Genetic Counselor

MMGE - GENE TESTING LAB (IN-GTL-IUINA)

One of the first human genetics departments in the country, the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics at the Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine has a rich history of training geneticists and genetic counselors and providing genetic consultation and counseling services. Currently ranked 5th in the nation among Genetics Departments for NIH funding, received in 2023, the department contributes to the understanding of numerous genetic conditions through the integration of basic research in genetic and genomic mechanisms, translational research in disease models, and clinical trials in rare and common genetic diseases.

This role integrates a certified genetic counselor into the Indiana University Genetic Testing Laboratories within the Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics. The genetic counselor will serve as a key member of the laboratory team, acting as a primary liaison between the laboratory and referring physicians, ordering providers, and other healthcare professionals. Responsibilities include providing guidance and education on appropriate genetic testing, supporting clinical laboratory directors in the context of genomic testing, and contributing to pre-analytic sample and data review, phenotype curation, genomic analysis and interpretation, result communication, and provider engagement.

• May participate in teaching and mentoring. This may include supervising learners as well as delivering didactic instruction to graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, residents, and clinical fellows. This position does not involve direct patient care.
• Work with clients to effectively coordinate the submission of test orders, consents, previous records, and all appropriate samples to complete complex genetic testing orders.
• Assist with the process of pre-analytic data curation by gathering necessary information from submitting physicians and health care providers to provide optimal specimen handling and processing.
• Provide customer service and serve as the point of contact for ordering physicians and other healthcare providers.
• Prepare cases for evaluation, which may include medical record review, research of conditions, psychosocial assessment, evaluation of appropriate testing options, and variant analysis.
• Summarize results of analyses and effectively communicate results in both written and verbal formats.
• Provide follow-up where appropriate and communication to physicians regarding the significance of test results.
• Teach all levels of departmental and IU School of Medicine trainees about the role of the laboratory genetic counselor including professionalism, informed consent, regulations, and quality assurance.
• Participate in the departmental educational conferences pertinent to clinical genetic and laboratory training.
• Maintain appropriate notes in patient records and participate in development/revision/data mining of all laboratory requisitions and databases.
• Assist in developing relevant clinical and lab policies regarding new tests.
• Participate in drafting/submitting articles/abstracts for publications, posters and/or presentations and participate in conferences to share the experiences of IU Genetic Testing Labs.

• Identify appropriate tests for particular condition(s), interpret test results, and advise on appropriate follow-ups following counseling.
• Prepare cases for evaluation, which may include medical record review, research of conditions, psychosocial assessments, and evaluations of appropriate testing options.
• Provide genetics education to groups and individuals upon request. Target audiences could include, but are not limited to, healthcare providers, schools, and community groups.
• Develop and present lectures to genetic counseling students and serve on advisory committees.
• Provide mentorship and oversight for junior-level counselors.
• Develop new study and information materials.
• Contribute to ongoing research efforts related to the evaluation and improvement of the genetic counseling field.
• Keep up to date on genetics education via continuing education efforts.

• Required Master s degree in genetic science, counseling, or related field.
• Preferred Master s degree in genetic counseling from an American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) accredited genetic counseling training program.

• 5 years as a genetic counselor.

• Required ABGC board certified.
• Genetic counseling license in the state of Indiana or other state(s) as necessary for job duties.

• Proficient in written and verbal communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
• Possesses a high degree of…