Responsibilities
* 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
* 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.
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.
Please submit your application form without delay to avoid disappointment; we will close vacancies prior to the publishing closing date if we receive a sufficient number of completed application forms. Please check the email account (including your junk mail) that you supplied as part of your application on a regular basis following the closing date and throughout the recruitment process, as this is how we will communicate with you.
UHL is an equal opportunities employer. We aim to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds who match our job criteria. Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be interviewed if you indicate you wish to be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please make the recruitment services team aware as soon as possible.
UHL is committed to helping colleagues balance the demands of both their work and personal needs through flexible working arrangements wherever reasonably practicable and subject to service needs.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
Please note if you are successful in obtaining this position and the post involves regulated activity you will be required to undertake a Disclosure & Barring Service check. The Trust will pay for the check initially and the money will then be deducted from your salary over a three month period commencing on your first month's payment. The current price of a check is £38 for an enhanced and £18 for a standard check.
COVID 19 Risk Assessment
Due to the current Covid pandemic we have introduced a staff risk assessment into our pre-employment process. This now forms part of the mandatory pre-employment checks that will be carried out if you receive a conditional offer. The risk assessment is intended to ensure you are able to safely perform your duties in any of our work areas, and if you have been identified as being particularly vulnerable to coronavirus. Our main aim is to reduce risk and to ensure the safety of all new starters to the Trust as well as current staff, patients and visitors. If it is identified that you are within a vulnerable category, we will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
Covid Vaccination Status
Covid‑19 vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself, family, colleagues and our patients/service users from the Covid‑19 virus. We therefore continue to encourage our current and potential colleagues to get vaccinated.
University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust holds the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of everything it does and all that it stands for. We are committed to developing a workforce that is representative of the community we serve. We welcome applications from the diverse community of Leicester, Leicester and Rutland, to help deliver healthcare services that meets the needs of our diverse communities.
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