs other related work as needed.

Minimum Qualifications
 

Education:

Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.

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Work Experience:

Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 5-7 years of work experience in a related job discipline.

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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Experience:

• Experience with clinical coordination and genetic counseling of patients in diverse settings.

• General understanding of hereditary cancers, and  genetic syndromes such as Li Fraumeni, Lynch, Von Hippel Lindau syndromes, etc. 

Preferred Competencies

• Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within hereditary cancer genetics.

• A degree of creativity and latitude.

• Reading, writing, verbal communication and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative.

• Ability to work skillfully with a diverse population.

• Ability to work skillfully within a multi-disciplinary team.

• Ability to use a computer.

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)

• Cover Letter (required)

When applying, the document(s) MUST  be uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family
 

Healthcare & Medical Services

Role Impact
 

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status
 

Exempt

Pay Frequency
 

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours
 

40

Benefits Eligible
 

Yes

Requires Compliance with University Covid-19 Vaccination Requirement
 

Yes

Drug Test Required
 

Yes

Health Screen Required
 

Yes

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required
 

No

Posting Statement
 

Employees must comply with the University’s COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward .
The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/ Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

 

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

 

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

 

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history.  A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment.  Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

 

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