Go back Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Genetic Counsellor
The closing date is 25 November 2025
Moorfields is one of the world's leading eye hospitals, providing expertise in clinical care, research and education.
Our main focus is the treatment and care of NHS patients with a wide range of eye problems, from common complaints to rare conditions which require treatments not available anywhere else in the UK. We treat people at our main hospital base in London's City Road and at a number of satellite facilities in and around the capital, which enables us to provide expert treatment closer to patient's homes. Moorfields has contracts with more than 80 primary care trusts across the country, making us a truly national centre for eye care.
We are also a major postgraduate teaching centre and a national centre for ophthalmic research involving, with the UCL Institute of Ophthalmology, the largest ophthalmic research programme in the world. In addition, we directly manage three commercial divisions: Moorfields Private, Moorfields Pharmaceuticals and Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will 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.
* appreciate the way heredity contributes to the disorder, and the risk of recurrence in specified relatives.
* understand the options (including genetic testing) for dealing with the risk.
* choose the course of action most appropriate for them.
* make the best possible adjustment to the disorder/risk of the disorder.
About us
What's in it for You?
At Moorfields, we invest in you--your growth, your wellbeing, your future.You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:
* Competitive salary (including high-cost area supplement)
* Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme
* 24/7 independent counselling support
* Career-long learning and development opportunities
* Excellent transport connections
* Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes
* Free Pilates classes
* Full support and training to develop your skills
And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.
Job responsibilities
Work as part of a team of genetic support staff, coping with a flexible timetable to cover the clinical requirements of the Genetic Service as efficiently as possible
* Will be responsible for their own clinic and clinical/research work load
* Provide on-going advice and support to patients and families in the outpatient clinics and by telephone
* Explain risks of carrier status to at-risk individuals, modes of inheritance and counselling of patients before undertaking pre-symptomatic testing
* Recording family histories and pedigrees
* Obtain blood samples using phlebotomy skills
* Ensure that samples are passed to the appropriate laboratories for the correct tests
* Act as an on-going point of contact for the patients, families and other health professionals
* Work closely with the consultant and junior members of the team to provide continuity of care and supervise junior members of staff
* Work closely with the medical social workers
* Maintain close links with the regional genetics units throughout the UK in the management of patients and families and the overseeing of genetic testing
* Maintain and develop the computerised genetic database of patients and families affected with inherited disorders
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Obtained Genetic Counsellor Registration Board accredited MSc degree in Genetic Counselling OR Attainment of 1st or MSc degree in scientific or healthcare subject
* Additional training in Genetics
* Postgraduate training in Genetic Counselling
Further Training and Knowledge
* Basic data monitoring and computer skills
* Background in medical/ genetic research
Experience
* Previous experience in counselling, medical, or scientific environment
Personality and Personal Attributes
* Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
* Ability to work independently when required and demonstrates an autonomous approach to work
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
£46,419 to £63,176 a yearPer Annum, Inclusive of HCAS
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