Job summary
We are inviting applications for a Principal Genetic Counsellor post in Cancer Genetics. We are looking for a well-grounded individual who can work within our current organisational structure to support the Consultant, Senior and Principal Genetic Counsellors. The post holder will work predominantly within cancer genetics including our flag ship MDT clinics (HBOC/HBCS) and mainstream clinics. Flexibility within the case load maybe considered for candidates wishing to maintain a wider range of clinical practice such as prenatal genetics. This post would be suited to registered genetic counsellors that are able to undertake a high-volume case load whilst role modelling high standards of practice. It is envisaged that the post holder will lead the training and development of trainee staff within the team both through the STP and non-STP routes. This is an opportunity to work within a leading genetic counselling team and clinical genetics service in a fast paced but supported environment and would suit individuals that are dynamic, committed and value working in a cohesive and high calibre team to further develop their clinical and leadership skills.
Applications from candidates that can demonstrate working at a Principal level according to the AGNC career structure or have transferrable skills to match these are welcome to discuss their applications.
Main duties of the job
- Provide expert clinical advice in cancer genetics and familial cancer
- Undertake education, mentoring and clinical supervision of junior members of the team
- Be the named training office for Genomic Counselling trainees (STP)
- Act as sign-off mentor for colleagues pursuing GCRB/AHCS registration
- Be the named line manager for a subset of the team including trainees, genomic associates and genetic counsellors.
- Act as a resource for the wider MDT and healthcare team in cancer genetics
- Contribute to and lead aspects of the cancer genetics service delivery including courses, supported nursing networks, governance and quality improvement projects
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across the service to enhance patient care and champion our trust values
- Present at national and international forums
About us
Guy's & St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust comprises five of the UK's best known hospitals - Guy's, St Thomas', Evelina London Children's Hospital, Royal Brompton and Harefield - as well as community services in Lambeth and Southwark, all with a long history of high quality care, clinical excellence, research and innovation.
We are among the UK's busiest, most successful foundation trusts. We provide specialist care for patients including heart and lung, cancer and renal services as well as a full range of local hospital and community services for people in Lambeth and Southwark.
We have a long tradition of clinical and scientific achievement and - as part of King's Health Partners - we are one of England's eight academic health sciences centres, bringing together world-class clinical services, teaching and research.
We have around 22,700 staff, making us one of the largest NHS Trusts in the country and one of the biggest employers locally. We aim to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and continue to develop new and existing partnerships with local people, patients, and neighbouring NHS organisations, local authorities and charitable bodies and GPs.
We strive to recruit and retain the best staff as the dedication and skills of our employees lie at the heart of our organisation and ensure that our services are of the highest quality, safe and focused on our patients.
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Expert Clinical Practice
- Take responsibility for providing expert cancer genetic counselling for patients and families. This will include seeing patients and their families at within the Trust and various regional clinics both in person, on telephone and through video consultations.
- Manage an individual caseload autonomously, including taking a lead role in the provision of predictive genetic testing, supporting colleagues in complex decision making clinical appointments, management of urgent referral and enquiries.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families to elicit concerns and expectations. Obtain, document and interpret family, medical and psychosocial history. Receive and interpret complex and sometimes conflicting information and confirm diagnostic information.
- Take responsibility for communicating highly complex genetic information to patients and relatives. This will include calculating the chance of patients and families being affected by a wide range of cancer and other genetic disorders, the risks of cancer and the management options available such as surveillance and risk reduction.
- Making decisions where expert opinion differs or some information is unavailable. In order to do this, source and interpret complex scientific papers and genetic test results.
- Apply new scientific and clinical information to respond to changes in risk, needs and issues for the family over an open ended time frame.
- Use advanced counselling skills to expertly communicate highly sensitive and potentially psychologically damaging information, which may cause high levels of distress such as unexpected non-paternity, risk of further cancer episodes and lack of management options.
- Lead predictive genetic testing for children at risk of inherited cancer conditions in a sensitive manner and involve the parents to maximise an informed decision.
- Undertake co-counselling with junior members of the genetic counselling team to enhance their knowledge and skill set
- Undertake co-counselling with clinical colleagues in complex patients, rapid patients and couples seeking reproductive choices.
- Undertake risk calculations using recommended tools and in line with national consensus.
- Participate and support our range of nationally recognised multi-disciplinary cancer clinics taking a proactive approach to support the patients and the MDT.
- Actively engage with and utilise team counselling supervision to promote safe practice and role model the genetic counselling role across all domains of the principal role.
- Liaise with laboratory colleagues to facilitate appropriate testing and storage of specimens, interpret genetic test results and confirm phenotypic information.
