New

Genetic Counselor II - Oncology, Westwood

University of California - Los Angeles Health
United States, California, Los Angeles
Jul 09, 2025
Description The purpose of this position is the provision of clinical cancer genetic services under the auspices of the UCLA Health System. The role of the Genetic Counselor is to work both autonomously and in coordination with medical providers in the evaluation of patients and families at high risk for hereditary cancer. Major responsibilities include delivery of high quality cancer genetic counseling and cancer risk assessment, in addition to multidisciplinary medical and supportive care to patients and families. The genetic counselor should also work with other medical specialty groups to expand the role of risk assessment and genetic services. The genetic counselor serves as an institutional resource for complex medical issues related to hereditary cancer syndromes. Salary range: $50.69/hr - $66.90/hr Qualifications Required: Masters of Science or Master of Arts in Genetic Counseling conferred by a genetic counseling program accredited by the American Board of Genetic Counseling Current licensure by the state of California Department of Public Health to practice Genetic Counseling Certification by the American Board of Medical Genetics or the American Board of Genetic Counseling At least 1 year of experience working with and counseling families at a higher risk for cancer Principles of cancer biology including general population risks, tumorgenesis, epidemiological information regarding cancer incidence and incidence of inherited susceptibility to suspected cancer syndrome Expert knowledge in the field of genetics including identification and assessment of cancer genetic syndromes, molecular genetic concepts and testing, patterns of Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, the phenotypic expression of genes, clinical/genetic heterogeneity, polymorphisms, gene penetrance, protein truncation, cell life cycle, cytogenetics, and variants of uncertain significance Informative genetic molecular testing strategy Effective and complete communication of the risks, benefits, and limitations of genetic cancer susceptibility testing aspects of informed consent Interpretation of genetic cancer susceptibility testing results Psychosocial aspects including cancer risk perception, support mechanisms, coping mechanisms, relationships, and decision making process Principles of cancer detection, screening and prevention Knowledge of existing legislation to protect patients against genetic discrimination Ethical standard and guidelines Post-graduate or advanced knowledge in research methodology Ability to perform medical/research literature searches from worldwide databases Ability to read, understand, interpret, and extrapolate research methodology found in the medical literature as related to cancer epidemiology, genetics, detection, screening, and oncology Demonstrated effective oral, public speaking, and written communication skills Effective organizational skills Ability to demonstrate independent knowledge-seeking behavior Interpersonal skills to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, research personnel, and investigators Knowledge of available resources related to cancer and psychosocial support Demonstrated computer skills to prepare documents, spreadsheets, pedigrees, and run risk assessment programs/models. Ability to review and evaluate psychosocial assessments Knowledge and appropriate execution of IRB policies and procedures Ability to recognize, assess, and make appropriate recommendations regarding solutions or clarifications to concerns, problems, and quandaries that should present themselves with regard to patient care Ability to effectively communicate solutions or clarifications of concern, problems, and quandaries to the program leadership. Ability to provide own transportation and work at a variety of hematology/oncology practices