Summary Genetic counselors identify patients with hereditary cancer predisposition through genetic testing and personal and family history based assessment. 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). This position will focus on providing increasing access to hereditary cancer genetic testing and cancer risk assessment through direct patient care and program development. Responsibilities Specific duties include but are not limited to: Evaluate genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific genetic disorders. Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits, and limitations with patients, families, and other healthcare providers. Participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in genetics and genomics. Plan, design, and direct clinical genetic counseling protocols to develop and evaluate approaches to delivery of genetic counseling services. Identify and implement ways to improve efficiency, quality, and safety of patient care within the CGS service. Assist in oversight of development and dissemination of information describing the genetic counseling services being offered by CGS, including brochures and other published materials. Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8-hour tours between the hours of 730am and 0500pm Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Financial Disclosure Report: Not required Requirements Conditions of Employment 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 dentification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Must pass pre-employment physical examination. 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 will 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. 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. 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). May qualify based on being covered by the Grandfathering Provision as described in the VA Qualification Standard for this occupation (only applicable to current VHA employees who are in this occupation and meet the criteria). GS-12 Grade Determinations: 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). 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). Experience: One year of progressively complex experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11) AND demonstrate the following KSA's : - Ability to organize, synthesize and select relevant clinical and programmatic information and effectively manage and organize time/priorities. -Advanced knowledge of genetic conditions, with specific expertise in targeted conditions. -Knowledge of, and ability to integrate, general learning/teaching principles. -Knowledge of national genetic counseling services, and most current methods and practices, as well as services available in VA, including program infrastructure and operations.- Ability to identify target audiences within and outside the VA for whom genetics educational material would be relevant. -Knowledge of educational resources available for genetic counselors as well as other medical specialties, as appropriate. -Ability to mentor/train genetic counseling students as well as newly hired genetic counselors. The full performance level of this vacancy is GS-12. Preferred Experience: At least one year of experience providing clinical cancer genetics counseling. Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/. Physical Requirements: Work is sedentary in nature. 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 for 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.
