Role Summary
We are delighted to be recruiting for a fixed term position (24 month) as a Genetic Counsellor with our Peninsula Clinical Genetics Service. The role is funded by Cancer Alliance and the post holder will have the opportunity to support the ongoing work in Lynch Syndrome mainstreaming, as established by transformation projects in the Genomic Medicine Service Alliance (GMSA).
About the Role
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role:
Peninsula Clinical Genetics are delighted to be recruiting for a fixed term Genetic / Genomic Counsellor (GC) to join our progressive and friendly team. Peninsula Clinical Genetics is hosted by Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, in Exeter, with satellite offices in Truro and Plymouth. The service covers Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, a population of ~1.8 million.
This post is supported with funding from our local Cancer Alliance and, depending on skills and experience, the post-holder may be asked to focus on supporting Lynch mainstreaming, as part of our regional genomic transformation strategy. Our mainstreaming approach includes provision of a quick access clinic following diagnosis as part of cancer care, as well as the support and training of nursing colleagues who are delivering mainstream testing. Outside of this, the role will involve a varied caseload, including general, cancer and prenatal work.
Candidates applying at AfC Band 7 will be expected to be AHCS/HCPC registered (or overseas equivalent), or eligible for registration following successful completion of the STP Genomic Counselling Programme.
The Genetic Counsellor team is diverse, benefitting from a mix of nursing, scientific and academic backgrounds. We host regular MSc students and STP trainees, appreciating the new ideas and opportunities for learning and development that these interactions generate. We value this mix of skills and welcome applicants from all AHCS recognised pathways. We are particularly proud of the way our team have remained connected and mutually supportive of one another during recent years.
The Counselling team are supported by Lead, Principal and Training Officer GCs, as well as having clinical supervision from our Consultant team and monthly counselling supervision. We have an excellent relationship with our local scientific team and close ties to our GMSA colleagues as part of the South West Genomic Medicine Service Alliance with Bristol Clinical Genetics. A satellite service for Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis, in collaboration with Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital, allows us to provide a patient-focused PGD service in the South West.
The post holder will preferably be based at our Exeter or Plymouth office although other locations (we have a further satellite office in Truro) may be considered. We recognise the challenges that have been highlighted in recent years and we want to be sure that you can work in a way that is best for our patients, for us, and for you. Speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate a flexible working arrangement whether that’s job share, part time or another flexible pattern, with options for some remote working. If it works for our service, we will do our best to make it work for you.
The counties of Devon and Cornwall offer a high quality of life. The region, named as the ‘best place to live in the UK’ in national surveys, is located close to miles of stunning coastline and enjoys a lively cultural scene.
The Job Description is subject to the completion of the job evaluation process and further updated Job Descriptions will be available.
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Interview Date: Tuesday 23rd April 2024 by Teams
For further information please contact: Matilda Bradford, Principal Genetic Counsellor, on 01752 439 606 matildabradford@nhs.net or Sarah Gibson, Lead Genetic Counsellor, on 01392 405 752 or sgibson1@nhs.net.
This is a fixed term contract for 24 months. For current NHS employees this post could be a secondment opportunity.
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust was established in April 2022, bringing together the expertise of both the Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust and Northern Devon Healthcare NHS Trust.
About Us
Stretching across Northern, Eastern and Mid Devon, we have a workforce of over 15,000 staff, making us the largest employer in Devon. Our core services, which we provide to more than 615,000 people, cover more than 2,000 square miles across Devon, while some of our specialist services cover the whole of the peninsula, extending our reach as far as Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.
We deliver a wide range of emergency, specialist and general medical services through North Devon District Hospital and the Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital (Wonford). Alongside our two acute hospitals, we provide integrated health and social care services across a variety of settings, including community inpatient hospitals, outpatient clinics, and within people’s own homes. We also offer primary care services, a range of specialist community services, and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC).
Our state-of-the-art equipment, leading technologies and strong links to local universities put us at the forefront of research and innovations, enabling us to provide world-class care to our local communities.
Our values are at the heart of everything we do, click here to find out more
It has never been a more exciting time to join the Royal Devon, as you will help to shape our services as we continue along our integration journey.
Benefits
Looking after you is important to us.
We strive to help our staff create a healthy work-life balance through flexible working schemes and our family friendly policies.
If you are starting out in the NHS, you’ll start with 27 days paid annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 33 days plus bank holidays.
You will benefit from access to our own comprehensive occupational health services, including counselling, onsite wellbeing activities and groups.
We will work together to maintain a culture that develops and supports you and your team.
This might include funding for a care certificate, a degree or leadership qualifications. Or it might include days off to study, engage in CPD or rotational placements to help you hone your skills. Wherever you are heading in the NHS, we will help you get there.
Salary is not the only financial benefit
You will have access to an extensive range of staff discounts on shopping, fitness and leisure options and you can spread the cost of technology and home appliance purchases from major retailers. You will also have access to other benefits including:
- National discount services such as the Blue Light Card and Health Service Discounts.
- Salary sacrifice options including our OFSTED rated outstanding nursery onsite at Exeter
- Car lease schemes.
- The NHS Pension scheme (one of the most generous and comprehensive in the UK).
- Cycle to work scheme
These are just a few of the benefits available – if the role is something you are interested in, we would love to hear from you.
