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Genetic Counselors

SOC 29-9092.00Job Zone 5 · Extensive Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers genetic counseling practice across clinical specialties including prenatal, pediatric, oncology, and neurological genetics within hospital-based, academic medical center, and outpatient clinic environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Patient and family medical histories — collect and document through structured interviews and electronic medical record review under clinical supervisor guidance.
  2. Basic genetic laboratory results — interpret with reference materials and communicate preliminary findings to supervising genetic counselors in a clinical setting.
  3. Genetic testing options — describe available modalities, associated risks, benefits, and limitations to patients and families using scripted educational materials under direct oversight.
  4. Pedigree construction tools and medical software — use to organize family history data and identify preliminary inheritance patterns in a hospital-based genetics clinic.
  5. Genetic consultation reports — draft initial versions of written summaries covering identified risk factors for review and revision by a supervising counselor.
  6. Risk assessment frameworks — apply standard protocols to identify individuals or families potentially at risk for common hereditary disorders under structured mentorship.
  7. Counseling sessions — participate as a co-counselor to observe and practice delivering information, education, and emotional reassurance to patients and families.
  8. Genetics and counseling literature — review assigned peer-reviewed sources to inform treatment plan discussions and build foundational scientific knowledge.
  9. Clinical specialty rotations — engage in supervised genetics practice across obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology, or neurology to develop exposure across domains.
  10. Active listening and social perceptiveness skills — demonstrate during patient interactions by reflecting patient concerns accurately back to the supervising counselor for validation.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Laboratory results for common hereditary conditions — interpret independently and communicate findings clearly to patients, families, and referring physicians in a outpatient genetics clinic.
  2. Informed decision-making conversations — facilitate with patients and families regarding genetic testing options, balancing scientific accuracy with empathetic delivery in routine clinical cases.
  3. Family pedigrees and medical histories — analyze using database and analytical software to identify individuals at risk for specific disorders with minimal supervisory review.
  4. Genetic consultation reports — compose detailed, accurate written reports translating complex genomic findings into accessible language for both clinical and lay audiences.
  5. Treatment and diagnostic plans — coordinate by requesting appropriate laboratory services, reviewing current genetics literature, and synthesizing diagnostic data in a multidisciplinary team environment.
  6. Counseling support — provide education and reassurance to patients and families facing hereditary cancer, prenatal, or pediatric genetic diagnoses in a specialty clinic setting.
  7. Specialty clinical genetics practice — deliver genetic counseling across at least two domains such as obstetrics and oncology with routine competency and limited oversight.
  8. Spreadsheet and office suite software — use to track patient caseloads, organize genetic data, and produce reports that support clinic operations and quality metrics.
  9. Ethical and cultural considerations — recognize and navigate in patient interactions to ensure counseling is equitable, non-directive, and sensitive to diverse backgrounds.
  10. Time management strategies — apply to balance simultaneous patient caseloads, documentation requirements, and continuing education responsibilities within a busy genetics department.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex or ambiguous genetic laboratory results — interpret autonomously, including variants of uncertain significance, and communicate nuanced findings to patients, families, and multidisciplinary teams.
  2. Informed consent and testing decision processes — lead comprehensively for high-complexity cases involving rare syndromes, providing individualized risk-benefit analysis without supervisory input.
  3. Comprehensive risk assessments — conduct across multiple specialty areas including prenatal, pediatric, oncology, and neurological genetics, synthesizing multifactorial inheritance data and family histories.
  4. Genetic consultation reports for rare or complex cases — author with precision and clinical authority, serving as primary reference documents for referring physicians and insurance reviewers.
  5. Multi-disciplinary treatment plans — determine and coordinate by integrating genomic findings, literature evidence, and patient-specific clinical history across cardiology, oncology, and other specialty teams.
  6. Psychological and educational support — deliver tailored counseling to patients and families confronting life-altering genetic diagnoses, adapting communication style to health literacy and emotional state.
