Job overview
At Wales Fertility Institute (WFI) this role is integral in supporting the HFEA governance of all our donor patients and surrogates and Oncology/fertility preservation patients undertaking implications counselling prior to commencing treatment.
The successful candidate will provide specialist information and consultation to other professionals on the social and psychological effects of fertility, involuntary childlessness, related medical conditions and assisted conception procedures, along with options for their management and support. They will promote and maintain good working relationships with other professionals, groups, organisations and agencies in order to further patients' / clients' support and counselling needs and refer on as necessary for other specialist help.
The fertility counsellor will support WFI management; develop and maintain effective communication within the team and the organisation and liaise with the multi-disciplinary team regarding the provision of counselling services including educating all team members about good practice in counselling.
Main duties of the job
Deliver the counselling service for the Wales Fertility Institute ensuring clinical work and administration are maintained to the highest standard and according to the HFEA Code of Practice.
Being responsible for ensuring that the highest level of psychological and emotional support is given to patients as appropriate.
Ensuring that the counselling practice is ethical and professional.
The post holder will work closely with all members of the multidisciplinary team within departments, to promote the informed consent of patients and educate staff where necessary about changes in legislation etc.
The role will be based within both unit sites at the University Hospital of Wales and Neath Port Talbot Hospital and virtually as appropriate.
Working for our organisation
We believe staff are our best asset and we want you to be happy and confident about starting your career here in Swansea Bay University Health Board.
As one of the biggest healthcare groups in the UK we can offer a wealth of professional training and development opportunities in an innovative, forward-thinking organisation.
You might be a nurse or doctor, maybe you specialise in a health science/therapy or can offer skills in one of our support services - we have a job for you.
There are also apprenticeships, work placements and volunteering roles available.
We are an inclusive employer and welcome applications from everyone whatever their sex; religion or belief; race; age; sexual orientation; gender identity or, whether they are pregnant or have recently been on maternity leave, married or are in a civil partnership; or, whether they are disabled.
Our values - Caring For Each Other, Working Together and Always Improving, show that our commitment to equality is at the heart of everything we do.
If you want excellent career and training opportunities while living on the doorstep of some of Europe's most spectacular scenery, with all the benefits of a thriving and cosmopolitan city - look no further.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Person specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential criteria
1. Postgraduate degree in Psychology, Psychotherapy or Counselling.
2. Member if BACP with the ability to work within their guidelines.
3. Member of BICA or working towards accreditation.
4. Awareness of HFEA regulations covering all fertility units
Desirable criteria
5. Accredited member of BICA.
6. Knowledge of HFEA
Experience
Essential criteria
7. Post-qualifying experience in being a counsellor
8. Experience of working independently and within a team
9. Experience of working in a hospital setting.
10. Experience of group counselling.
Desirable criteria
11. Post-qualifying experience in fertility counselling working within a multi-disciplinary team in a licensed unit.
12. Experience of all assisted conception procedures, fertility investigations and a wide understanding of the issues involved with the treatment.
English
Essential criteria
13. Awareness of current fertility topics and research
Desirable criteria
14. Understanding of the different types of patients seen with WFI.
Swansea Bay University Health Board is committed to supporting its staff and processes to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing service users experience. In our commitment to increase the number of staff able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we would particularly welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
Equality remains at the centre of the Health Boards policy-making, service delivery and employment practices. We value the diversity of our staff and welcome applications from people from protected groups under the Equality Act 2010, this specifically includes age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/reassignment, race, religion, disability, pregnancy and maternity and marriage and civil partnership.
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
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.
Welsh language skills are desirable