Genetic Counselor

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 107,291 - 124,033; Full time

Job summary

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston is looking for a Genetic Counselor II. This full-time position offers the chance to provide counseling services to patients and families dealing with hereditary cancer conditions. The counselor will evaluate genetic testing options, review medical histories, and assist in professional development for interns.

Candidates must have a Master's in Genetic Counseling, board certification, and at least 3 years of clinical experience. The salary ranges from $107,291 to $124,033, based on market pay and experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years experience in clinical genetic counseling.
• Board-Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling.
• Current licensure as a Genetic Counselor in Massachusetts.

Responsibilities

• Provide genetic counseling services to patients and families.
• Review medical records to support hereditary cancer risk assessments.
• Evaluate and select appropriate genetic testing options.

Skills

Advanced genetic counseling

Family history assessment

Psychosocial support

Cancer genetics knowledge

Collaboration skills

Research skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling

Tools

Pedigree drawing software

Job description

Position Overview

The Genetic Counselor II provides genetic counseling services to patients and families within the Center for Genetics & Prevention and the Pediatric Cancer Genetic Risk Program. The role supports patients across hereditary cancer conditions and contributes meaningfully to education, outreach, supervision, and research across Dana‑Farber disease centers, satellite clinics, and affiliated settings.

Minimum Job Qualifications

Education Required

Master’s Degree

Area of Study Required

Genetic Counseling

Experience Required

• Minimum of 3 years of experience in clinical genetic counseling

Experience Preferred

• Up to 7 years experience in clinical cancer genetic counseling
• Experience in an academic medical center, cancer center, or similarly complex healthcare environment
• Experience in provider education, trainee supervision, clinical outreach, or research participation

License/Certification/Registration Required

• Board‑Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling
• Current licensure as a Genetic Counselor in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide genetic counseling services to adult and/or pediatric patients and families—including collection of personal and family history, risk assessment, discussion of testing options, informed consent, result disclosure, and psychosocial support.
• Review medical records and documentation of cancer diagnoses to support accurate assessment of family histories and hereditary cancer risk.
• Evaluate and select appropriate genetic testing options and laboratories.
• Coordinate blood and tissue sample collection for genetic analysis and support follow‑up related to testing, results, and patient communication.
• Complete required clinical documentation in the electronic medical record and communicate with patients, providers, and care team members about family history review, testing eligibility, and care recommendations.
• Assist with variant interpretation for clinical cases and contribute to the development of draft patient education materials.
• Provide consultation support for patients in other Dana‑Farber disease centers, clinics, satellite locations, and affiliate settings.
• Assist in the professional development of genetic counseling interns, medical students, and other healthcare providers.
• Provide risk review and follow‑up to aid in scheduling of patients, cover for absent genetic counselors, and triage patients as needed.
• Provide sick coverage for other genetic counselors as needed.

Advanced Responsibilities

• Provide genetic counseling services for satellite clinics and participate in the development and expansion of community outreach programs.
• Educate oncology and community health care providers about cancer genetics, hereditary cancer syndromes, and appropriate referrals.
• Facilitate patient support groups, organize educational seminars and conferences, and create patient‑oriented materials.
• Teach genetics classes for genetic counseling students and medical students.
• Provide and edit drafts for patient education materials.
• Clinically supervise genetic counseling interns, medical students, and genetics fellows.
• Communicate with media and outside organizations regarding cancer genetics and counseling services.
• Aid in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer syndromes and cancer prevention.
• Lead and assist in clinical research studies on hereditary cancer syndromes and prevention.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Advanced ability to provide genetic counseling, including family history collection, assessment, treatment planning, and psychosocial support.
• Expert knowledge of hereditary cancer syndromes, cancer genetics, and risk assessment tools.
• Understanding of whole‑genome analysis and personalized genomic medicine relevant to hereditary cancer care.
• Ability to translate complex information for diverse audiences both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of pedigree standards and specialized pedigree‑drawing software.
• Collaborative working skills with multidisciplinary providers, staff, and learners.
• Strong interpersonal, emotional awareness, professionalism, and patient‑centered communication.
• Research skills—reviewing literature and applying findings to clinical and educational work.
• Presentation and teaching abilities for formal and informal settings.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining quality and responsiveness.

Employment Details

Supervisory Responsibilities – No

Patient Contact – Yes (adults or pediatric oncology or genetics patients)

Special Working Conditions – Availability by pager and on‑call coverage during normal business hours at the main campus.

Job Type – Full time, located in Boston and surrounding communities.

Pay

$107,291.00 – $124,033.00 (determined by market pay structures and candidate experience)

EEO Statement

Dana‑Farber Cancer Institute is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the right of every qualified applicant to receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability, age, ancestry, military service, protected veteran status, or other characteristics protected by law.