  7. Emerging genomic technologies and research findings — critically evaluate and integrate into clinical practice protocols to ensure the department applies current best-evidence approaches.
  8. Clinical systems analysis — assess workflow, patient outcomes data, and quality indicators using analytical software to identify gaps and recommend improvements in a genetics program.
  9. Specialty genetics consultations — provide expert-level counseling in advanced domains such as pharmacogenomics or hereditary cardiovascular disease without peer oversight.
  10. Mentorship of developing counselors — guide caseload discussions, review documentation, and model evidence-based patient communication in a clinical training environment.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Organizational genetic counseling strategy — define and implement program-wide clinical standards, service lines, and patient care protocols across a health system or large academic medical center.
  2. Genetic counseling workforce development — design and lead training curricula, supervision frameworks, and professional development pathways that elevate competency across an entire department or regional program.
  3. Policy and advocacy initiatives — represent the genetic counseling profession in institutional, regulatory, or legislative forums to shape practice standards, reimbursement models, and ethical guidelines.
  4. Research and innovation agenda — lead or co-lead clinical research studies, grant applications, and publications that advance the evidence base for genetic counseling practice and genomic medicine.
  5. Interdisciplinary genomic medicine programs — establish collaborative partnerships with oncology, cardiology, neurology, and reproductive medicine leadership to embed genetic counseling across the care continuum.
  6. Quality and outcomes evaluation systems — design institution-wide monitoring frameworks using health informatics and analytics tools to measure, benchmark, and continuously improve genetic counseling services.
  7. Complex ethical dilemmas at scale — provide authoritative guidance on institutional ethics committees for novel genomic testing scenarios, population screening programs, and emerging precision medicine applications.
  8. Health equity and access strategy — develop and champion initiatives to reduce disparities in genetic counseling services for underserved populations across a health system or regional network.
  9. Genetic information communication at the executive level — present genomic program performance, strategic priorities, and resource needs to C-suite leadership, boards of trustees, or government bodies.
  10. Next-generation genetic counselors — serve as principal preceptor or program director for accredited genetic counseling graduate programs, shaping the discipline's future professional standards and competency benchmarks.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted literature retrieval — uses AI tools to surface recent genomics research and clinical guidelines, cross-checking every result against peer-reviewed sources before applying findings to patient cases Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
  2. Variant interpretation support — submits laboratory result summaries to an AI assistant to flag known pathogenic variants, then verifies outputs against ClinVar and ACMG guidelines before communicating findings to patients Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Consultation report drafting — directs an AI writing assistant to produce a structured first draft of complex genetic consultation reports, then edits for clinical accuracy, patient-appropriate language, and completeness Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Risk communication preparation — generates AI-assisted plain-language explanations of inheritance patterns and recurrence risks, reviewing each explanation for emotional appropriateness before presenting to families Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  3. Differential risk analysis — uses AI tools to cross-reference patient pedigree data with population-level disease prevalence databases, retaining full clinical judgment over the final risk assessment Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Informed-consent workflow augmentation — integrates AI-generated summaries of testing options, benefits, and limitations into pre-counseling materials, auditing content for accuracy and bias before patient distribution Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
  2. Complex case synthesis — directs an AI assistant to aggregate multi-source genetic and clinical data into a unified case narrative, then applies domain expertise to resolve conflicts and finalize the clinical picture WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Patient-session documentation — delegates post-session note transcription and structured data extraction to an AI tool, freeing counseling time for active listening and psychosocial support tasks that resist automation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI-tool evaluation and governance — assesses new LLM-based genomics interpretation tools against clinical validation standards, establishing institutional protocols for when AI outputs require mandatory genetic counselor review Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Precision counseling workflow design — architects end-to-end AI-assisted pipelines for variant classification, report generation, and patient follow-up, with explicit human-in-the-loop checkpoints at every decision node that carries informed-consent implications Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Multidisciplinary AI coordination — leads cross-functional teams of oncologists, laboratory scientists, and informaticists in deploying AI-augmented genetic risk models, translating model outputs into actionable clinical recommendations and patient education strategies WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab. Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
AEI usage
Task observations: 252
Augment share: 25.2%
