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