Genetic Counselor

Job Description – Genetic Counselor

Field

Details

Position Title

Genetic Counselor

Department

Clinical Genetics / Genetic Counseling Services

Reporting To

Head of Department – Genetics / Medical Director / Consultant Clinical Geneticist

Employment Type

Fulltime

Job Summary

The Genetic Counselor is responsible for providing comprehensive pre and post test genetic counseling services to patients and families by collecting analyzing and interpreting detailed personal medical and family histories to assess the risk of inherited disorders. The role involves educating orienting and guiding patients regarding genetic conditions inheritance patterns genetic testing options risks benefits limitations and implications of test results while providing emotional support and facilitating informed decision-making. Interaction with clinicians in the counselling process is mandatory. A printed (hard or soft) genetic counseling report has to be provided to the patient at the end of the counselling process.

Key Responsibilities

Area

Responsibilities

Comprehensive Patient Assessment and History Collection

Conduct detailed interviews; collect 3-generation family history; develop pedigrees including consanguinity; identify hereditary patterns; gather birth developmental prenatal cancer neurological reproductive and ethnic history; review medical records and reports.

Genetic Risk Assessment

Evaluate inherited disorder risks; assess recurrence risks; identify candidates for testing; analyze inheritance patterns; collaborate with cliicians and specialists.

Genetic Counseling Services

Provide pre- and post-test counseling; explain conditions testing methods outcomes and limitations; obtain informed consent; address ethical and psychosocial concerns.

Genetic Testing Coordination

Coordinate genetic investigations; assist in selecting tests such as karyotyping FISH microarray carrier screening whole exome/genome sequencing and cancer panels; liaise with laboratories.

Interpretation and Reporting

Review and interpret reports; prepare counseling notes; document findings; explain results and recommendations.

Patient and Family Support

Provide emotional support; facilitate referrals; maintain patient-centered care.

Multidisciplinary Collaboration

Work with geneticists obstetricians pediatricians oncologists neurologists IVF specialistsophthalmologists physicians and laboratory teams.

Education Quality and Research

Conduct education programs; develop materials; maintain confidentiality; participate in audits research and quality initiatives.

Database Maintenance

All data clinical and genetic should be entered in the institutional database. Hard copy of the same should be maintained as well.

Desired Qualifications

Category

Requirements

Essential

Master's Degree in Genetic Counseling / Medical Genetics / Human Genetics; certification/registration where applicable; strong in depth knowledge of genetics and pedigree analysis.

Preferred

Additional training in Clinical Genetics Oncology Genetics Prenatal Genetics or Genomic Medicine; experience in accredited hospitals or genetic laboratories.

Experience Requirements

Category

Requirements

Essential

2–5 years of experience in genetic counseling clinical genetics reproductive genetics cancer genetics or related specialties.

Preferred

Experience with high-risk prenatal cases inherited cancer syndromes pediatric genetic disorders and genomic report interpretation.

Key Competencies

Technical Competencies

Behavioral Competencies

Genetic Risk Assessment Pedigree Analysis Genetic Testing Coordination Genomic Data Interpretation Clinical Documentation Research and Data Analysis

Interviewing Skills Communication Empathy Emotional Intelligence Ethical Judgment Confidentiality Attention to Detail

Computer Knowledge

Adequate knowledge and experience of handing computers laptops and MS Office (Word PowerPoint Excel).

Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Accuracy and completeness of family history documentation

• Number of counseling sessions conducted

• Patient satisfaction scores

• Timely coordination of testing

• Quality of pedigree charts

• Documentation compliance

• Multidisciplinary collaboration