- Liaise with external colleagues, agencies and organisations to facilitate appropriate sharing of information to facilitate options for families such as genetic testing, reproductive decision making and clinical management.
- Work within the principles of medical ethics and maintain confidentiality as deemed appropriate by national guidance
- Utilising advanced counselling approaches to maximise dissemination of at risk information within families and facilitate access to genetic counselling
- Support the organisation, training, education and delivery of the network of family history clinics within the region in conjunction with the Consultant Genetic Counsellor in Cancer Genetics.
- Support the daily activities of the Cancer Risk Assessment Service in conjunction with the Lead Family History Nurse, Family history network across the region and Consultant Genetic Counsellor in Cancer Genetics
- Support the Cancer Alliance agenda and transformation projects in conjunction with Consultant Genetic Counsellors
- Support the embedding of new roles within the team in line with the AGNC career structure such as genomics associates. Take a lead role in their training, upskilling and line management.
- Phlebotomy
2. Education and Mentoring
- Discuss cases with ethical complexity with colleagues where appropriate to aid appropriate care and for education and development purposes.
- Take an active role in education through preparation, interpretation and presentation of scientific articles and cases at genetic counsellor team meetings, departmental journal clubs, education sessions and study days.
- Organise and deliver genetics education to medical personnel, trainees and other personnel attached to the clinical genetics team and professionals in the wider community.
- As required mentor trainee and pre-registration genetic counsellors for a defined block of experience and other staff in training including MSc and medical students and new members of staff.
- Act as mentor for GCRB registration / contribute to GCRB assessment process
- Support the organisation and delivery of taught courses for healthcare professionals delivered by the genetic counselling team in conjunction with the Consultant and Senior Genetic Counsellors
- Support international collaborations between the genetic counselling team and external agencies through existing and new formal commercial ventures under direction from the genetic counselling leads
3. Management Responsibilities
- To take a significant role in supporting the General and Cancer Genetic Counsellor Team Leaders in leading the genetic counselling team in line with the strategic direction of the department.
- In line with Trust policies and in association with Team Leaders undertake annual performance review for GCs, CNS and GC support staff identifying objectives and facilitating individual development and training needs.
- Participate in organising, chairing and taking minutes of meetings.
- Participate in the selection and induction of new GCs, CNS and GC support posts. This includes chairing selection interviews and ensuring effective induction of new staff.
- Organise clinic cover and on call cover for the genetic counselling team on a rotational basis.
- Keep and accurate record of leave requests and ensure adequate clinical cover is available.
- Understand and apply Trust related HR policies and procedures including performance issues.
- Demonstrate clear accountability and time sensitive decision making within line management to mitigate risks and offer a supportive and progressive environment to junior staff.
- Provide regular reports to Consultant Genetic Counsellors to aid performance of team members.
- Work within the agreed team structures and policies maintaining a collaborative approach with principal, senior and consultant genetic counsellors to bring out the best in our staff.
- Remain accountable as a line manager and be open to challenging conversations to uphold patient safety and reflect the trust values.
4. Policy and Service development
- Contribute to the policy and service development of the cancer genetic counselling team including information resources within the Trust such as information leaflets, websites, guidance documents
- Contribute to the development, implementation and organisation of policies and service development initiatives within the wider cancer genetics service such as the mainstreaming and genomics priorities
- Contribute to the development of care pathways
- Refining pathways and processes to improve efficiency and overall care
- Synthesise and implement initiatives for the continued improvement of multi-disciplinary genetics clinics working closely with administrative staff and pathway co-ordinators
- Develop and update information resources such as standard letters
- Working closely with IT colleagues to improve clinical databases and patient information systems to maximise utility for the clinical service
- Act as a significant resource on service developments and liaise with clinical, managerial, IT, administrative and laboratory colleagues to facilitate future developments.
5. Research and Development
- Discuss available research options with families with a hereditary cancer predisposition.
- Highlight the advantages and disadvantages of participating in research, clinical trials and the departmental portfolio of cancer studies
- Access and analyse peer reviewed literature to inform clinical practice
- Disseminate information about ongoing Trust, national and international research initiatives within the genetic counselling team
- Support the genetics research team in clinics when required
- Develop resources to support the genetic counselling team such as rotas, calendars and databases
- To disseminate innovations in practice, education and research both nationally through conference presentation and publication.
- To analyse, appraise and act upon contemporary research evidence.
- To contribute to the Trusts Clinical Governance Agenda.
6. Personal and professional development
- Work within the GCRB scope of practice
- Adhere to the GCRB code of conduct or HCPC code of standards, performance and ethics.
