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Oncology Genetics Counselor
Company : Catholic Health Initiatives
Location : Tacoma, WA, 98405
Job Type : Full Time
Salary : 41.14-61.2 HOUR
Date Posted : 10 January 2026
Job Summary and Responsibilities
Job Summary:
The Genetic Counselor develops and implements genetic counseling services including intake and coordination of patients into the program, assessments of risk for hereditary cancers and other disorders, need for testing and pedigree analysis, and supportive education and counseling to patients and families.
Essential Job Functions:
- Provide genetic counseling and education to patients and their families regarding heredity cancer syndromes.
- Work closely with physicians and genetic counselors to assure patient genetic testing is appropriate and approached in such a manner that aligns with organizational values.
- Responsible for marketing the service to our cancer physicians, including education regarding risk assessment for appropriate referrals.
- Understand insurance billing for the service and options for payment or charity care for the uninsured.
- Responsible for identifying risks for genetic syndromes, explaining inheritance patterns, prognosis and testing information, and provide supportive counseling for patients.
- Educate patients and the community about familial cancer, provide clear options for medical and surgical interventions and enhance quality of life for high-risk cancer patients.
- Develop written materials for the patients and providers regarding inherited cancer syndromes with predictive testing for cancer susceptibility genes. Serves as resource to patients, families, staff and physicians.
- Maintain detailed records of patient information (including pedigrees, consultative reports, telephone communications and other notes for analysis and reporting.
- Work with local and national resources to provide services necessary for diagnosis and treatment.
- Participate in local support groups, survivorship education and community awareness events and fundraising activities.
- Maintain knowledge of current trends and developments in genetic counseling and epidemiology of disease.
- Serve as a required member of Cancer Committees at and attend weekly tumor board meetings.
Education/Work Experience Requirements:
Master’s Degree in genetic counseling required.
Licensure/Certification:
- Board certified (or board eligible) by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) upon hire.
- Certified Genetic Counselor (CGC) within 12 months of hire.
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health has a rich history of providing exceptional healthcare, dating back to 1891. Building upon a legacy of compassionate care and innovation, our organization has evolved over the years through strategic partnerships and integrations to expand our reach and services across the Puget Sound area.
Today, as Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, we remain deeply committed to healing the whole person – body, mind, and spirit – in the communities we serve. This commitment is strengthened by the diverse expertise and shared values brought together through our growth.
Our dedicated providers offer a full spectrum of health care services, from routine wellness to complex disease management, all grounded in rigorous research and education. Our comprehensive network of 10 hospitals and nearly 300 care sites strategically located across the greater Puget Sound region reflects our ongoing commitment to accessibility and comprehensive care.
We are proud of our pioneering medical advances and numerous awards and accreditations that reflect our dedication to excellence. When you join Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, you become part of a team that delivers top-quality, professional healthcare in modern, well-equipped facilities, and contributes to a legacy of service built on collaboration and shared purpose.
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Frequently asked questions
In Tacoma, Oncology Genetics Counselors focus heavily on hereditary cancer syndromes, collaborating closely with local cancer physicians and participating in tumor board meetings. This role blends detailed pedigree analysis with community education, reflecting the region's emphasis on comprehensive cancer care and support services.
While ABGC certification is essential, Oncology Genetics Counselors may benefit from additional credentials such as certification in cancer genetics or oncology nursing certifications. These can deepen expertise in hereditary cancer risk assessment and patient support, making candidates more competitive in specialized healthcare markets like Tacoma.
Recent advances include integrating molecular oncology data with genetic risk assessments and personalized treatment plans. Oncology Genetics Counselors increasingly engage in multidisciplinary teams, emphasizing survivorship education and community outreach, which expands the traditional counselor role into proactive patient advocacy.
Navigating organizational values while ensuring appropriate genetic testing requires sensitivity and communication skills. Counselors need to align patient care with ethical guidelines, manage insurance intricacies, and actively promote services within a faith-based healthcare environment that values holistic healing.
The organization fosters continuous learning through participation in cancer committees and tumor boards, offering exposure to cutting-edge research and multidisciplinary collaboration. This environment encourages counselors to stay updated on genetic counseling trends and epidemiology, enhancing clinical expertise.
Tacoma's demand for specialized genetic counseling is growing but remains moderate compared to larger metros. Catholic Health Initiatives is a key employer offering stable opportunities, although candidates should demonstrate both strong clinical skills and community engagement to stand out.
Oncology Genetics Counselors in Tacoma typically earn between $75,000 and $95,000 annually, influenced by experience and certification status. The region's cost of living and healthcare demand shape compensation, with Catholic Health Initiatives offering competitive packages aligned with local standards.
Tacoma's diverse population and healthcare infrastructure require counselors to adapt education and support strategies. Proximity to research centers and collaboration across multiple care sites enrich the role, while community engagement is vital given the area's focus on survivorship and preventive oncology.
Beyond master's level genetic counseling and ABGC certification, recruiters seek candidates with strong interdisciplinary communication skills, experience in hereditary cancer risk assessment, and the ability to navigate insurance and charity care options, reflecting the organization's patient-centered values.
Counselors serve as essential liaisons between patients, physicians, and support services, contributing to tumor board discussions and educational initiatives. This integration enhances personalized care pathways and aligns genetic risk assessments with treatment planning across the health system.