Time saved: 76.2%
AI autonomy: 3.49
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Reading Comprehension
Score: 45.5 / 100
Quadrant: Q2_ai_augmented
precision: exact
WEF cluster
Human-Technology Interaction
human_technology_interaction
Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication11 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient intake communication — elicits basic family medical history through structured interview while maintaining empathetic rapport with patients facing genetic uncertainty Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Laboratory result delivery — conveys preliminary genetic findings to patients using plain language to minimize jargon-induced confusion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Written documentation — drafts basic consultation notes summarizing patient history and initial genetic risk observations for clinical records O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Risk communication — explains probability-based genetic risk estimates to patients and family members using visual aids and analogies appropriate to health literacy levels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Referral correspondence — composes detailed consultation reports translating complex genetic concepts for referring physicians across oncology, obstetrics, and pediatric specialties Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Informed consent facilitation — presents testing options with associated risks, benefits, and limitations in structured dialogue that confirms patient comprehension before proceeding O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Cross-audience communication — adjusts explanatory depth and emotional tone fluidly when addressing patients in acute distress, pediatric families, or specialist physicians within the same clinical day Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Diagnostic narrative writing — produces precise, evidence-grounded consultation reports that synthesize laboratory results, pedigree analysis, and clinical impressions into actionable guidance for multidisciplinary teams Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  3. Difficult news delivery — communicates positive pathogenic variant findings with structured empathy, anticipating patient emotional responses and providing immediate psychosocial support framing O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Communication standard-setting — develops institutional templates and communication protocols for delivering complex genomic results across clinical contexts, training junior counselors in their consistent application Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Public and professional education — authors patient-facing educational materials and peer-reviewed summaries that translate emerging genetic research into clinically actionable language for diverse stakeholder audiences Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Case preparation initiative — independently prepares patient pedigree summaries and literature reviews prior to case conferences, contributing organized data to clinical team discussions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer resource sharing — identifies and shares relevant genetics literature or patient resources with colleagues navigating similar case complexities Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Care coordination leadership — coordinates laboratory service requests, specialist referrals, and follow-up scheduling across multidisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of the genetic counseling care plan Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Student supervision — guides genetic counseling students through case observation and debriefing, providing structured feedback on counseling technique and clinical reasoning Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Multidisciplinary team leadership — leads tumor board or prenatal case review meetings, synthesizing genetic findings and counseling considerations to drive consensus on patient management recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Program development — takes ownership of clinic-specific counseling protocols, updating procedures in response to new ACMG guidelines and monitoring team adherence to revised standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Specialty program leadership — establishes and directs a genetic counseling service line within a clinical subspecialty such as oncology or cardiology, defining scope of practice, staffing models, and outcome metrics Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional field advancement — assumes leadership roles in national genetic counseling organizations, shaping credentialing standards, advocacy positions, and workforce development initiatives Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Self-assessment in case review — reflects on gaps between own genetic knowledge and case complexity, identifying specific literature or supervision needed to support patient care Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Counseling style awareness — recognizes personal communication tendencies that may influence patient-centered dialogue, particularly in emotionally charged prenatal or oncology contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Learning strategy calibration — selects targeted continuing education, journal review, or mentorship to address identified weaknesses in variant interpretation or psychosocial counseling technique Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Case complexity monitoring — tracks own cognitive load during complex multi-condition cases and actively applies structured frameworks to prevent reasoning errors under pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Clinical judgment reflection — evaluates own diagnostic reasoning after case resolution, comparing initial risk assessment with final variant classification to identify systematic interpretation biases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional processing awareness — monitors