Genetic Counsellor

Job summary

We are looking for a dynamic and motivated individual to join the genetic counselling team at the Liverpool Centre for Genomic Medicine. The team is flexible, responsive and patient focused and would welcome the addition of a genetic counsellor who is registered with the Academy of Health Care Scientists (GCRAB) or Health Care Professions Council (HCPC) . We may consider offering a band 6 post to individuals who are not yet registered with the ACHS or HCPC. The service is based at, and managed by the Liverpool Women's NHS Foundation Trust, serving the patients of the Cheshire and Merseyside region.

Main duties of the job

This is a challenging, autonomous role and you will be responsible for your own caseload providing genetic counselling to families for a broad range of conditions to include paediatrics, adult, prenatal, fetal medicine, cancer predisposition and predictive testing. You will also be expected to participate in research, audit, teaching and education.

About us

Liverpool Women's NHS FT became part ofNHS University Hospitals of Liverpool Group (UHLG)in November 2024, following the coming together with Liverpool University Hospitals NHS FT. UHLG was born from a shared aim to improve the care we provide to our patients.

UHLG is one of the largest employers in the region, with over 16,800 colleagues who are dedicated to caring for our communities - from birth and beyond. For the 630,000 people across Merseyside, UHLG is also their local NHS, providing general and emergency hospital care, alongside highly specialised regional services for more than two million people in the North West.

At Liverpool Women's Hospital, each year we deliver approximately 7,500 babies, carry out around 50,000 gynaecological inpatient and outpatient procedures, care for over 1,000 poorly and premature newborns, perform around 1,000 IVF cycles, and conduct over 4,000 genetic appointments.

We believe that this, along with a strong dedication to research and innovation, makes usthespecialist health provider of choice in Europe for women, babies and families.

For roles at Liverpool University Hospitals, visit theircareers page.

UKVI guidelines prohibits sponsorship for all Band 2 posts. Guidelines state that many non-clinical posts are not eligible for sponsorship. Please use UKVI guidance on Skilled Worker Visas to determine your eligibility for sponsorship if you were to gain a conditional offer for this role.

https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/your-job

Job responsibilities

As a member of the team, contribute to the provision of a comprehensive, high quality, specialist genetic counselling service for a population of 2.8 million in the Cheshire and Merseyside Region. To ensure that families referred receive a service which is caring, and scientifically and diagnostically up-to-date.

To act as an educational resource, both to the wider health care system and to trainees in clinical genetics and genetic counselling.

To practice within the ethical guidelines of the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board and, in addition, qualified nurses must adhere to the code of professional conduct as per the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

1. To carry out the duties and responsibilities of a genetic counsellor with the aim of helping patients and families:comprehend the medical facts, including the diagnosis, probable course of the disorder and the available management;
2. Appreciate the way heredity contributes to the disorder, and the risk of recurrence in specified relatives;
3. Understand the options (including genetic testing) for dealing with the risk;
4. Choose the course of action most appropriate for them;
5. Make the best possible adjustment to the disorder/risk of the disorder.

For more details please refer to the the job description and person specification attached.

Person specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

• Resilient
• Ability to problem solve with innovation and creativity
• Ability to travel across region

Experience

Essential

• Must have worked as a Genetic Counsellor in a Regional Clinical Genomics Service
• Evidence of continuous professional development

Desirable

• Evidence of participation in research & audit projects

Qualifications & Learning

Essential

• Current Genetic Counsellor Registration with the AHCS or HCPC
• All qualified nurses/midwives/health visitors must maintain current Registration with the NMC
• A knowledge of genetics obtained through graduate/post-graduate courses

Desirable

• Evidence of formal training in teaching

Skills, Knowledge & Aptitudes

Essential

• Ability to work autonomously and manage an independent clinical caseload.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative
• Proven ability to work as part of a team and to build up and maintain positive working relationships.
• Good interpersonal skills
• Sensitivity to confidential and/or difficult situations
• Flexibility
• Ability to work under pressure
• Ability to analyse research findings to inform practice development
• Knowledge of a broad range of genetic conditions
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

Desirable

• Experience of teaching