Prenatal Genetics Counselor

Prenatal Genetics Counselor

Position Summary

The Genetic Counselor provides comprehensive prenatal and preconception genetic counseling services to patients receiving obstetric and gynecologic care. This role focuses on risk assessment, patient education, informed decision-making, and psychosocial support related to inherited conditions, carrier screening, fetal anomalies, and pregnancy-related genetic concerns. The counselor works in close collaboration with OB/GYN providers, maternal–fetal medicine specialists, nurses, trainees, and interdisciplinary care teams to support high-quality, patient-centered care throughout the reproductive journey.

In addition to clinical responsibilities, this role actively supports the educational mission of the Department of OB/GYN, including teaching and mentoring medical learners and participating in clinical skills assessment activities such as Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other duties may be assigned.

Clinical Care & Counseling

• Collects and documents detailed medical, obstetric, and multigenerational family histories through in-person consultations, telehealth visits, medical record review, and collaboration with referring clinicians
• Performs genetic and chromosomal risk assessments related to pregnancy, fertility, and reproductive planning using validated, standardized risk-assessment tools
• Provides patient-centered education and counseling related to:
• • Prenatal screening and diagnostic testing options (e.g., NIPT, CVS, amniocentesis)
  • Carrier screening results and reproductive implications
  • Fetal anomalies identified via ultrasound or diagnostic testing
  • Inherited genetic conditions relevant to pregnancy, family planning, and future reproductive decisions
• Reviews and explains the risks, benefits, limitations, and alternatives of prenatal and reproductive genetic testing and obtains informed consent
• Coordinates all aspects of genetic testing, including:
• • Test selection and clinical appropriateness
  • Insurance authorization and benefits investigation
  • Sample collection, handling, and submission
  • Ongoing collaboration with reference laboratories
• Communicates genetic test results in a clear, compassionate, and culturally sensitive manner, supporting patients and families in understanding implications for current and future pregnancies
• Provides psychosocial counseling and emotional support to patients and families navigating complex, uncertain, or unexpected genetic findings
• Collaborates closely with OB/GYN providers, maternal–fetal medicine specialists, nurses, sonographers, and care coordinators to ensure integrated, high-quality patient care
• Completes accurate, timely clinical documentation, including clinic notes, result letters, and provider communications

Education, Teaching & Academic Support

• Participates in the educational programs of the Department of OB/GYN, including those directed at medical students, residents, and fellows
• Precepts learners in clinic, providing real-time teaching, supervision, and feedback during patient encounters
• Delivers didactic lectures and educational presentations related to prenatal genetics, screening, and counseling principles
• Supervises and participates in OSCEs, including case development, learner assessment, and skills evaluation as part of training and competency programs
• Contributes to the development of educational materials and genetic counseling resources within the OB/GYN practice

Professional Practice & Quality

• Maintains current knowledge of prenatal genetic guidelines, screening recommendations, and emerging testing technologies
• Participates in clinical meetings, case conferences, and quality-improvement initiatives as applicable
• Supports departmental goals related to patient education, clinical excellence, and trainee development

Job Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Genetic Counseling from an ABGC-accredited training program
• Board certification or board eligibility with the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC)
• One to three years of genetic counseling experience preferred, with emphasis on:
• • Prenatal, perinatal, or reproductive genetics
  • OB/GYN or maternal–fetal medicine clinical settings
• Strong communication, counseling, teaching, and patient-education skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary clinical and academic environment