Genetic Counsellor

• Provide expert genetic counselling for individuals and families referred to the service across cancer, rare disease and prenatal genetics.
• Support patients through complex decision-making processes, including diagnostic testing, predictive testing, carrier screening and reproductive planning.
• Work closely with the wider genetic counselling team, clinical geneticists, laboratory scientists, administrative colleagues and other healthcare professionals to ensure integrated patient care.
• Contribute to service development, audit, research and education initiatives within the department.
• Actively participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regional collaborations.
• Support the training and development of future members of the genomic workforce.

• Be a Registered Genetic Counsellor with the Academy for Healthcare Science (AHCS), Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), or a recognised overseas registration body with areciprocity agreement in place with the Genetic Counsellor Registration Advisory Board (GCRAB)
• Demonstrate excellent communication, interpersonal and counselling skills
• Have an interest in, and preferably experience of, rare disease and/or prenatal genetics
• Be able to work independently whilst contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team
• Demonstrate a proactive, innovative and progressive approach to the continual improvement of the genetics service

Essential

• Our Always values

Essential

• First degree in relevant subject and MSc in Genetic Counselling OR Graduate Nurse or Midwife with two years post-registration experience plus counselling skills training of at least 120 hours and an accredited genetics science course of at least 30 hours OR Completion of STP Clinical Scientist (Genomic Counsellor) training
• Registered Genetic Counsellor with AHCS: if not AHCS Registered, appointment on band 6 is possible with the expectation that Registration is obtained within 3 years of appointment. OR Registered Genetic Counsellor (clinical scientist) with the HCPC OR Registered with an overseas body which has a reciprocity agreement in place with the GCRAB / AHCS and be willing to commit to register with the AHCS within 1-2 years of appointment.

Desirable

• Approved GCRAB Sign Off Mentor

Essential

• Evidence of continued professional development-reviewing current practice and research developments and application to clinical practice
• Working with people who are distressed
• Understanding of professional and current issues related to genetics, the NHS, and relevant fields
• Works within AGNC code of ethics and the GCRAB code of conduct
• Familiarity with databases, ICT and word processing
• Understanding of audit and research methodologies
• Experience of dealing with families with genetic disorders
• Experience of managing an individual caseload
• Knowledge and awareness of safeguarding procedures

Desirable

• Significant independent experience in genetic counselling
• Previous experience of research and audit
• Understanding of resource management, health and safety and clinical governance

Essential

• Ability to work autonomously and manage an independent caseload
• Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication and listening skills
• Able to problem solve and initiate change
• Self-discipline and good time management to support periods of lone working
• Obtain or Maintain Registration with AHCS / HCPC within agreed time frames
• Ability and willing to travel to clinics across North and East London and Essex

Desirable

• Ability to analyse research findings to inform practice development
• Ability to undertake phlebotomy
• Proven ability to teach and educate professionals and families