Job Description

As Principal Genetic Counsellor, the post holder will support the Head of the Genetic Service to provide professional leadership to the genetic counsellors and wider genetics team to ensure the provision of genetic counselling duties and of a comprehensive genetic service to adult and paediatric patients with a wide range of ophthalmic inherited disorders within the Genetics Service of Moorfields Eye Hospital.



The post holder will contribute to the organisation and development of the department specifically within the genetic counselling team helping to deliver key strategic, research and national objectives and act as a significant educational resource, both to the wider care system and trainees in genetic ophthalmology and genetic counselling. The role will include line management of pre-registration genetic counsellors and clinical support roles such as genomic associates, as well as student placements. Additionally, the postholder will apply advanced genetic counselling skills to undertake professional duties consistent with those of a registered genetic counsellor.



The post holder will carry out the duties and responsibilities of a genetic counsellor with the aim of helping patients and families:



comprehend the medical facts, including the diagnosis, probable course of the disorder and the available management. appreciate the way heredity contributes to the disorder, and the risk of recurrence in specified relatives. understand the options (including genetic testing) for dealing with the risk. choose the course of action most appropriate for them. make the best possible adjustment to the disorder/risk of the disorder.

What's in it for You?



At Moorfields, we invest in you--your growth, your wellbeing, your future.

You'll join a flexible, supportive organisation offering:

Competitive salary (including high-cost area supplement) Membership of the NHS Pension Scheme 24/7 independent counselling support Career-long learning and development opportunities Excellent transport connections Access to NHS and Blue Light discount schemes Free Pilates classes Full support and training to develop your skills

And so much more! To see the full range of benefits we offer please view our Moorfields benefits leaflet.



To be the lead genetic counsellor in the genetics department for the Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust:



Lead and supervise the genetic counselling team and other genetic support staff, in co-ordinating a flexible timetable to cover the clinical requirements of the Genetic Service as efficiently as possible.



In association with the head of genetic services, lead the development and delivery of training and development programmes within genetic counselling service and lead on research and practice development within the genetic counselling service.



To lead in developing an increase in service provision and quality of care within the genetic counselling services.



Provide specialist advice to colleagues and other health professionals.



Act as an on-going point of contact for the patients, families and other health professionals.



Work in partnership with other support services to develop a strategic approach for the provision of specialist genetic counselling services.



Deliver professional leadership and consultancy, setting standards and promoting best practice.



Work autonomously and be professionally and legally responsible and accountable for all aspects of own professional activities.



Provide expert genetic counselling and management of complex cases, demonstrating advanced knowledge and skills, including the integration of research evidence into practice by expert clinical reasoning and decision-making.



Order genetic tests as clinically appropriate and according to agreed guidelines.



Endeavour to achieve for all families seen a good understanding of the genetic information and the best possible adjustment to the presence of genetic disease in their family.



Refer patients to relevant patient-led organisations, and other support services.



Develop specialised programmes of care and provide highly specialist clinical services. This includes arranging appropriate specialist screening and testing programmes, interpreting diagnostic test results, and advising accordingly.



Develop and design care pathways for referral of genetics patients in conjunction with other multi-disciplinary team members.



Direct and use the results of specialist investigations (e.g. array CGH and next generation sequencing) to assist formulation of diagnoses and plan patient management.



Provide expert advice and second opinion to health care professionals, including when views may differ or conflict. This includes the formulation of accurate assessment and recommendation of best practice.



Demonstrate expert ability to elicit and communicate highly complex, sensitive, or contentious information to patients, carers and other staff.



Expertly communicate highly sensitive and potentially distressing information to patients and relatives about their genetic status with implications for biological and social family relationships.



Advise on factors that can influence risk.



Communicate with, and support, patients who are recently bereaved including parents after the loss of a child or termination of pregnancy for abnormality



Use counselling skills to facilitate decision-making and promote adjustment in patients and family members.



Use specialised counselling skills to communicate sensitively in the presence of language, cultural or ethical issues.