Genetic Counselor 2

UC Davis Health; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

UC Davis Eye Center at UC Davis Health seeks a Genetic Counselor to provide specialized genetic counseling and testing support across multiple ophthalmic subspecialties, including IRD, glaucoma, and pediatric conditions. The role partners with faculty to assess risk, obtain histories, coordinate testing, and communicate results to patients and families.

The counselor will integrate genetic information into diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical decision making, ensuring access to services

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling required.
• ABGC eligibility or CGC certification required.
• Board eligibility or ABGC Certification (CGC) preferred.
• Strong interviewing and counseling abilities for patients and families.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with clinical documentation.

Responsibilities

• Provide specialized genetic counseling and testing across ophthalmic subspecialties.
• Assess genetic risk, obtain family histories, coordinate testing and interpret results.
• Counsel patients and families regarding inheritance, prognosis and screening implications.

Skills

Interviewing skills

Counseling skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Genetic knowledge

Genomic medicine awareness

EMR proficiency

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Education

Masters Degree in Genetic Counseling

ABGC eligible or CGC

CGC certification

Tools

EMR

Microsoft Word

Excel

Outlook

Web browser

Job description

Job Summary

Genetic testing and counseling are now the standard of care for a substantial number of patients seen at the UC Davis Eye Center. The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science seeks a Genetic Counselor to provide specialized genetic counseling and testing support across multiple ophthalmic subspecialties, including inherited retinal diseases, glaucoma, optic neuropathies, ocular tumors, retinal and inflammatory eye diseases, pediatric ophthalmic conditions, and corneal dystrophies.

Job Summary

Genetic testing and counseling are now the standard of care for a substantial number of patients seen at the UC Davis Eye Center. The Department of Ophthalmology & Vision Science seeks a Genetic Counselor to provide specialized genetic counseling and testing support across multiple ophthalmic subspecialties, including inherited retinal diseases, glaucoma, optic neuropathies, ocular tumors, retinal and inflammatory eye diseases, pediatric ophthalmic conditions, and corneal dystrophies.

The Genetic Counselor will collaborate with faculty and clinical teams to assess genetic risk, obtain and evaluate family histories, coordinate appropriate genetic testing, interpret and communicate results, and counsel patients and families regarding inheritance, prognosis, screening, and implications for at-risk relatives.

Serving as a department-wide resource, the Genetic Counselor will support the integration of genetic information into diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical decision making while ensuring coordinated access to genetic services as precision and genomic medicine become increasingly important in ophthalmic care.

Minimum Qualifications - For full consideration, applicants are encouraged to upload license and/or certification if required of the position

• American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) eligible or Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC)
• Board eligible or certification from American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC)
• Masters’ Degree in Genetic Counseling
• Previous experience in genetic counseling
• Skills in interviewing and counseling techniques to elicit from the patient or family, the information necessary to reach an appropriate conclusion; anticipate area of difficulty and conflict; assist families and individuals, recognize and cope with their emotional psychological needs; recognize situations requiring psychiatric referral; transmit pertinent information effectively; ability to perform complex risk assessments using genetic and mathematic principles.
• Strong written/oral communication and counseling skills.
• Skill in writing comprehensive counseling reports for patient records, referring health professionals and clients.
• Thorough knowledge of theories and principles of human genetics, including knowledge of cell cycle, meiosis and mitosis; knowledge of chromosomal aberrations and associated clinical features; knowledge of chromosomal polymorphisms; knowledge of chromosomal fragility and breakage syndromes, common Mendelian genetic disorders; knowledge of population cytogenetics; knowledge of human, clinical, molecular, biochemical, somatic cell, and developmental and reproductive genetics.
• Knowledge of the statistical methods and procedures, including survey techniques for evaluation of the adequacy of research designs and techniques; ability to communicate in written form: ability to record data in a timely and accurate manner.
• Knowledge of current development in the field of Genomic Medicine; must be able to remain current as well.
• Knowledge of health care resources available for appropriate referral.
• Skills to present in the field of medical genetics to professional and lay groups.
• Skills to integrate and interpret clinical and genetic information in order to understand the limitations, interpretation and significance of specialized laboratory and clinical procedures.
• Knowledge of research techniques to develop, implement and evaluate genetic/genomic research projects.
• Intermediate level computer skills and experience (EMR, Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, web-browser).

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual in Spanish

Key Responsibilities

• 90% - Clinical Responsibilities
• 10% - Clinical Responsibilities

Department Overview

Complex Ophthalmology and Vision Science based department. 20 + clinical and research faculty, 12 residents, 5 fellows. Dept consists of 4 locations located across the greater Sacramento area and covers Yolo and Placer Counties.

Department Specific Job Scope

Genetic testing and counseling have become an increasingly important standard of care across multiple specialties within the UC Davis Eye Center. Prior to joining UC Davis, Dr. Jayasundera supervised three health-system-employed genetic counselors at the University of Michigan, reflecting the integral role genetic counseling plays within a comprehensive academic ophthalmology program. As he assumes Dr. Sieving’s practice and continues to expand UC Davis’ established Inherited Retinal Disease (IRD) program, the need for dedicated genetic counseling support is expected to grow.

This need extends well beyond the IRD service. The expanding glaucoma division will incorporate Polygenic Risk Score (PRS) assessments to better identify inherited susceptibility to glaucoma and disease progression. Genetic evaluation is also particularly important for pediatric and juvenile glaucoma, where hereditary conditions can influence diagnosis, prognosis, family screening, treatment planning, and, in some cases, surgical decision-making.

