HealthJobsUK

Job overview

We have a vacancy for an enthusiastic and motivated Genetic Counsellor to join our friendly and caring team in the West Midlands Region.  As one of the largest Regional Genetics Centres in the UK we care for a diverse population with and at risk of a range of genetic and genomic conditions.  There are opportunities to obtain broad experience in both Cancer and General Genetics. The successful applicant will have a designated geographical area of responsibility with a mixed workload incorporating prenatal, adult, and cancer genetics.  There will be opportunity to be involved in research, audit and teaching and to develop areas of specialist interest if desired.  We provide extensive opportunities for continuing professional development through internal and external programmes, as well as access to individual counselling supervision.  The post will be based at Birmingham Women’s Hospital with clinics held in defined areas within the West Midlands region.  There are opportunities for both flexible and remote working.

The clinical department work in close collaboration with the Central and South Genomic Laboratory Hub as part of the Wessex, Oxford and West Midlands Genomics Consortium.  The consortium aims to deliver comprehensive genetic testing to 11 million people across the region, almost one fifth of the UK population.  There are also strong links with Regional hospitals through the West Midlands GMSA. 

Main duties of the job

The ideal candidate would have experience working as a genetic counsellor or trainee genetic counsellor.  Applicants from nursing, MSc and STP backgrounds are all welcomed.  For employment at band 7 we expect candidates to be registered with one of the following or due to register imminently:

• The UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB)
• The HCPC having completed the STP in Genomic Counselling
• An equivalent oversees genetic counselling body.

Individuals with the requisite qualifications for GCRB registration but without the required experience for this post may initially be appointed as a Trainee Genetic Counsellor (AfC band 6) until a period of training under supervision has been undertaken.  After this training period, and subject to reaching the appropriate competencies required the successful candidate would progress to an autonomous Genetic Counsellor role (AfC band 7).    Appointment as a trainee genetic counsellor would be subject to an amended job description (details available on request) and is only likely if there are no suitable registered applicants.

Access to a car insured for business use and a full driving licence are highly desirable.

Working for our organisation

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust is the first of its type in the UK. Our Trust was formed in February 2017 to drive forward our commitment to provide the highest quality, world-class physical and mental health care for our women, children and families.

Uniting our hospitals means more seamless care; more investment to make greater advances in our specialist treatment and world-leading neo-natal and fetal work. Importantly, it also gives us a greater voice in shaping the future of family-centred care.

Birmingham Children's Hospital is a UK leading specialist paediatric centre with an international reputation in several areas. Birmingham Women's Hospital is one of two dedicated women's hospitals in the UK, with the busiest single site maternity unit, delivering more than 8,200 babies a year offering a full range of gynaecological, maternity and neonatal care. Forward Thinking Birmingham (FTB) Mental Health Services are a unique, innovative community and inpatient mental health partnership. Alongside partners FTB offers care pathways of mental health assessment and treatment for young people aged 0-25 years old.

Our Trust is committed to creating the best place to work. We believe in promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.