Principal Genetic Counsellor
| Posting date: | 08 August 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £64,156.00 to £71,148.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £64156.00 - £71148.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 07 September 2025 |
| Location: | London, EC1V 2PD |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9273-25-0238 |
Summary
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.