Job description template

Genetic Counselor Job Description Template

A copy-ready genetic counselor job description with responsibilities, qualifications, skills and pay guidance: customize it for your company in minutes.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
How to use this template

Copy the template below, replace the bracketed fields and tailor duties to your workplace. For pay, national BLS data shows genetic counselors earn a median of $100,040 ($48.09/hour); the middle 50% earn $88,900–$116,140.

Job title

Genetic Counselor

Job summary

[Company name] is seeking a dependable genetic counselor to join our team in [city, state]. In this role, you will take family histories, assess genetic risk and support our team’s commitment to safety, quality and service.

Responsibilities

  • Take family histories
  • Assess genetic risk
  • Explain testing options
  • Order and interpret genetic tests
  • Explain results
  • Provide emotional support
  • Coordinate with physicians
  • Follow company policies, safety procedures and applicable regulations

Required qualifications

  • Master's degree
  • Current license or certification as required by [state]
  • Working knowledge of genetics and risk assessment
  • Empathy and clear communication
  • [Add role-specific requirements, such as driver’s license or ability to pass a background check, if job-related]

Preferred qualifications

  • CGC (ABGC)
  • State license
  • Continuing education
  • Experience with pedigree software

Skills

  • Pedigree analysis
  • Test interpretation
  • Counseling
  • Medical documentation
  • Listening
  • Nonjudgment

Work environment and schedule

Genetic counselors work in hospitals, clinics, labs and via telehealth. Most work full-time weekday hours; many roles are remote.

Pay and benefits

$[min]–$[max] per [hour/year], depending on experience. [List benefits: health insurance, paid time off, retirement plan, training and certification support.]

Equal opportunity

[Company name] is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law, and we provide reasonable accommodations upon request.

Tips for a genetic counselor job posting that attracts applicants

  • Use the title candidates search for. “Genetic Counselor” is the clearest; alternates include Certified Genetic Counselor, CGC, Prenatal Genetic Counselor.
  • Show the pay range. Postings with pay get more qualified applicants, and a growing number of states and cities require pay ranges in job postings.
  • Separate must-haves from nice-to-haves. Long requirement lists discourage qualified candidates, especially career changers.
  • Describe a real day. Borrow from our day in the life of a genetic counselor so applicants self-select accurately.
  • Mention training. Highlighting structured onboarding: such as Genetic Counselor training: widens your applicant pool.

Next steps

Screen and interview with our Genetic Counselor hiring guide, then onboard with the 30-60-90 day plan.

Team pricing