Preconception & Antenatal Genetic Literacy Support Worker

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a support worker to join the Preconception and antenatal genetic literacy project in South Yorkshire. This is part of a National Public Health Project to provide greater access to genomics information/advice and support for women and their families who are in a relationship/marriage with a close relative and planning a family.

It is known that couples who are related have a higher chance of their children inheriting a recessive genetic condition than unrelated couples, as they are more likely to share similar DNA. If both parents are carriers of a 'changed' gene, relating to a congenital illness, there is a risk their children can inherit both 'changed' genes, which results in them having an autosomal recessive genetic condition. This can put the child at high risk of morbidity/disability or mortality.

The role would be to support the Close Relative Marriage midwife and the Preconception genetic literacy professional in delivering the service offer, which includes preconception clinics in the community setting in Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield.

Main duties of the job

• Acknowledge your personal and professional limitations, liaising with and always referring to the midwives and relevant professionals.
• To provide advice appropriate within own sphere/limitations of practice
• To provide care that ensures dignity and comfort of women/birthing people.
• Implement packages of care; which include providing assistance/advice regarding feeding, hygiene, safety and supporting the establishment of parenting skills.
• Maintain clear, accurate, legible and timely written documentation.
• To follow the area safeguarding guidelines and to be aware of adult and child safeguarding issues.
• Make referrals to other agencies as appropriate, following consultation with the designated midwife.
• Be trained, up to date and competent to perform relevant observations i.e. pulse, manual blood pressure, adult pulse oximetry, temperature, body mass index measurement, measuring for anti-thrombosis stockings and urine testing.
• Undertake clinical duties within antenatal services to maintain competence, and credibility.
• Continue to gain specialist knowledge relevant to the role, through on-going training and study. Impart expert knowledge to support staff, women, and their families.

About us

You will be working for an organisation which values and respects all of its staff and the community it serves. The Trust is a leader in the NHS and research sectors and provides excellent benefits for its staff. This includes commitments to professional development but also many policies to support employees in balancing their personal and professional lives.

The Directorate of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Neonatology is based at the Jessop Wing which is linked to the Royal Hallamshire Hospital. The maternity unit has over 6800 births per year and is a Regional Tertiary Maternity Service with a Level 3 Neonatal Unit of 44 cots. A tertiary Gynae-Oncology service and a changing Gynaecology Service, which includes an Assisted Conception Unit, complete the services within the Directorate.

This vacancy is advertised on a fixed term contract basis for a period of 20 months due to the post being externally funded. The fixed term contract status of the post holder will be reviewed in accordance with the Trust's legal obligations regarding fixed term contracts taking into consideration the ongoing source of the external funding and the requirement for the post to be maintained.

Please also note any secondment must first be agreed with your current line manager.