Genetic Counsellor

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Genetic/Genomic Counsellor to join the North West Thames Regional Genetics Service (NWTRGS) Cancer Genetics Team.

The post holder will provide a comprehensive, equitable and person-centred genetic counselling service for individuals and families with, or at risk of, inherited cancer predisposition.

This is a full-time, permanent Band 7 post. The post holder will support continuity and capacity within the Cancer Genetics Team and will autonomously manage a varied caseload that may include diagnostic, predictive, presymptomatic and urgent cancer genetics cases.

The post holder will undertake cancer risk assessment, arrange appropriate genomic testing, interpret and communicate results, and coordinate referral to relevant screening, surveillance and specialist management pathways.

Main duties of the job

• Manage an autonomous cancer genetics caseload, including diagnostic, predictive, presymptomatic and urgent cases.
• Provide genetic/genomic counselling through face-to-face, video and telephone consultations, including preparation, follow-up and coordination of care.
• Elicit and interpret detailed medical and three-generation family histories and maintain accurate pedigrees using approved clinical systems.
• Assess inheritance patterns and cancer risks using appropriate evidence, clinical information and validated risk-assessment tools.
• Explain testing options, possible outcomes, limitations and uncertainty, and facilitate informed, voluntary and non-directive decision-making.
• Arrange and, where authorised, request genomic tests in line with the National Genomic Test Directory, local pathways and professional scope of practice.
• Interpret and communicate results, including complex or uncertain findings, and coordinate appropriate follow-up, cascade testing and referral.
• Participate in the cancer genetics on-call rota and respond to urgent enquiries and time-sensitive treatment-related testing.
• Contribute to referral triage and advice and guidance within agreed competencies and approved protocols.
• Prepare for and participate in multidisciplinary meetings, presenting cases and documenting agreed actions.
• Contribute to teaching, supervision, audit, quality improvement, pathway development and research.

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £55,524 to £62,652 per annum
• Agenda for Change pay scheme
• Opportunities for professional development and growth

Person Specification

• 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
• 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.
• Post-qualification or equivalent supervised experience in genetic/genomic counselling, including autonomous or progressively autonomous caseload management.
• Demonstrable knowledge and clinical experience in cancer genetics.
• Experience of family-history assessment, pedigree interpretation, cancer risk assessment, informed consent, arranging genomic tests and communicating results.