About this role
Job summary
We are looking for a caring and motivated individual to join our genomics team as a Genomic Associate. This exciting, newly established role within the Genomic Counselling work stream will help facilitate genetic counselling and testing for patients with rare diseases and their family members.
The Genomics Associate is responsible for facilitating the collection of information, consent, samples and test results and helping to co-ordinate care for patients and families. Working within the clinical genetics department, the varied role will involve communicating with patients and their families directly by phone, video call and face to face to obtain family and medical histories to facilitate the diagnosis of genetic and genomic conditions. It will include obtaining appropriate samples for genetic testing and recording consent for these where appropriate.
The genomic associate will also help to facilitate access to the service, particularly amongst marginalised communities and families who are difficult to engage. Other roles include facilitating patient support days and patient engagement events. The role also includes co-ordinating multidisciplinary meetings and occasional education events for professionals.
Main duties of the job
Applicants from a range of backgrounds and experiences are welcomed. The post would suit an individual with significant clinical or administrative experience in the NHS who is confident communicating with patients and families sensitively. It would also provide an opportunity for an individual aspiring to train as a genetic counsellor to gain relevant experience in the field. A caring and compassionate nature and attention to detail is essential. Knowledge of genetics, family histories, child development and NHS systems would be advantageous.
About us
Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust is the first of its type in the UK. Our Trust was formed in February 2017 to drive forward our commitment to provide the highest quality, world-class physical and mental health care for our women, children and families.
Uniting our hospitals means more seamless care; more investment to make greater advances in our specialist treatment and world-leading neo-natal and fetal work. Importantly, it also gives us a greater voice in shaping the future of family-centred care.
Birmingham Children's Hospital is a UK leading specialist paediatric centre with an international reputation in several areas. Birmingham Women's Hospital is one of two dedicated women's hospitals in the UK, with the busiest single site maternity unit, delivering more than 8,200 babies a year offering a full range of gynaecological, maternity and neonatal care.
Our Trust is committed to creating the best place to work. We believe in promoting and enhancing inclusion, diversity and equality and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of age, gender identity, disability, race, religion or sexual orientation.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to view the full details for this opportunity at Birmingham Womens and Childrens NHS Foundation Trust.
When completing your application, please ensure you have evidenced how you meet the job description and person specification to include transferable experience, qualifications, skills along with professional registration details (if applicable).
Occasionally we receive a large number of applications for our roles and when that happens we sometimes bring the closing date forward, so please apply promptly to avoid disappointment.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Laura Boyes, Consultant Genetic Counsellor, on [email protected].
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Two or more A levels in relevant subjects; or equivalent level 3 or 4 qualifications
Desirable
BSc in a Biological Science ,Psychology, Education or equivalent experience Or Qualified nurse or Nursing Associate Phlebotomy
Knowledge and Experience Essential
Knowledge of clinical genetics specialty
Desirable
Experience working in healthcare Experience working with families with inherited or rare disease Knowledge of child development
Analytical & Judgement Skills Essential
Ability to analyse information and identify key records required (following training)
Desirable
Application of NHS policies on consent, confidentiality and data protection
Professional/Managerial/ Specialist Knowledge Essential
Proficient in use of IT systems, including for data entry and of microsoft office packages
Desirable
Knowledge of family tree drawing software
Personal Skills/ Abilities & Attributes Essential
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including by phone Good attention to detail Good organisation and prioritisation skills Ability to work within a team but also on own with minimal supervision Caring and compassionate Flexible approach to work Ability to work under pressure
Other requirements Desirable
Phlebotomy Ability to communicate in another language
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust
Address Birmingham Women's Hospital
Mindlesohn Way
Birmingham
B15 2TG
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://bwc.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)