- Maintain professional development in line with appropriate regulatory body such as the GCRB/AHCS/HCPC
- Participate and proactively utilise genetic counselling supervision and role model its benefits to wider team
- Openly discuss difficult cases or challenging scenarios with team members and utilise expertise available to continually develop and evolve as a practitioner and manager
- Actively invest in self-care and personal development to enhance well-being and interactions within the work place including patient care
- Have the trust values at the core of all interactions
Job description
Job responsibilities
- Expert Clinical Practice
- Take responsibility for providing expert cancer genetic counselling for patients and families. This will include seeing patients and their families at within the Trust and various regional clinics both in person, on telephone and through video consultations.
- Manage an individual caseload autonomously, including taking a lead role in the provision of predictive genetic testing, supporting colleagues in complex decision making clinical appointments, management of urgent referral and enquiries.
- Communicate effectively with patients and families to elicit concerns and expectations. Obtain, document and interpret family, medical and psychosocial history. Receive and interpret complex and sometimes conflicting information and confirm diagnostic information.
- Take responsibility for communicating highly complex genetic information to patients and relatives. This will include calculating the chance of patients and families being affected by a wide range of cancer and other genetic disorders, the risks of cancer and the management options available such as surveillance and risk reduction.
- Making decisions where expert opinion differs or some information is unavailable. In order to do this, source and interpret complex scientific papers and genetic test results.
- Apply new scientific and clinical information to respond to changes in risk, needs and issues for the family over an open ended time frame.
- Use advanced counselling skills to expertly communicate highly sensitive and potentially psychologically damaging information, which may cause high levels of distress such as unexpected non-paternity, risk of further cancer episodes and lack of management options.
- Lead predictive genetic testing for children at risk of inherited cancer conditions in a sensitive manner and involve the parents to maximise an informed decision.
- Undertake co-counselling with junior members of the genetic counselling team to enhance their knowledge and skill set
- Undertake co-counselling with clinical colleagues in complex patients, rapid patients and couples seeking reproductive choices.
- Undertake risk calculations using recommended tools and in line with national consensus.
- Participate and support our range of nationally recognised multi-disciplinary cancer clinics taking a proactive approach to support the patients and the MDT.
- Actively engage with and utilise team counselling supervision to promote safe practice and role model the genetic counselling role across all domains of the principal role.
- Liaise with laboratory colleagues to facilitate appropriate testing and storage of specimens, interpret genetic test results and confirm phenotypic information.
- Liaise with external colleagues, agencies and organisations to facilitate appropriate sharing of information to facilitate options for families such as genetic testing, reproductive decision making and clinical management.
- Work within the principles of medical ethics and maintain confidentiality as deemed appropriate by national guidance
- Utilising advanced counselling approaches to maximise dissemination of at risk information within families and facilitate access to genetic counselling
- Support the organisation, training, education and delivery of the network of family history clinics within the region in conjunction with the Consultant Genetic Counsellor in Cancer Genetics.
- Support the daily activities of the Cancer Risk Assessment Service in conjunction with the Lead Family History Nurse, Family history network across the region and Consultant Genetic Counsellor in Cancer Genetics
- Support the Cancer Alliance agenda and transformation projects in conjunction with Consultant Genetic Counsellors
- Support the embedding of new roles within the team in line with the AGNC career structure such as genomics associates. Take a lead role in their training, upskilling and line management.
- Phlebotomy
2. Education and Mentoring
- Discuss cases with ethical complexity with colleagues where appropriate to aid appropriate care and for education and development purposes.
- Take an active role in education through preparation, interpretation and presentation of scientific articles and cases at genetic counsellor team meetings, departmental journal clubs, education sessions and study days.
- Organise and deliver genetics education to medical personnel, trainees and other personnel attached to the clinical genetics team and professionals in the wider community.
- As required mentor trainee and pre-registration genetic counsellors for a defined block of experience and other staff in training including MSc and medical students and new members of staff.
- Act as mentor for GCRB registration / contribute to GCRB assessment process
- Support the organisation and delivery of taught courses for healthcare professionals delivered by the genetic counselling team in conjunction with the Consultant and Senior Genetic Counsellors
- Support international collaborations between the genetic counselling team and external agencies through existing and new formal commercial ventures under direction from the genetic counselling leads
3. Management Responsibilities
- To take a significant role in supporting the General and Cancer Genetic Counsellor Team Leaders in leading the genetic counselling team in line with the strategic direction of the department.
- In line with Trust policies and in association with Team Leaders undertake annual performance review for GCs, CNS and GC support staff identifying objectives and facilitating individual development and training needs.
- Participate in organising, chairing and taking minutes of meetings.