own secondary trauma responses when counseling patients through hereditary cancer or fatal pediatric diagnoses, proactively engaging peer support or supervision Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Metacognitive modeling — teaches genetic counseling trainees to recognize cognitive biases in variant interpretation and emotional countertransference in psychosocial sessions through structured reflective practice frameworks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Practice quality evaluation — designs self-audit processes to systematically assess the accuracy of own genetic risk communications against long-term patient outcomes and updated genomic evidence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Pedigree pattern recognition — applies Mendelian inheritance models to three-generation pedigrees to identify preliminary inheritance patterns warranting further clinical investigation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Literature application — locates and applies current ACMG variant classification guidelines to specific patient cases under supervisor guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Differential risk analysis — evaluates multiple competing genetic etiologies for a patient presentation, weighing phenotypic features, family history, and population prevalence to prioritize diagnostic testing strategies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Testing option evaluation — critically appraises the sensitivity, specificity, and clinical utility of available genetic tests to recommend the most appropriate testing pathway for individual patient circumstances O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Variant interpretation — synthesizes functional evidence, population databases, segregation data, and computational predictions to independently classify variants of uncertain significance in alignment with current guidelines Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Complex case reasoning — integrates contradictory findings across laboratory results, clinical phenotype, and family history to form defensible risk assessments in cases where standard algorithms are insufficient Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Evidence synthesis leadership — critically evaluates emerging genomic research to determine when new evidence warrants protocol revision, leading institutional updates to variant classification or testing algorithms Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Ethical reasoning in ambiguous cases — applies systematic ethical analysis to cases involving incidental findings, pediatric predictive testing, or conflicting family member interests, producing reasoned recommendations that balance autonomy, beneficence, and justice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Multidisciplinary participation — contributes genetic risk data and counseling observations during tumor board, maternal-fetal medicine, or neurology case conferences as an active team member Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Laboratory liaison — communicates testing requests and clarifications to laboratory staff, ensuring accurate specimen collection and test ordering aligned with patient clinical context O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Co-counseling coordination — collaborates with co-counselors or counseling trainees to divide case responsibilities, ensuring consistent messaging and comprehensive psychosocial support for complex family units Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Specialist integration — partners with oncologists, obstetricians, and neurologists to align genetic findings with specialty-specific clinical management, negotiating shared decision-making frameworks across discipline boundaries Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Care team alignment — leads coordination across genetics, social work, nursing, and medical subspecialties to build integrated patient care plans that address both medical and psychosocial dimensions of hereditary conditions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Family counseling collaboration — facilitates family group sessions where multiple at-risk relatives hold divergent views on testing, navigating group dynamics to preserve individual autonomy while supporting collective decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Interdisciplinary program co-development — co-designs clinical integration models with physician and nursing leadership that embed genetic counseling into standard care pathways for hereditary cancer, cardiac, or rare disease programs Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Research collaboration leadership — leads multidisciplinary research teams investigating genetic counseling outcomes, coordinating contributions from genomics, psychology, biostatistics, and clinical medicine to advance evidence-based practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Confidentiality adherence — maintains strict patient and family genetic information privacy in accordance with HIPAA and institutional policies across all documentation and communication channels Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Honest uncertainty disclosure — accurately represents the limits of current genetic knowledge to patients when variant significance is unclear, avoiding false certainty that could distort patient decision-making Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Non-directive practice integrity — consistently presents testing options and risk information without imposing personal values on patient reproductive or medical decisions, upholding patient autonomy as a core professional standard Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional accountability — accepts responsibility for documentation errors or miscommunications, initiating corrections promptly and transparently with supervising clinicians and affected patients Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical boundary maintenance — recognizes and manages dual-relationship risks when counseling