Pediatric Genetic Counselor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the advancing field of medical science, the role of pediatric genetic counselors has become increasingly important.

As our understanding of genetics deepens and evolves, there is a growing demand for knowledgeable professionals who can guide, support, and assist families through the complex terrain of genetic disorders in children.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s truly expected from a pediatric genetic counselor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager trying to identify the perfect candidate,
• Or simply interested in the intricate world of pediatric genetics,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable pediatric genetic counselor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Pediatric Genetic Counselor Duties and Responsibilities

Pediatric Genetic Counselors are professionals who guide and support families facing the risk of genetic disorders in their children.

They have specialized education in medical genetics and counseling and offer information and support to parents who are either planning to have a child or are pregnant.

They have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Evaluate genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific genetic disorders
• Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians
• Provide counseling to patients with genetic disorders and their families, including information about the risk of recurrence and available testing and treatment options
• Document all interactions with patients in genetic database systems for future reference
• Assist physicians or other healthcare providers in the diagnosis, treatment and management of individuals with genetic disorders
• Develop and present educational or informational programs on genetics
• Write detailed consultation reports to be included in patients’ medical records
• Refer patients to specialists or community resources as required
• Conduct research to expand knowledge in the field of genetics
• Stay updated with the latest research and advancements in genetics and counseling practices

 

Pediatric Genetic Counselor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a compassionate and knowledgeable Pediatric Genetic Counselor to join our team.

In this role, you will be responsible for providing genetic counseling to children and their families.

The candidate will interpret genetic testing, provide risk assessments, and offer support to families dealing with genetic disorders and conditions.

The ideal candidate for this position will have a deep understanding of genetics, strong analytical skills, and the ability to communicate complex genetic concepts and information to patients and their families in a way that is understandable and empathetic.

 

Responsibilities

• Conduct genetic testing and interpret test results
• Provide genetic counseling to patients and their families
• Help families understand the implications of genetic disorders
• Develop and implement patient care plans
• Coordinate with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers
• Stay current with the latest research in genetics
• Adhere to all relevant ethical and legal guidelines
• Document patient interactions and counseling sessions

 

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling or a related field
• Certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)
• Experience in pediatric genetic counseling is preferred
• Strong understanding of genetics and genetic disorders
• Excellent communication and counseling skills
• Ability to explain complex genetic concepts in a manner that patients and their families can understand
• Compassionate and patient-centered approach to care
• Proficiency with electronic medical records (EMR) software

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Pediatric Genetic Counselor
• Work Environment: Hospital or clinic setting. Some travel may be required for conferences or further training.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Department Head of Genetics or the Medical Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $80,000 minimum to $110,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Pediatric Genetic Counselor Do?

Pediatric Genetic Counselors are healthcare professionals who specialize in advising families and children on genetic disorders and inherited conditions.

These professionals are usually part of a medical team that provides genetic testing and counseling services to pediatric patients and their families.

They interpret information about the disorder, analyze inheritance patterns, and calculate risks of recurrence.

The role of a Pediatric Genetic Counselor is to guide and support patients and their families seeking more information about how inherited diseases and conditions might affect them or their children.

They provide information and advice on the benefits, risks, and limitations of genetic testing.

They also help families understand a diagnosis or potential diagnosis and provide emotional support during the process.

Pediatric Genetic Counselors may also educate other healthcare professionals, students, and the public about genetic counseling and genetic disorders.

In many cases, they also work closely with a family’s healthcare provider to plan long-term care.

They should always respect a patient’s decisions and confidentiality, provide non-directive counseling, and promote informed choices in light of risk assessment, family goals, ethical and moral beliefs.

 

Pediatric Genetic Counselor Qualifications and Skills

A Pediatric Genetic Counselor should have the skills and qualifications that align with the requirements of the profession, such as:

• Knowledge in genetics, embryology, and medical genetics to provide accurate and comprehensive counseling to patients and their families.
• Strong communication skills to effectively explain complex genetic information to patients and their families in a comprehensible manner.
• Empathy and interpersonal skills to build a strong rapport with patients and their families, providing emotional support during stressful situations.
• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills to accurately interpret genetic testing results, assess risks, and develop appropriate treatment plans.
• Attention to detail to ensure that no critical information is overlooked during the genetic counseling process.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, and social workers to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
• Experience in research as it is crucial for staying up-to-date on the latest genetic research and technology.
• Educational background in genetics, biology, or a related field. A Master’s degree in genetic counseling is typically required along with certification through the American Board of Genetic Counseling.

 

Pediatric Genetic Counselor Experience Requirements

Pediatric Genetic Counselors generally need to have a master’s degree in genetic counseling or genetics.

