Site: The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc.
At Mass General Brigham, we know it takes a surprising range of talented professionals to advance our mission—from doctors, nurses, business people and tech experts, to dedicated researchers and systems analysts. As a not-for-profit organization, Mass General Brigham is committed to supporting patient care, research, teaching, and service to the community. We place great value on being a diverse, equitable and inclusive organization as we aim to reflect the diversity of the patients we serve.
At Mass General Brigham, we believe a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences makes us stronger by challenging our assumptions with new perspectives that can drive revolutionary discoveries in medical innovations in research and patient care. Therefore, we invite and welcome applicants from traditionally underrepresented groups in healthcare — people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ community, and/or gender expansive, first and second-generation immigrants, veterans, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds – to apply.
Job Summary
The Center for Fetal Medicine and Reproductive Genetics (CFMRG) at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital is a dynamic reproductive program with opportunities to counsel patients with genetic issues related to reproductive and prenatal genetics. In addition, the Ambulatory OB/GYN Genetic Counselor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital leads initiatives to support reproductive genetic screening in OB/GYN practices, including carrier screening, and non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) for aneuploidy and single gene conditions. The genetic counselor supports obstetric care teams by offering counseling services, test interpretation, patient education, and care coordination to enhance clinical outcomes and ensure comprehensive patient care. The Ambulatory Genetic Counselor contributes to advancing the integration of genetic screening into routine obstetric care and the development of new initiatives aimed at improving reproductive health.
Qualifications
Principal Duties and Responsibilities
- Counsels patients and families around reproductive and prenatal genetic issues (including carrier and aneuploidy screening, diagnostic testing and preimplantation genetic testing (PGT)), with a primary focus on expanded reproductive genetic screening options. This involves patient contact, explanation of procedures, probable outcome, all testing coordination, and follow up. Screens and interviews patients to evaluate medical/family information. Recommends and coordinates additional testing and referrals with referring providers, outside hospital facilities, and genetic testing laboratories.
- Implements and coordinates special programs as needed to accommodate patients and providers.
- Performs administrative record keeping, including chart preparation and records requests, maintenance of statistics, documentation of encounter (including chart notes, progress notes, and letters, and other required paperwork for genetic tests or procedures).
- Develops and maintains effective relationships with patients, CFMRG staff, and other referring providers. Provides education and consultation to referring providers as expanded genetic screening tests are implemented. The genetic counselor will be a primary contact for patient care, test follow-up, or general queries about non-scheduled patients.
- Actively updates knowledge of current trends and developments in the field and genetic community by reading appropriate professional literature, attending educational meetings, and making use of other available resources for continuing education.
- Serves as resource to patients, obstetrical care providers and other clinicians on genetic counseling issues.
- Interacts with the Center for Advanced Molecular Diagnostics (CAMD) and external laboratories to ensure optimal utilization of clinical genetic testing. Calls normal and abnormal results to patients and providers, including calling out results to patients who have not received genetic counseling when necessary.
- Participates in research projects including patient recruitment, clinical data abstraction, and data entry maintenance of required computer databases and communication with principal investigator and other sites.
- Genetic counselors designated to see patients at satellite sites, in addition to the above duties, will be expected to assume a role of clinic coordinator and will work with the satellite site to schedule patients for genetic counseling within the framework of that clinic site.
- Counselors at satellite sites will also be responsible for working with referring medical staff to ensure appropriate referral for patients needing genetic counseling by means of communication with the referring provider as well as giving educational presentations to groups of providers.
- Performs other duties as required or assigned, including back-up coverage for other counselors when necessary.
Education
Master's Degree Genetic Counseling required
Can this role accept experience in lieu of a degree?
No
Licenses and Credentials
Genetic Counselor [State License] - Generic - HR Only required
Experience
genetics experience 1-2 years preferred
Knowledge, Skills And Abilities
- Strong patient/customer service skills.
- Good documentation and organizational skills and good attention to detail.
- Ability to adhere to detailed survey research protocols.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Strong understanding of molecular genetics and general chemistry.
- Good attention to detail and analytical.
Additional Job Details (if Applicable)
Physical Requirements
- Standing Frequently (34-66%)
- Walking Frequently (34-66%)
- Sitting Occasionally (3-33%)
- Lifting Frequently (34-66%) 35lbs+ (w/assisted device)
- Carrying Frequently (34-66%) 20lbs - 35lbs
- Pushing Occasionally (3-33%)
- Pulling Occasionally (3-33%)
- Climbing Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Balancing Frequently (34-66%)
- Stooping Occasionally (3-33%)
- Kneeling Occasionally (3-33%)
- Crouching Occasionally (3-33%)
- Crawling Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Reaching Frequently (34-66%)
- Gross Manipulation (Handling) Frequently (34-66%)
- Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
- Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
- Foot Use Rarely (Less than 2%)
- Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
- Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
- Talking Constantly (67-100%)
- Hearing Constantly (67-100%)
Remote Type
Hybrid
Work Location
75 Francis Street
Scheduled Weekly Hours
40
Employee Type
Regular
Work Shift
Day (United States of America)
EEO Statement
The Brigham and Women's Hospital, Inc. is an Affirmative Action Employer. By embracing diverse skills, perspectives and ideas, we choose to lead. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religious creed, national origin, sex, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, military service, genetic information, and/or other status protected under law. We will ensure that all individuals with a disability are provided a reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.
Mass General Brigham Competency Framework
At Mass General Brigham, our competency framework defines what effective leadership “looks like” by specifying which behaviors are most critical for successful performance at each job level. The framework is comprised of ten competencies (half People-Focused, half Performance-Focused) and are defined by observable and measurable skills and behaviors that contribute to workplace effectiveness and career success. These competencies are used to evaluate performance, make hiring decisions, identify development needs, mobilize employees across our system, and establish a strong talent pipeline.
