Genetic Counselor (Clinical)

Summary

The Genetic Counselor (GC) works closely with other staff within CGS, the staff at the National TeleOncology hub and the National TeleOncology Program Office to deliver highly specialized care to cancer patients across the VA. 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).

Duties

• Provides expert advice and guidance to VA practitioners and program officials on a wide range of issues related to development and delivery of genetic services, methods and practices Advises and provides technical expertise regarding clinical genetic services and respond to questions and concerns from stakeholders Collaborates with local and Veteran-side site telehealth and pathology staff, NTO hub leadership, and the National Oncology Program Office to establish telehealth service agreements (TSA), workflow processes with spoke (patient site) sites, and other standard operating processes and communications documents as needed for CGS participating sites Interviews patients to get comprehensive individual family and medical histories Evaluates genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific genetic disorders Writes detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts for patients or referring physicians Discusses testing options and the associated risks, benefits, and limitations with patients, families, and other healthcare providers Counsels patients and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance regarding genetic risks and inherited conditions Plans, designs, and directs clinical genetic counseling protocols to develop and evaluate approaches to delivery of genetic counseling services Identifies and implements ways to improve efficiency, quality, and safety of patient care within the CGS service Participates and contributes to development of standard operating procedures related to program implementation Participates and contributes to the development of marketing materials, SharePoint site, and web design for CGS services Chair, Co-Chair, and actively participate in service level and national level committees and workgroups Assists in the oversight of development and dissemination of information describing the genetic counseling services being offered by CGS, including brochures and other published materials Collaborates to develop methods to evaluate effectiveness of educational programs Establishes working relationships with other programs to develop best practices Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: M-F, 8a - 430p Remote: This position is remote Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized

Qualifications

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. English Language Proficiency: Genetic Counselors must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with chapter 2, section D, paragraph 5a. Education: A 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). Experience: One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). License: A full, current, and unrestricted license to independently practice as a Genetic Counselor. Board Certification: Board certification in the field of Genetic Counseling by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). Grade Determinations GS-12: Must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade. Assignment. For all assignments above the full performance level, the higher-level duties must consist of significant scope, administrative independence, complexity (difficulty), and range of variety as described in this standard at the specified grade level and be performed by the incumbent at least 25% of the time. This is the advanced performance level for Genetic Counselors. Genetic Counselors at the advanced level may be responsible for specific clinical programs such as educational programming, clinical program evaluation, and/or research activities. Genetic Counselors at this level demonstrate advanced knowledge of genetic conditions. In addition, they can provide mentorship and education to students and newly hired genetic counselors. In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs: (a) Advanced knowledge of genetic conditions with specific expertise in targeted conditions. (b) Skill in applying general learning/teaching principles. (c) Skill in identifying educational resources available for genetic counselors, as well as other medical specialties, as appropriate. (d) 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. (e) Ability to organize, synthesize, and select relevant clinical and programmatic information to effectively manage time and priorities. (f) Ability to mentor and train genetic counseling students as well as newly hired genetic counselors. (g) Ability to identify target audiences within and outside VA for whom genetics educational material would be relevant. Preferred Experience: More than 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. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.

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/.

Requirements

You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job. All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959. Must be proficient in written and spoken English. 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 identification 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). Complete all application requirements detailed in the "Required Documents" section of this announcement. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1 or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your trial period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Evaluations

IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE MAY NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Your application, resume, C.V., and/or supporting documentation will be verified. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect consideration for employment. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. The Department of Veterans Affairs performs pre-employment reference checks as an assessment method used in the hiring process to verify information provided by a candidate (e.g., on resume or during interview or hiring process); gain additional knowledge regarding a candidate's abilities; and assist a hiring manager with making a final selection for a position. It is the policy of the VA to not deny employment to those that have faced financial hardships or periods of unemployment. Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

How to apply

All applicants are encouraged to apply online. To apply for this position, you must complete the full questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on 09/28/2026 to receive consideration. To preview the questionnaire click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13064631. To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USA JOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire. Click Submit My Answers to submit your application package. NOTE: It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

What to expect next

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. After we receive application packages (including all required documents) and the vacancy announcement closes, we will review applications to ensure qualification and eligibility requirements are met. After the review is complete, a referral certificate(s) is issued and applicants will be notified of their status by email. Referred applicants will be notified as such and may be contacted directly by the hiring office for an interview. All referred applicants receive a final notification once a selection decision has been made. You may check the status of your application at any time by logging into your USA Jobs account and clicking on Applications. Information regarding your application status can be found in the USAJobs Help Center. NOTE: Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP). It is a requirement that all HCP to receive annual seasonal influenza vaccination or obtain an exemption for medical or religious reasons. Wearing a face mask is required when an exemption to the influenza vaccination has been granted. HCP in violation of this directive may face disciplinary action up to and including removal from federal service. HCP are individuals who, during the influenza season, work in VHA locations or who come into contact with VA patients or other HCP as part of their duties. VHA locations include, but are not limited to, VA hospitals and associated clinics, community living centers (CLCs), community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), domiciliary units, Vet centers and VA-leased medical facilities. HCP include all VA licensed and unlicensed, clinical and administrative, remote and onsite, paid and without compensation, full- and part-time employees, intermittent employees, fee basis employees, VA contractors, researchers, volunteers and health professions trainees (HPTs) who are expected to perform any or all of their work at these facilities. HPTs may be paid or unpaid and include residents, interns, fellows and students. HCP also includes VHA personnel providing home-based care to Veterans and drivers and other personnel whose duties put them in contact with patients outside VA medical facilities.

Required documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes: Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Transcript The following documents are accepted, and may be required if applicable to your eligibility and/or qualifications for this position. Please ensure you have included all documents required for your application, such as a copy of your transcript (if using education to qualify), SF-50's (current/former Federal employees), etc. DD-214/ Statement of Service Disability Letter (VA) Long-form resume/Curriculum vitae (CV) American Board of Genetic Counseling Certification Other (2) SF-50/ Notification of Personnel Action Transcript Veterans' Preference: When applying for Federal Jobs, eligible Veterans should claim preference for 5pt (TP), 10pt (CP/CPS/XP), or for Sole Survivor Preference (SSP) in the questionnaire. You must provide a legible copy of your DD214(s) which shows dates and character of service (honorable, general, etc.). If you are currently serving on active duty and expect to be released or discharged within 120 days you must submit documentation related to your active duty service which reflects the dates of service, character of service (honorable, general, etc.), and dates of impending separation. Additionally, disabled veterans and others eligible for 10-point preference (such as widows or mothers of eligible Veterans) must also submit an SF-15 "Application for 10 Point Veteran Preference" with required proof as stated on the form. Documentation is required to award preference. For more information on Veterans' Preference, please visit Feds Hire Vets - Veterans - Job Seekers - Veterans' Preference. Veterans' preference does not apply for internal or other current permanent Federal agency employees.

Other information

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.