patients with whom personal connections exist, escalating appropriately to protect the integrity of the counseling relationship Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Culturally accountable practice — actively examines own cultural assumptions about genetic risk, disability, and reproductive choice to ensure equitable, unbiased counseling across racially, religiously, and socioeconomically diverse patient populations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Ethics consultation leadership — serves as a resource for institutional ethics consultations involving genetic testing dilemmas, including predictive pediatric testing, carrier status disclosure, and genomic data sharing conflicts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional integrity modeling — demonstrates and articulates the ethical foundations of non-directive counseling, confidentiality, and patient advocacy to trainees and interdisciplinary colleagues, establishing a visible standard of professional character within the clinical environment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Patient education adaptation — generates customized visual aids or analogies to explain inheritance patterns and risk probabilities to patients with low genetic health literacy Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Novel case framing — approaches atypical clinical presentations without clear diagnostic precedent by generating alternative diagnostic hypotheses beyond standard textbook patterns Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Counseling approach innovation — adapts established counseling frameworks creatively when standard psychosocial models are insufficient for patients facing novel genomic findings such as polygenic risk scores or incidental exome findings Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Resource development — creates new patient-facing educational materials for underserved populations or emerging genetic conditions not yet covered by existing organizational resources Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Program design creativity — designs innovative genetic counseling service delivery models, such as telegenetics workflows or group counseling formats, that expand access without compromising counseling quality Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Complex case problem-solving — devises original diagnostic strategies combining phenotyping, research databases, and functional studies when standard testing algorithms fail to identify causative variants in rare disease cases Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Field innovation — pioneers new counseling methodologies for emerging genomic technologies such as whole-genome sequencing population screening or direct-to-consumer result interpretation, publishing frameworks adopted by the broader profession Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Translational creativity — bridges genetic research discoveries and clinical counseling practice by creatively designing patient communication strategies for newly characterized gene-disease associations before standardized protocols exist Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Genomic knowledge updating — actively pursues continuing education in rapidly evolving areas such as variant reclassification, polygenic risk, and pharmacogenomics to maintain clinical currency Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Supervision receptivity — incorporates supervisor feedback on counseling technique, risk communication, and clinical reasoning into subsequent patient encounters without defensiveness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Variant reclassification adaptation — adjusts patient communication and clinical recommendations promptly when previously reported variants are reclassified, viewing the reclassification process as a feature of scientific progress rather than professional failure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Challenging case persistence — sustains analytical effort on diagnostically ambiguous cases without pathogenic variant identification, exploring research literature and expert consultation rather than defaulting to premature diagnostic closure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Technology adoption — embraces new genomic testing platforms, bioinformatics tools, and clinical decision support systems, investing effort in mastery and modeling adaptability for clinical team members Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Critical feedback integration — solicits patient and peer feedback on counseling sessions and systematically incorporates insights to refine communication strategies and psychosocial support approaches Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Lifelong learning leadership — establishes a culture of continuous learning within a genetic counseling team by institutionalizing journal clubs, case debriefs, and skills workshops that normalize ongoing professional development Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Field evolution embrace — publicly champions the profession's transition toward expanded practice roles in genomic medicine, modeling intellectual flexibility when foundational assumptions about genetic counselor scope are challenged by emerging evidence and technology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Emotional presence — maintains attentive, non-distracted presence during patient sessions involving devastating diagnoses, resisting the urge to problem-solve prematurely before the patient's emotional response is fully acknowledged Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Session preparation centering — uses brief intentional pause practices before high-stakes counseling sessions such as delivering positive BRCA results to establish calm, focused readiness Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Patient cue attentiveness — monitors subtle verbal and nonverbal patient cues indicating distress, confusion, or disengagement during genetic information delivery, adjusting pace and