Chicago Association for Research and Education in Science (CARES) is looking to hire a full-time dedicated Genetic Counselor. This role will work with the Jesse Brown VA and Hines VA Genitourinary (GU) oncology team to provide testing and counseling for veterans with GU cancers. The three main cancers include prostate cancer, bladder cancer, and kidney cancer. The role will involve meeting patients at risk for hereditary cancers, discussing genetic testing, ordering the appropriate testing, and discussing the findings with the patient and family members. The position is hybrid -requires onsite in-person hospital work as well as well as partial remote work.
Responsibilities
- Working either on campus or remotely, review test requests for appropriate information.
- Communicates and answers questions from clients.
- Answers phone calls regarding lab testing.
- Writes patient reports.
- Participates in activities related to test updates and new test development.
- Works with other members of the lab on various testing-related projects.
- Takes family histories, summarizes cases, explains genetic testing procedures, and results, and provides general genetic counseling and consenting to and ordering of testing. Identifies families at risk, interprets information about the disorder, analyzes inheritance patterns and risks of recurrence, and reviews resources available for testing for potentially affected family members the family. This includes taking a detailed multi-generational family history and pedigree.
- Identifies family genetic risk assessment.
- Counseling and education may include but are not limited to patient goals, genetic overview, confidentiality, the probability for confirming a pathogenic variant, risks, benefits, and limitations of gene testing, potential test results, the potential psychological impact of gene testing on the patient and family and the informed consent process.
- Information and instructions to participant regarding receipt of mailed saliva kit which will be sent to the participant and returned for analysis.
- Coordinates any indicated surveillance to reduce risk of other malignancies.
- Review implications with the patient and provide 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.
- Disclosure of test results.
- Discusses and interprets the various test results with implications for future medical management decisions.
- Documents above activities in the electronic medical record.
- Performs other related work as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in a related field.
Work Experience
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
Preferred Qualifications
Education: Master's degree in genetic counseling from an accredited program.
- Computer experience with word processing and spreadsheet programs essential.
Licenses and Certifications:
- American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) board certified or eligible. Must be board certified within one year of employment.
Technical Skills or Knowledge:
- Knowledge of genetic testing technology.
Preferred Competencies
- Write and report genetic test results.
- Excellent communication skills and interpersonal working skills.
Working Conditions
- Hybrid – requires onsite in person as well as partial remote.
- Lab / office setting.
- Sedentary work-sit and use computer for up to two hours.
Salary
Starting salary is $45 to $47 per hour based upon education, experience, knowledge, and skill level.
Benefits
- Health, Dental, Vision insurance including coverage for dependents (Company pays 60% of the premium)
- Flexible Spending Account
- 401k Savings Plan – Company matches up to 5% after a required one year waiting period.
- 11 Paid Holidays
- Excellent paid Vacation and Sick Leave
About Us
The Chicago Association for Research and Education in Science (CARES) is a non-profit organization associated with the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, the Captain James A. Lovell Federal Health Care Center, the William S. Middleton Memorial VA Hospital, and the Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. It is dedicated to research and its associated educational and scientific endeavors and complements the care of patients by enhancing the intellectual viability of the hospital and providing new and innovative treatments.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $45.00 - $47.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Medical Specialty:
- Critical & Intensive Care
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Chicago, IL 60612
