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Job summary

Main area
Clinical Genetics
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 7
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time - 37.5 hours per week
Job ref
358-7756976-W&C
Employer
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
Employer type
NHS
Site
LRI
Town
Leicester
Salary
£38,682 - £54,710 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
15/03/2026 23:59

Employer heading

University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust logo

Genomic Counsellor

NHS AfC: Band 7

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Job overview

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Genetic/Genomic Counsellor to join our team.

This unique opportunity involves providing expert support in general genetics clinics while taking a leading role in cancer genomics and cancer MDTs.

Applicants should possess a recognised qualification in genetic counselling and demonstrate a passion for patient-centred care. Experience in general genetics is essential, while experience of cancer would be advantageous. Excellent communication skills, initiative, and the ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams are key attributes for this role.

If you are keen to make a difference in genetic services we invite you to apply.

Main duties of the job

  • Assessing patients’ personal and family histories to evaluate genetic risk factors for cancer.

  • Providing information and support to patients and families regarding inherited cancer syndromes and genetic testing options.

  • Coordinating and interpreting genetic tests relevant to cancer predisposition.

  • Communicating genetic test results to patients and members of the multidisciplinary team (MDT).

  • Advising the MDT on the implications of genetic findings for patient management and surveillance strategies.

  • Facilitating referrals for further assessment or specialist interventions when necessary.

  • Offering psychological support to patients and families coping with genetic risk information.

  • Contributing to MDT meetings by sharing expertise on hereditary cancer and genetic risk assessment.

  • Participating in the development of guidelines and protocols relating to genetic testing within oncology pathways.

  • Educating healthcare professionals within the MDT about genetics and its relevance to cancer care.

Working for our organisation

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals: 

  • high-quality care for all, 
  • being a great place to work, 
  • partnerships for impact, and 
  • research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

  • we are compassionate,
  • we are proud, 
  • we are inclusive, and 
  • we are one team 

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk

Detailed job description and main 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.

 

Person specification

Training & Qualifications

Essential criteria
  • 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 criteria
  • Counselling qualification
  • Oncology qualification
  • Interest in Fragile X

Experience

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

Communication and relationship skills

Essential criteria
  • 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 criteria
  • Ability to initiate audit and research projects

Analytical and Judgement skills

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

Planning and organisation skills

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

Physical skills

Essential criteria
  • Keyboard skills
  • Computer modelling skills
Desirable criteria
  • Driving skills

Equality and Diversity

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

Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria
  • Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours

Employer certification / accreditation badges

Apprenticeships logoCare quality commission - Goodhttps://www.gov.uk/government/publications/kickstart-scheme-employer-resources/kickstart-scheme-brand-guidelinesMindful employer.  Being positive about mental health.Disability confident committedHappy to Talk Flexible Working

Applicant requirements

You must have appropriate UK professional registration.

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Documents to download

Apply online now

Further details / informal visits contact

Name
Vicki Kiesel
Job title
Lead Genetic Counsellor
Email address
[email protected]
Telephone number
0116 258 5697
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