approach in real time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional regulation in conflict — manages own anxiety or frustration response when patients reject medical recommendations or express anger at genetic findings, maintaining therapeutic neutrality throughout Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Sustained presence in complex sessions — maintains full attentive engagement across extended multi-hour genetic counseling sessions with large families navigating hereditary condition cascades, without diminished perceptiveness toward later participants Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Secondary traumatic stress management — recognizes compassion fatigue accumulation from repeated exposure to patient grief and implements deliberate self-care and reflective practices to sustain counseling effectiveness over time Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mindful practice modeling — teaches genetic counseling trainees to integrate mindfulness-based awareness techniques into patient sessions and self-care routines, demonstrating measurable benefits for counselor retention and patient satisfaction outcomes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Intentional team culture — cultivates a clinical team environment characterized by psychological safety and present-moment attentiveness, where mindful communication norms reduce diagnostic errors and improve collegial relationships Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Diagnostic uncertainty tolerance — continues structured clinical work on cases with no identifiable causative variant without abandoning systematic analysis or defaulting to unfounded reassurance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotional exposure resilience — maintains professional functioning after repeated exposure to patient grief responses in prenatal, pediatric, and oncology counseling contexts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained ambiguity management — persists in variant interpretation efforts on complex cases over extended timeframes, re-evaluating evidence as new research emerges rather than accepting early diagnostic conclusions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Difficult conversation courage — delivers unwanted genetic findings including hereditary cancer predispositions and lethal fetal diagnoses directly and compassionately, without avoidance or premature false reassurance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-stakes advocacy — advocates persistently for patient access to medically necessary genetic testing when insurance denials or institutional barriers create obstacles, escalating through appropriate channels without abandonment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cumulative caseload resilience — sustains clinical quality, empathic presence, and rigorous reasoning across heavy caseloads in under-resourced clinical settings without evidence of erosion in patient-centered care standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systemic change persistence — leads sustained advocacy efforts to expand genetic counselor scope of practice, insurance coverage for genomic testing, or health equity in genetic services access, maintaining effort across years of regulatory and institutional resistance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis leadership fortitude — guides a clinical team through periods of major disruption such as new technology integration, regulatory upheaval, or pandemic-driven care delivery transformation, modeling composure and purposeful action that stabilizes team performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Cancer Genetic Counselor · Cancer Program Consultant · Certified Genetic Counselor · Chromosomal Disorders Counselor · Clinical Reviewer · Genetic Coordinator · Genetic Counseling Medical Specialist · Genetic Counselor · Genetics Counselor · Medical Science Liaison · Mitochondrial Disorders Counselor · Pediatric Genetic Counselor
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingSocial PerceptivenessWritingSpeakingCritical ThinkingActive LearningJudgment and Decision MakingScienceInstructingService OrientationSystems AnalysisTime ManagementMonitoringSystems EvaluationCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationLearning Strategies
Knowledge domains
BiologyPsychologyMedicine and DentistryTherapy and CounselingEnglish LanguageCustomer and Personal ServiceMathematicsSociology and AnthropologyEducation and Training
Abilities
Written ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingSpeech RecognitionSpeech Clarity
Work styles
EmpathyAttention to DetailDependabilityCooperationIntellectual CuriositySincerity
Technology
Medical softwareData base user interface and query softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail softwarePresentation softwareWord processing softwareInternet browser software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Interpret laboratory results and communicate findings to patients or physicians.
  2. Discuss testing options and the associated risks, benefits and limitations with patients and families to assist them in making informed decisions.
  3. Analyze genetic information to identify patients or families at risk for specific disorders or syndromes.
  4. Provide counseling to patient and family members by providing information, education, or reassurance.
  5. Write detailed consultation reports to provide information on complex genetic concepts to patients or referring physicians.
  6. Provide genetic counseling in specified areas of clinical genetics, such as obstetrics, pediatrics, oncology and neurology.
  7. Determine or coordinate treatment plans by requesting laboratory services, reviewing genetics or counseling literature, and considering histories or diagnostic data.
  8. Interview patients or review medical records to obtain comprehensive patient or family medical histories, and document findings.
CIP education codes
26.080126.080226.080626.080726.089951.150951.2214

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.