Job summary
The Genomics service provides risk assessment, genetic testing and psychosocial support to families at risk of a genetic or inherited condition.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a motivated and passionate Genomic Practitioner to support our friendly, dynamic and supportive team of Clinical Geneticists and Genetic Counsellors. The ideal candidate will have an interest in, and some prior knowledge of the national plans for mainstreaming genomic medicine, and a desire to learn clinical genetics in practice.
The post holder will be supported by clinical leadership within the Genomics service, chiefly through the Genetic Counselling Team.
This post would be suited to individuals seeking experience in a Clinical Genetics service with a view to applying for future positions to access formal genetic counselling training.
Main duties of the job
Germline genetic testing is revolutionising patient care as genetic test results may inform first line therapy, initiation and screening strategies. The Genomic Practitioner role is a key bridging role that will coordinate the administrative aspects of genomic testing, ensuring that test requests are received and processed in a timely way.
The primary duty of the post holder will be to work with the Clinical Genetics service and the relevant specialist services to develop, embed and facilitate a robust pathway between services which enables the offer of genetic testing to eligible patients at the point of care.
About us
The South West Thames Regional Genomics Centre provides an integrated Clinical Genetics service for individuals or families who have or are at risk of having a genetic disorder. We deliver this service at St George's Hospital, a leading London teaching hospital and one of the largest healthcare units in the UK, as well as in several local district hospitals across the region. We provide the highest quality service at regional specialist level for a population of approximately 4 million in the South West Thames area, Surrey and West Sussex.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Working closely with the Lead Clinical Nurse Specialists, Genetic Counsellors and specialist Consultants in medical services, the Genomic Practitioner will help develop local pathways for patient contact, information dissemination and consent, supported by meticulous record keeping ensuring decisions are captured and communicated according to departmental and national guidance.
The Genomic Practitioner will be responsible for the tracking of patients in this pathway to facilitate the process of germline genetic testing for this group of patients. They will ensure results are returned to the appropriate clinician in a streamlined pathway. The development of written material such as standard operating procedures, educational material and leaflets will also be required.
The role will be based in Clinical Genetics at St Georges Hospital but will also involve engagement and presence within specialist medical services for which travel may be necessary. On occasions, the patient contact process may need to be undertaken outside the normal clinic times, so a degree of flexibility would be advantageous.
Upskilling of the Genomic Practitioner by a genetics clinician will also involve learning the basics of family history taking and pedigree drawing, skills which will enable the management of patient pathways in a more holistic and accurate way. This role will facilitate clinical audit and service evaluation to ensure iterative improvements are made.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Working closely with the Lead Clinical Nurse Specialists, Genetic Counsellors and specialist Consultants in medical services, the Genomic Practitioner will help develop local pathways for patient contact, information dissemination and consent, supported by meticulous record keeping ensuring decisions are captured and communicated according to departmental and national guidance.
The Genomic Practitioner will be responsible for the tracking of patients in this pathway to facilitate the process of germline genetic testing for this group of patients. They will ensure results are returned to the appropriate clinician in a streamlined pathway. The development of written material such as standard operating procedures, educational material and leaflets will also be required.
The role will be based in Clinical Genetics at St Georges Hospital but will also involve engagement and presence within specialist medical services for which travel may be necessary. On occasions, the patient contact process may need to be undertaken outside the normal clinic times, so a degree of flexibility would be advantageous.
Upskilling of the Genomic Practitioner by a genetics clinician will also involve learning the basics of family history taking and pedigree drawing, skills which will enable the management of patient pathways in a more holistic and accurate way. This role will facilitate clinical audit and service evaluation to ensure iterative improvements are made.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education
Essential
- Registered nurse (paediatric or adult) OR Educated to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology) supplemented by specialist training and/or experience
- Knowledge of the 100,000 Genomes Project and NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics
- Strong foundation in genetics, inheritance, and rare inherited conditions at Degree level, demonstrated by relevant Undergraduate course modules
- Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in genetics
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- NMC Registration (if applicable)
Previous Experience
Essential
- Experience in a clinical / research/academic environment
- Experience of working in a public facing role and or caring environment
- Leadership experience
Desirable
- Experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures
- Operational experience of working within a clinical genetics service
- Experience of recruiting, educating and monitoring patients within a clinical environment
Skills/ Knowledge/ Ability
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maturity when faced with difficult personal circumstances.
- Understanding of resource management, health and safety, clinical risk and quality issues
- Proficient use of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Ability to organise , prioritise and co-ordinate work of self and others
- Accountability - Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working
- Openness - Shares information and good practice appropriately
Desirable
- Knowledge of research design and methodologies
- Knowledge of analytical processes
- Able to give advice on the organization and management of research processes
Person Specification
Qualifications / Education
Essential
- Registered nurse (paediatric or adult) OR Educated to Degree level in a relevant subject (e.g. Biology, Genetics, Biomedical Sciences, Psychology) supplemented by specialist training and/or experience
- Knowledge of the 100,000 Genomes Project and NHS plans for mainstreaming of genomics, and/or other demonstrable interest in genetics
- Strong foundation in genetics, inheritance, and rare inherited conditions at Degree level, demonstrated by relevant Undergraduate course modules
- Evidence of ongoing continuing professional development
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in genetics
Professional/ Statutory Registration
Essential
- NMC Registration (if applicable)
Previous Experience
Essential
- Experience in a clinical / research/academic environment
- Experience of working in a public facing role and or caring environment
- Leadership experience
Desirable
- Experience of developing and implementing policies and procedures
- Operational experience of working within a clinical genetics service
- Experience of recruiting, educating and monitoring patients within a clinical environment
Skills/ Knowledge/ Ability
Essential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and ability to demonstrate sensitivity and maturity when faced with difficult personal circumstances.
- Understanding of resource management, health and safety, clinical risk and quality issues
- Proficient use of Microsoft Applications (Word, Excel and Outlook)
- Ability to organise , prioritise and co-ordinate work of self and others
- Accountability - Takes responsibility for own actions and promotes good team working
- Openness - Shares information and good practice appropriately
Desirable
- Knowledge of research design and methodologies
- Knowledge of analytical processes
- Able to give advice on the organization and management of research processes
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).
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).