- Participate in the selection and induction of new GCs, CNS and GC support posts. This includes chairing selection interviews and ensuring effective induction of new staff.
- Organise clinic cover and on call cover for the genetic counselling team on a rotational basis.
- Keep and accurate record of leave requests and ensure adequate clinical cover is available.
- Understand and apply Trust related HR policies and procedures including performance issues.
- Demonstrate clear accountability and time sensitive decision making within line management to mitigate risks and offer a supportive and progressive environment to junior staff.
- Provide regular reports to Consultant Genetic Counsellors to aid performance of team members.
- Work within the agreed team structures and policies maintaining a collaborative approach with principal, senior and consultant genetic counsellors to bring out the best in our staff.
- Remain accountable as a line manager and be open to challenging conversations to uphold patient safety and reflect the trust values.
4. Policy and Service development
- Contribute to the policy and service development of the cancer genetic counselling team including information resources within the Trust such as information leaflets, websites, guidance documents
- Contribute to the development, implementation and organisation of policies and service development initiatives within the wider cancer genetics service such as the mainstreaming and genomics priorities
- Contribute to the development of care pathways
- Refining pathways and processes to improve efficiency and overall care
- Synthesise and implement initiatives for the continued improvement of multi-disciplinary genetics clinics working closely with administrative staff and pathway co-ordinators
- Develop and update information resources such as standard letters
- Working closely with IT colleagues to improve clinical databases and patient information systems to maximise utility for the clinical service
- Act as a significant resource on service developments and liaise with clinical, managerial, IT, administrative and laboratory colleagues to facilitate future developments.
5. Research and Development
- Discuss available research options with families with a hereditary cancer predisposition.
- Highlight the advantages and disadvantages of participating in research, clinical trials and the departmental portfolio of cancer studies
- Access and analyse peer reviewed literature to inform clinical practice
- Disseminate information about ongoing Trust, national and international research initiatives within the genetic counselling team
- Support the genetics research team in clinics when required
- Develop resources to support the genetic counselling team such as rotas, calendars and databases
- To disseminate innovations in practice, education and research both nationally through conference presentation and publication.
- To analyse, appraise and act upon contemporary research evidence.
- To contribute to the Trusts Clinical Governance Agenda.
6. Personal and professional development
- Work within the GCRB scope of practice
- Adhere to the GCRB code of conduct or HCPC code of standards, performance and ethics.
- Maintain professional development in line with appropriate regulatory body such as the GCRB/AHCS/HCPC
- Participate and proactively utilise genetic counselling supervision and role model its benefits to wider team
- Openly discuss difficult cases or challenging scenarios with team members and utilise expertise available to continually develop and evolve as a practitioner and manager
- Actively invest in self-care and personal development to enhance well-being and interactions within the work place including patient care
- Have the trust values at the core of all interactions
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Master's level with plus advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in cancer genetics
- Genetic Counsellor Registration with the GCRB/HCPC/AHCS or equivalent overseas board recognised by the GCRB PLUS
Desirable
- Advanced counselling skills skills
- Formal mentoring qualification
Experience
Essential
- Specialist interest in cancer genetics as demonstrated through clinical experience and/or research.
- Experience of mentoring and supervising pre-registration genetic counsellors
Desirable
- Experience of implementing quality improvement within cancer genetics
- Proven experience of line management
Skills
Essential
- Display enthusiasm and commitment to the future development of the genetic counselling service and profession.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and leader.
- Phlebotomy
- Commitment to promoting informed consent and practising within agreed Code of Ethics (AGNC).
- oWork within the GCRB Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice or HCPC code of standards and conduct
Desirable
- Knowledge of Egan's skilled helper model and application to practice
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Master's level with plus advanced knowledge and clinical expertise in cancer genetics
- Genetic Counsellor Registration with the GCRB/HCPC/AHCS or equivalent overseas board recognised by the GCRB PLUS
Desirable
- Advanced counselling skills skills
- Formal mentoring qualification
Experience
Essential
- Specialist interest in cancer genetics as demonstrated through clinical experience and/or research.
- Experience of mentoring and supervising pre-registration genetic counsellors
Desirable
- Experience of implementing quality improvement within cancer genetics
- Proven experience of line management
Skills
Essential
- Display enthusiasm and commitment to the future development of the genetic counselling service and profession.
- Ability to work effectively as a team member and leader.
- Phlebotomy
- Commitment to promoting informed consent and practising within agreed Code of Ethics (AGNC).
- oWork within the GCRB Code of Conduct and Scope of Practice or HCPC code of standards and conduct
Desirable
- Knowledge of Egan's skilled helper model and application to practice
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
