Locum Genetic Counsellor

Job responsibilities

• Provide highquality genetic counselling including risk assessment, explanation of genetic conditions, inheritance patterns, and test options.

• Support patients and families through complex emotional, psychological, and ethical issues arising from genetic information.

• Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and contribute to clinical decisionmaking.

• Ensure accurate documentation of consultations in line with service and national standards.

• Lead on the planning, coordination, and implementation of a new Fragile X helpline service.

• Develop processes for triaging and responding to queries from the public and healthcare professionals.

• Create or contribute to written information resources, FAQs, referral guidance, and professional education materials.

• Assist in evaluating the helpline during its initial operation and contribute to longterm plans for establishing a national Fragile X hub.

• Work with senior colleagues to shape the operational model of the helpline and wider Fragile X support pathway.

• Identify opportunities for quality improvement, including patient experience, accessibility, and coordination with clinical teams.

• Contribute to data collection, audit activities, and reporting related to helpline performance and clinic activity.

• Maintain strong working relationships with clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, administrative teams, and external stakeholders (e.g., charities, patient groups).

• Communicate complex genetic information clearly to diverse audiences, adapting style according to need.

• Promote awareness of Fragile X syndrome and the new helpline within the Trust and nationally.

• Maintain registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) or equivalent.

• Participate in continuing professional development, reflective practice, and supervision.

• Support junior or trainee colleagues where appropriate.

• Work within legal and ethical frameworks for consent, confidentiality, and genetic testing.

• Contribute to safe, effective, evidencebased service delivery in accordance with Trust policies and national guidelines.

please see job description/person specification for further details on the role.

Training & Qualifications

Essential

• MSc in Genetic Counselling/ Or Professional qualification e.g. registered nurse plus relevant genetic counselling experience
• GCRAB registration (AHCS) or HCPC registration or eligibility to register

Desirable

• Counselling qualification
• Oncology qualification
• Interest in Fragile X

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working as a Genetic Counsellor with individuals and families in a primary case-management role
• Awareness of local demographics
• Teaching experience
• Appreciation of 'lay' and public understanding of genetics
• Awareness of inequalities in cancer care
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection

Desirable

• Experience in teaching / training HCPs
• Experience in cancer service delivery
• Community experience

Communication and relationship skills

Essential

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Demonstrates ability to receive and present complex information verbally and in writing
• Ability to work autonomously
• Ability to manage urgent unpredicted situations
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.

Desirable

• Proven counselling skills and a willingness to work without direct supervision
• Proven teaching and presentation skills
• Ability to analyse research findings to inform practice development.
• Able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with clients and staff
• Familiarity with databases and word processing, internet explorer and outlook.
• Sensitive approachable, non - judgemental, self aware
• Cultural awareness
• Ability to develop and deliver educational packages

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

• Works within the AGNC code of ethics
• Skills for assessing patients and families.
• Understand genetic reports and inheritance patterns
• Understanding of research. Use of relevant guidelines e.g NICE

Planning and organisation skills

Essential

• Good time management skills and organisational abilities
• Work according to Job Plan/and organises own workload. Prioritises urgent work.

Physical skills

Essential

• Keyboard skills
• Computer modelling skills

Desirable

• Driving skills

Equality and Diversity

Essential

• Commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential

• Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's Values and Behaviours

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

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).