Genetic Counselor (Clinical)

Summary Genetic counselors identify specific hereditary disorders or risks through the study of genetics, assessing the risk to develop diseases with a genetic component, such as certain forms of cancer. This position is located in the National TeleOncology (NTO) service's virtual hub at the Durham VA Health Care System (DVAHCS) within the Comprehensive Genetics Service (CGS). The Genetic Counselor ensures integration of cancer genomic services within the VHA system nationwide. Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. You may be required to serve a trial period. Subject to background/security investigation. Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). Qualifications Applicants pending the completion of educational or certification/licensure requirements may be referred and tentatively selected but may not be hired until all requirements are met. NOTE: This applies to past, current, and upcoming VA Health Professions Trainees (HPT) only. VA HPT is an individual appointed to temporary positions in one or more VHA medical facilities performing clinical or research training experiences to satisfy program or degree requirements or admitted to the VA Health Professional Scholarship Program. HPTs can be either VA-paid or Without Compensation (WOC). Basic Requirements: United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy. Education: Master's degree or higher in genetic counseling from a program in the United States or Canada accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC). Coursework typically includes clinical genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics and molecular genetics coupled with psychosocial theory, ethics and counseling techniques. Clinical rotations in medical genetics centers approved by the ACGC are an integral part of the degree requirements. Individuals who graduated prior to 1993 must have graduated from a program accepted by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) as equivalent for certification purposes at that time. Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to Genetic Counselor positions in VHA must be board certified in the field of Genetic Counseling by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). The board certification must be current, and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education. Grade Determinations: Experience: One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Examples of experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Working as a part of a healthcare team in collaboration with physicians to assess genetic risk based on personal and family history, determine if and what type of genetic testing may be useful, interpret results of genetic testing, and help patients make informed choices and adapt to a genetic risk or diagnosis; Contribute to the translation of important genomic findings and other genetics research to patients with hereditary conditions predisposing to disease in a variety of ways; Guide patients and other providers who seek more information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect patients or their families. This includes ordering appropriate genetic tests and interpreting genetic test results based on personal and family history to help patients make informed choices and adapt to a genetic risk or diagnosis; and Participate in evaluating the effectiveness of genetic counseling services to include any changes in methods and procedures. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs): In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: Advanced knowledge of genetic conditions with specific expertise in targeted conditions. Skill in applying general learning/teaching principles. Skill in identifying educational resources available for genetic counselors, as well as other medical specialties, as appropriate. Ability to identify national genetic counseling services and most current methods and practices, as well as services available in VA including program infrastructure and operations. Ability to organize, synthesize, and select relevant clinical and programmatic information to effectively manage time and priorities. Ability to mentor and train genetic counseling students as well as newly hired genetic counselors. Ability to identify target audiences within and outside VA for whom genetics educational material would be relevant. Preferred Experience: >2 years experience in an adult clinical genetics setting Experience with remote delivery of genetic services (telemedicine, telephone) Prior administrative experience such as developing institutional genetic testing protocols, committee service for a national professional organization, or oversee student rotations. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. The full performance level of this vacancy is 12. The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is a GS-12. Physical Requirements: Light lifting (under 15 lbs.); light carrying (under 15 lbs.); reaching above shoulder; use of fingers; walking (intermittent); standing (intermittent); hearing (aid permitted); clear speech. The work is sedentary. Typically, the employee may sit comfortably to do the work. However, there may be some walking, standing, bending and carrying of light items like papers or books. No special physical demands are required to perform the work. Education Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/. Additional information Receiving Service Credit or Earning Annual (Vacation) Leave: Federal Employees earn annual leave at a rate (4, 6 or 8 hours per pay period) which is based on the number of years they have served as a Federal employee. Selected applicants may qualify for credit toward annual leave accrual, based on prior work experience or military service experience. This credited service can be used in determining the rate at which they earn annual leave. Such credit must be requested and approved prior to the appointment date and is not guaranteed. During the application process you may have an option to opt-in to make your resume available to hiring managers in the agency who have similar positions. Opting in does not impact your application for this announcement, nor does it guarantee further consideration for additional positions. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. This position is in the Excepted Service and does not confer competitive status. VA encourages persons with disabilities to apply. The health-related positions in VA are covered by Title 38, and are not covered by the Schedule A excepted appointment authority. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act. Read more Benefits A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new window Learn more about federal benefits. Review our benefits Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.