Job Summary
We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Genetic Counsellor to join our team for a one‑year fixed term position.
This unique opportunity involves providing expert support in general and cancer genetics clinics while taking a leading role in establishing a new Fragile X helpline. The successful applicant will play a pivotal part in developing the helpline with the aim of creating a national Fragile X hub, offering guidance and information to individuals, families, and healthcare professionals across the country.
Applicants should possess a recognised qualification in genetic counselling and demonstrate a passion for patient‑centred care. Experience in general genetics is essential, while knowledge of Fragile X syndrome or helpline operations 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 and contribute to the future of Fragile X support nationally, we invite you to apply.
Main Duties of the Job
Provide specialist support in genetics clinics, offering counselling, risk assessment, and patient‑centred guidance, including both general and cancer clinics.
Lead the development of a new Fragile X helpline, including planning, set‑up, and implementation.
Contribute to establishing a national Fragile X support hub, designed to give information and guidance to families, individuals, and healthcare professionals across the UK.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, ensuring coordinated and high‑quality genetic services.
Communicate complex genetic information clearly and empathetically to patients and professionals.
Apply clinical genetics expertise to support service delivery and helpline queries.
Use initiative to build and shape a new service, helping define processes, resources, and operational workflows.
About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
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
* 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
* 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.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust – https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk
Details
Date posted: 27 February 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 7
Salary: £47,810 to £54,710 a year per annum
Contract: Fixed term
Duration: 1 year
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 358-7756205-W&C
Job locations: LRI, Leicester, LE1 5WW
Job Description & Responsibilities
* Provide high‑quality genetic counselling including risk assessment, explanation of genetic conditions, inheritance patterns, and test options.
* Support patients and families through complex emotional, psychological, and ethical issues arising from genetic information.
* Participate in multidisciplinary case discussions and contribute to clinical decision‑making.
* Ensure accurate documentation of consultations in line with service and national standards.
* Lead on the planning, coordination, and implementation of a new Fragile X helpline service.
* Develop processes for triaging and responding to queries from the public and healthcare professionals.
* Create or contribute to written information resources, FAQs, referral guidance, and professional education materials.
* Assist in evaluating the helpline during its initial operation and contribute to long‑term plans for establishing a national Fragile X hub.
* Work with senior colleagues to shape the operational model of the helpline and wider Fragile X support pathway.
* Identify opportunities for quality improvement, including patient experience, accessibility, and coordination with clinical teams.
* Contribute to data collection, audit activities, and reporting related to helpline performance and clinic activity.
* Maintain strong working relationships with clinical geneticists, genetic counsellors, administrative teams, and external stakeholders (e.g., charities, patient groups).
* Communicate complex genetic information clearly to diverse audiences, adapting style according to need.
* Promote awareness of Fragile X syndrome and the new helpline within the Trust and nationally.
* Maintain registration (or eligibility for registration) with the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB) or equivalent.
* Participate in continuing professional development, reflective practice, and supervision.
* Support junior or trainee colleagues where appropriate.
* Work within legal and ethical frameworks for consent, confidentiality, and genetic testing.
* Contribute to safe, effective, evidence‑based service delivery in accordance with Trust policies and national guidelines.
Person Specification
Training & Qualifications (Essential)
* MSc in Genetic Counselling or professional qualification (e.g. registered nurse) plus relevant genetic counselling experience.
* GCRAB (AHCS) or HCPC registration or eligibility to register.
Desirable
* Counselling qualification.
* Oncology qualification.
* Interest in Fragile X.
Experience (Essential)
* 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 understanding of genetics.
* Awareness of inequalities in cancer care.
* Understanding of confidentiality and data protection.
Desirable
* Experience in teaching/training HCPs.
* Experience in cancer service delivery.
* Community experience.
Communication and Relationship Skills (Essential)
* Excellent oral and written communication skills.
* Ability to present complex information verbally and in writing.
* Ability to work autonomously.
* Ability to manage urgent and unpredicted situations.
* Ability to work within a multidisciplinary team.
Desirable
* Proven counselling skills and willingness to work without direct supervision.
* Proven teaching and presentation skills.
* Ability to analyse research findings to inform practice development.
* Ability 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.
Analytical and Judgement Skills (Essential)
* Works within the AGNC code of ethics.
* Skills for assessing patients and families.
* Understanding of genetic reports and inheritance patterns.
* Understanding of research and use of relevant guidelines (e.g., NICE).
Planning and Organisation Skills (Essential)
* Good time‑management skills and organisational abilities.
* Work according to job plan and organise own workload; prioritise urgent work.
Physical Skills (Essential)
* Keyboard skills.
* Computer modelling skills.
Desirable
* Driving skills.
Equality and Diversity (Essential)
* Commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect.
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours (Essential)
* Must demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values and behaviours.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have lived in continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see the NHS Careers website.
Employer Details
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust
LRI, Leicester, LE1 5WW
Website: https://www.jobsatleicestershospitals.nhs.uk/
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