How to hire a prenatal genetic counselor

How to hire a prenatal genetic counselor, step by step

Here's a step-by-step prenatal genetic counselor hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a prenatal genetic counselor job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new prenatal genetic counselor
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   Before you post your prenatal genetic counselor job, you should take the time to determine what type of worker your business needs. While certain jobs definitely require a full-time employee, it's sometimes better to find a prenatal genetic counselor for hire on a part-time basis or as a contractor.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   A prenatal genetic counselor's background is also an important factor in determining whether they'll be a good fit for the position. For example, prenatal genetic counselors from different industries or fields will have radically different experiences and will bring different viewpoints to the role. You also need to consider the candidate's previous level of experience to make sure they'll be comfortable with the job's level of seniority.

   This list presents prenatal genetic counselor salaries for various positions.

   Type of Prenatal Genetic Counselor	Description	Hourly rate
   Prenatal Genetic Counselor	Genetic counselors assess individual or family risk for a variety of inherited conditions, such as genetic disorders and birth defects. They provide information and support to other healthcare providers, or to individuals and families concerned with the risk of inherited conditions.	$12-49
   Counselor	Often, counselors are known to be the go-to person in times we are in need of emotional and psychological support. They help people to manage and overcome the issues which affect their mental health and well-being... Show more	$9-32
   Genetic Counselor	A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional who is responsible for providing risk assessment, education, and support to individuals and families who are at risk for a variety of inherited conditions. Using their specialization in medical genetics and counseling, genetic counselors empower their patients by helping them understand the ways genetics can affect life... Show more	$18-68

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Clinical Genetics
   • IRB
   • Community Agencies

   Responsibilities:

   • Ensure and manage the compliance with Didi Hirsch policies and procedures, contracts and other regulatory agencies, HIPAA and DMH.
   • Develop goals for vocational rehabilitation, providing each client multiple realistic objectives; follow through to assess progress.
   • Study the molecular link between carcinoma, melanoma, and inflammation using different nonclinical model systems.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your prenatal genetic counselor job description is one of the best ways to attract top talent. A prenatal genetic counselor can vary based on:

   • Location. For example, prenatal genetic counselors' average salary in montana is 54% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level prenatal genetic counselors 74% less than senior-level prenatal genetic counselors.
   • Certifications. A prenatal genetic counselor with certifications usually earns a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for an established firm or a new start-up company can make a big difference in a prenatal genetic counselor's salary.

   Average prenatal genetic counselor salary

   $53,697yearly

   $25.82 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level prenatal genetic counselor salary

   $27,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing a prenatal genetic counselor job description

   A prenatal genetic counselor job description should include a summary of the role, required skills, and a list of responsibilities. It's also good to include a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager. Below, you can find an example of a prenatal genetic counselor job description:

   Prenatal genetic counselor job description example

   SPMF-Sutter Pacific Medical Foundation - South
   
   **Position Overview:**
   
   Under general supervision, responsible for providing genetic counseling to all assigned clients. Oversee and participate in the counseling of patients on all genetically related matters including: risk assessment, overview of genetic testing, test results and implications, suggested follow-up and clinical trials enrollment. Works to continue to expand genetic testing and counseling services offered to patients. Responsible for maintaining professional relationships with referring clinicians, excellent patient service and educating both the community and clinical members on genetic counseling and testing updates.
   
   **Job Description** :
   
   **EDUCATION**
   
   _Equivalent experience will be accepted in lieu of the required degree or diploma._
   
   Master's: Genetic Counseling
   
   **CERTIFICATION & LICENSURE**
   
   CGC-Certified Genetic Counselor
   
   OR ABGC-American Board of Genetic Counseling
   
   **PREFERRED EXPERIENCE AS TYPICALLY ACQUIRED IN:**
   
   2 years prior experience as a Genetic Counselor.
   
   **SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE**
   
   Understanding of clinical applications and standards necessary to provide comprehensive, current genetic services and counseling.
   
   Familiar with input and data retrieval on computer database.
   
   Good communication and interpersonal skills, good writing ability.
   
   Knowledge and experience in the area of teamwork with health professionals.
   
   **Job Shift:**
   
   Days
   
   **Schedule:**
   
   Full Time
   
   **Shift Hours:**
   
   8
   
   **Days of the Week:**
   
   Friday, Monday, Thursday, Tuesday, Wednesday
   
   **Weekend Requirements:**
   
   None
   
   **Benefits:**
   
   Yes
   
   **Unions:**
   
   No
   
   **Position Status:**
   
   Exempt
   
   **Weekly Hours:**
   
   40
   
   **Employee Status:**
   
   Regular
   
   **Number of Openings:**
   
   0
   
   Sutter Health Affiliates are equal opportunity employers EOE/M/F/Disability/Veterans.
   
   All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, marital status, sexual orientation, registered domestic partner status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestry, national origin (including possession of a driver's license issued to individuals who did not present proof of authorized presence in the U.S.), age, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military or protected veteran status, political affiliation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical condition, genetic information or any other characteristic made unlawful by local, state, or federal law, ordinance or regulation. External hires must pass a background check/drug screening. Qualified applicants with arrest and/or conviction records will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with Federal, state, and local laws, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance.

   Copy this example

   

5. Post your job

   To find the right prenatal genetic counselor for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with prenatal genetic counselors they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit prenatal genetic counselors who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   To find prenatal genetic counselor candidates, you can consider the following options:

   • Post your job opening on Zippia or other job search websites.
   • Use niche websites that focus on engineering and technology jobs, such as healthcarejobsite, health jobs nationwide, hospitalcareers, medreps.com.
   • Post your job on free job posting websites.

6. Interview candidates

   To successfully recruit prenatal genetic counselors, your first interview needs to engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. You can go into more detail about the company, the role, and the responsibilities during follow-up interviews.

   You should also ask about candidates' unique skills and talents to see if they match the ideal candidate profile you developed earlier. Candidates good enough for the next step can complete the technical interview.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new prenatal genetic counselor

   Once you've selected the best prenatal genetic counselor candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   It's also good etiquette to follow up with applicants who don't get the job by sending them an email letting them know that the position has been filled.

   To prepare for the new prenatal genetic counselor first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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