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 Counselor candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with 38 U.S.C. § 7403(f)
- Education: 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). Coursework typically includes clinical genetics, population genetics, cytogenetics and molecular genetics coupled with psychosocial theory, ethics and counseling techniques. Clinical rotations in medical genetics centers approved by the ACGC are an integral part of the degree requirements. Individuals who graduated prior to 1993 must have graduated from a program accepted by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC) as equivalent for certification purposes at that time
- Certification: Persons hired or reassigned to Genetic Counselor positions in VHA must be board certified in the field of Genetic Counseling by the American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC). The board certification must be current, and the applicant must abide by the certifying body's requirements for continuing education.
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-13 Supervisory Genetic Counselor Grade Determinations:
Experience. One year of creditable experience equivalent to the next lower grade (GS-12)
AND demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities below:
- Advanced knowledge of genetic practice guidelines and evidence based practices and the ability to use these resources to make judgments and decisions associated with program management to guide program staff.
- Knowledge and skill in management/administration which includes supervision, collaboration, and monitoring.
- Skill in effectively speaking and making presentations in public.
- Ability to develop productivity standards for provision of services.
- Ability to conduct outreach to create and foster collaborative relationships.
Preferred Experience:
1) American Board of Genetic Counseling certification.
2) >2 years experience in an adult clinical genetics setting.
3) Experience with remote delivery of genetic services (telemedicine, telephone)
4) Prior administrative experience such as developing institutional genetic testing protocols, committee service for a national professional organization, or oversee student rotations
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit
https://www.va.gov/ohrm/QualificationStandards/.
The actual grade at which an applicant may be selected for this vacancy is GS-13.
Physical Requirements: See VA Handbook Directive 5019