Evaluate family history and genetic test results and provide genetic counseling services to patients and/or families. Participate in health sciences research, clinical care activities and/or participate in health sciences teaching activities.

Under general direction, analyze and interpret family histories and genetic test results. Assess individual and/or reproductive risk and counsel clients with complex genetics problems such as consanguinity, recurrent pregnancy loss, and/or family history of chromosome abnormalities. Conduct research; provide clinical care and/or instruction in genetic counseling.

Provide specialty consultation to other health care staff including community physicians and other primary care providers; 

Compile complete family history; obtain and review medical records; assess risk of genetic disease and provide grief and crisis counseling to individuals and/or families; 

Recommend specialized genetic testing; identify additional family members to be tested; 

Assist medical geneticist in identifying differential diagnosis and determining patient management needs; 

Discuss prognosis and management options with patient and primary caregiver and develop patient management plan; 

Educate patients regarding their genetic risks/options; explain disease signs and symptoms, probability of recurrence, prognosis, diagnostic methods/procedures, alternate courses of action and available options; 

Provide follow-up patient care; 

Coordinate patient services with social services, clergy, health care providers and other resources based upon evaluation of individual patient needs; 

Participate in teaching health care professionals, health sciences students and the general community; 

Assist principal investigator in developing and implementing investigative approaches; 

Develop procedures for data collection; make recommendations for services and/or program changes;  

Participate in the development of educational programs; 

May provide work direction for Genetics Counselor 1; 

Perform the duties of Genetics Counselor 1; 

Perform related duties as required.

Accreditation Requirement:  Certification by a national certification board for medical genetics personnel as a Genetics Counselor. 

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

A Master's Degree in genetics counseling or a related field from a program accredited by a national certification board for medical genetics personnel 

AND 

One year of experience as a Genetics Counselor 1.