Employer University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust Employer type NHS Site LRI Town Leicester Salary £47,810 - £54,710 per annum Salary period Yearly Closing 13/03/2026 23:59
Locum Genetic Counsellor
NHS AfC: Band 7
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Job overview
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, setup, 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.
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:
Detailed job description and main 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.
please see job description/person specification for further details on the role.
Person specification
Training & Qualifications
* 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
* Counselling qualification
* Interest in Fragile X
Experience
* 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
* Experience in teaching / training HCPs
* Community experience
Communication and relationship skills
* 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
* Ability to develop and deliver educational packages
Analytical and Judgement skills
* Works within the AGNC code of ethics
* Skills for assessing patients and families.
* Understand genetic reports and inheritance patterns
* Understanding of research. Use of relevant guidelines e.g NICE
Planning and organisation skills
* Good time management skills and organisational abilities
* Work according to Job Plan/and organises own workload. Prioritises urgent work.
Physical skills
* Driving skills
Equality and Diversity
* Commitment and understanding of the importance of treating all individuals with dignity and respect
Commitment to Trust Values and Behaviours
* Must be able to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust’s Values and Behaviours
Additional Information
Please submit yourapplicationform without delay toavoiddisappointment; 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.
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 endeavorto make reasonable adjustments to accommodate this through discussions with both Occupational Health and your recruiting manager.
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.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
You must have appropriate UK professional registration.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
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