During their master’s program, they gain experience through clinical rotations and internships, which expose them to various aspects of pediatric genetic counseling.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through internships or part-time roles during their master’s program.

They may have worked in roles such as Genetic Counseling Assistant or Research Assistant, which help them gain practical experience in the field.

Candidates with 2 to 5 years of experience often develop their skills in entry-level Pediatric Genetic Counselor roles.

They gain experience in genetic testing, risk assessment, counseling patients, and coordinating care with other healthcare professionals.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have some leadership experience and may be ready for a senior or managerial position.

They have developed their skills in areas such as research, education, policy development, and program management in the field of pediatric genetic counseling.

In addition, all Pediatric Genetic Counselors need to be board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling or equivalent.

This requires successful completion of a certification examination, which requires both academic knowledge and practical experience in the field.

 

Pediatric Genetic Counselor Education and Training Requirements

Pediatric Genetic Counselors typically have a bachelor’s degree in biology, genetics, nursing, psychology, public health, or a related field.

These individuals must then earn a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from a program accredited by the Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC).

Coursework usually includes classes in genetics, public health, epidemiology, psychology, and counseling.

Students also have to complete clinical rotations in genetic counseling.

Most states require Pediatric Genetic Counselors to be licensed, which generally requires a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling and passing the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) certification exam.

Some Pediatric Genetic Counselors may choose to pursue additional certifications or specializations, such as in pediatric or prenatal genetic counseling.

Pediatric Genetic Counselors must also engage in ongoing learning and professional development to stay up-to-date with the latest advancements and research in genetics and genomics.

They are expected to have strong communication skills, empathy, and the ability to translate complex genetic information into terms that patients and their families can understand.

 

Pediatric Genetic Counselor Salary Expectations

A Pediatric Genetic Counselor earns an average salary of $81,880 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings may fluctuate based on factors such as the years of experience, level of education, geographical location, and the specific healthcare institution they work for.

 

Pediatric Genetic Counselor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Pediatric Genetic Counselor need?

Pediatric Genetic Counselors require a strong understanding of medical genetics and counseling.

They need to have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to explain complex genetic information and potential outcomes to families.

Empathy, patience, and the ability to handle emotional situations are crucial.

They should also have strong analytical and problem-solving abilities to interpret genetic test results accurately.

 

Do Pediatric Genetic Counselors need a degree?

Yes, Pediatric Genetic Counselors need to have a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling or a related field.

This degree should be from an accredited genetic counseling training program.

Furthermore, they must be board-certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) or equivalent.

 

What should you look for in a Pediatric Genetic Counselor resume?

A resume for a Pediatric Genetic Counselor should first and foremost showcase a Master’s degree in Genetic Counseling from an accredited program and the necessary board certification.

The candidate’s experience in working with children and families, their understanding of genetic disorders, diseases, and testing, and their counseling experience are all crucial to the role.

Any specialized experience in pediatrics or a related field should also be noted.

 

What qualities make a good Pediatric Genetic Counselor?

A good Pediatric Genetic Counselor is compassionate and empathetic, with the ability to support families through difficult situations.

They need to have excellent communication skills to explain complex genetic information clearly to families and colleagues.

They should be detail-oriented and analytical, able to interpret genetic test results accurately.

Furthermore, they should be up-to-date with the latest developments in genetics and genomics.

 

What are the daily duties of a Pediatric Genetic Counselor?

A Pediatric Genetic Counselor’s daily duties often involve meeting with families and children to gather medical histories, explain genetic testing procedures, interpret test results, and discuss potential outcomes.

They may consult with doctors and other healthcare professionals about a patient’s genetic risk factors.

They also spend time staying current with the latest research and advancements in medical genetics.

Depending on their role, they may also participate in research or teaching activities.

 

Is it difficult to hire Pediatric Genetic Counselors?

Like many healthcare roles, hiring Pediatric Genetic Counselors can be challenging due to the high level of education and certification required, and the relatively limited number of professionals in the field.

Offering competitive salaries, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a supportive working environment can make the recruitment process easier.

 

Conclusion

And that’s the long and short of it.

Today, we’ve taken an insightful journey into the fulfilling role of a pediatric genetic counselor.

And guess what?

It’s not just about interpreting genetic test results.

It’s about providing comfort and guidance to families, one genetic counseling session at a time.

With our indispensable pediatric genetic counselor job description template and real-world examples, you’re more than ready to make your mark.

But why not go further?

Explore more with our job description generator. It’s your essential tool to crafting precise listings or refining your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every counseling session is a step towards a healthier, happier future.

Let’s shape that future. Together.

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