Genetic testing is similarly relevant across several other Eye Center specialties. Neuro-ophthalmology evaluates inherited and mitochondrial optic neuropathies, including Leber’s Hereditary Optic Neuropathy and Dominant Optic Atrophy. Ocular oncology and retina manage conditions with established genetic associations, while the uveitis service evaluates monogenic and autoinflammatory disorders such as Blau syndrome, ROSAH, and ADNIV. Genetic evaluation can also help distinguish inflammatory disease from inherited retinal disorders, potentially preventing unnecessary immunosuppression and directing patients toward appropriate treatment.

Pediatric ophthalmology frequently evaluates children with poor vision, nystagmus, pathologic myopia, and suspected inherited or syndromic disorders, including Stickler, Neurofibromatosis, DiGeorge, and Goldenhar syndromes. Likewise, the cornea service manages patients with corneal dystrophies for whom genetic confirmation can assist with diagnosis, prognosis, and counseling regarding familial risk.

Collectively, these services demonstrate that genetic testing is no longer limited to a single ophthalmic subspecialty. Dedicated genetic counseling support would provide a centralized resource across the Eye Center to facilitate appropriate test selection and coordination, interpretation of results, patient and family counseling, identification of at-risk relatives, and integration of genetic findings into clinical management.

POSITION INFORMATION

• Salary or Pay Range: $51.47 - $67.87
• Salary Frequency: Hourly
• Salary Grade: 110
• UC Job Title: GENETIC CNSLR 2 NEX
• UC Job Code: 007898
• Number of Positions: 1
• Appointment Type: Staff: Career
• Percentage of Time: 100%
• Shift (Work Schedule): Mon-Fri, 8am – 5pm
• Location: Ellison Ambulatory Care Center (HSP098)
• Union Representation: HX-Healthcare Professionals
• Benefits Eligible: Yes
• This position is 100% on-site

Benefits

Outstanding benefits and perks are among the many rewards of working for the University of California. UC Davis offers a full range of benefits, resources and programs to help you bring your best self to work, as well as to help you and your family achieve your health, wellness, financial and career goals. Learn more about the benefits below and eligibility by visiting UCnet Benefits Page or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Health Employees or Benefits Summary for UC Davis Employees.

• High quality and low-cost medical plans to choose from to fit your family's needs
• UC pays for dental and vision coverage for you and your family
• Retirement plans for eligible employees including Pension and other Retirement Saving Plans
• Supplemental insurance offered including additional life, short/long term disability, pet insurance, legal coverage, accident, critical illness and hospital indemnity
• Pregnancy and Parental Leave, Family & Medical Leave, Adoption Assistance and Pay for Family Care and Bonding for eligible employees
• Lactation Support Program and Family Care discounts and resources
• Employee Well-being resources and programming to support thriving in all aspects of employee’s lives
• On-site Employee Assistance Program including access to free mental health services
• Generous amount of paid Holidays annually as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Paid Time Off/Vacation/Sick Time as outlined in the UC Policies or Collective Bargaining Agreements
• Continuing Education (CE) allowance and Staff Education Reimbursement Program for eligible employees
• Access to free professional development courses and learning opportunities for personal and professional growth
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Qualified Employer and Student Loan Debt Counseling Program for eligible employees

Physical Demands

• Standing - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Walking - Frequent 3 to 6 Hours
• Sitting - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Bending/Stooping - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Squatting/Kneeling - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Twisting - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Climbing (e.g., stairs or ladders) - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Reaching overhead - Occasional Up to 3 Hours
• Keyboard use/repetitive motion - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Mental Demands

• Sustained attention and concentration - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Complex problem solving/reasoning - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Ability to organize & prioritize - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Communication skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Numerical skills - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Constant Interaction - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Customer/Patient Contact - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours
• Multiple Concurrent Tasks - Continuous 6 to 8+ Hours

Work Environment

UC Davis is a smoke and tobacco free campus effective January 1, 2014. Smoking, the use of smokeless tobacco products, and the use of unregulated nicotine products (e-cigarettes) will be strictly prohibited on any UC Davis owned or leased property, indoors and outdoors, including parking lots and residential space.

Travel to satellite clinics in Sacramento or the vicinity.

Special Requirements – Please contact your recruiter with questions regarding which activities apply by position

• This is a critical position, as defined by UC Policy and local procedures, and as such, employment is contingent upon clearing a criminal background check(s) and may include drug screening, medical evaluation clearance and functional capacity assessment
• This position is designated as a mandated reporter under CANRA and UC policy, and employment is contingent on compliance with applicable policies, procedures and training requirements

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts a conditional offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; received notice of any allegations or are currently the subject of any administrative or disciplinary proceedings involving misconduct; have left a position after receiving notice of allegations or while under investigation in an administrative or disciplinary proceeding involving misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of misconduct with a previous employer.

A Culture of Opportunity and Belonging

At UC Davis, we’re committed to solving life’s most urgent challenges and building a healthier, more resilient world. We believe in growing through every challenge, continually striving to improve, and welcoming new perspectives that strengthen our community. We recognize that a vibrant and innovative organization values both individual strengths and shared purpose. The best ideas often emerge when people with different experiences come together.

As you consider joining UC Davis, we invite you to explore our Principles of Community, our Clinical Strategic Plan and strategic vision for research and education. We believe you belong here. The University of California, Davis is an Equal Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status.

To view the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

Because we want you to feel seen and valued, our recruitment process at UC Davis supports openness and authenticity. Research shows that some individuals hesitate to apply unless they meet every qualification. You may be an excellent fit for this role-or the next one. We encourage you to apply even if your experience doesn't match every listed requirement. #YouBelongHere

To learn more about our background check program, please visit: https://hr.ucdavis.edu/departments/recruitment/ucd/selection/background-checks