Genomic Counsellor

Job responsibilities

The role will involve:

• Conducting comprehensive assessments of patients personal and multi-generational family histories to identify individuals at increased genetic risk for cancer, including drawing detailed family pedigrees and evaluating the likelihood of hereditary cancer syndromes.

• Explaining complex genetic concepts and information to patients and their relatives in a clear, compassionate manner, including discussions about the implications of inherited cancer syndromes and the potential benefits and limitations of genetic testing

• Organising, coordinating, and managing the logistics of appropriate genetic tests, ensuring that patients are offered the most suitable investigations, and subsequently interpreting the results in the context of the clinical and family history.

• Communicating genetic test results both to patients and to the wider multidisciplinary team (MDT), ensuring clarity regarding the significance of findings and their implications for patient care and risk management.

• Providing expert guidance and recommendations to the MDT on how identified genetic mutations may influence cancer risk assessment, treatment choices, and surveillance strategies for patients and their families.

• Referring patients and their relatives to further specialist services when necessary, such as high-risk cancer screening clinics, psychological support, or additional genetic investigations.

• Delivering ongoing emotional and psychological support to patients and families as they process genetic risk information, helping them cope with anxiety, uncertainty, and the impact on family dynamics.

• Playing an active role in MDT meetings by contributing specialist knowledge about hereditary cancers, facilitating case discussions, and promoting collaborative decision-making for patient management plans.

• Involving themselves in the development, review, and implementation of clinical guidelines, pathways, and protocols for genetic testing and risk management within oncology services.

• Educating and training healthcare colleagues within the MDT about the fundamentals of cancer genetics, the referral process for genetic counselling, and updates in clinical genetics relevant to patient care.

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
• 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

Desirable

• Ability to initiate audit and research projects

Analytical and Judgement skills

Essential

• Works within the AGNC code of ethics
• Skills for assessing patients and families.
• Understand genetic reports and inheritance patterns

Desirable

• 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).