Genomics Associate: Genetic Counselling pathway

The primary duty of the post holder will be to work with the Guy's Clinical Genetics service to deliver genetic counselling interventions with the aim to reduce current patient waiting times. This work will occur across our genetic counselling including but not exclusively cancer genetics, general and cardiac genetics. Working closely with the Consultant Genetic Counsellors the Genomic Associate will help deliver and develop local pathways for patient contact, information dissemination and consent, supported by meticulous record keeping to ensure decisions are captured and communicated according to departmental and national guidance. The Genomics Associate will be responsible for the tracking of patients in this pathway to facilitate the process of germline genetic testing for this group of patients. They will ensure results are returned to the appropriate clinician in a streamlined pathway. The review and development of written material such as standard operating procedures, educational material and leaflets will also be required. There will also be involvement in developing and supporting waiting list management initiatives which may include clinics with patients to ascertain familial reports, family histories to inform necessity for Genetic Counselling appointments or discharge with advice under appropriate supervision of the Genetic Counselling team.

This role is an enabler of point of care access to timely genetic counselling

The post holder will work closely with the project team to deliver the project aims including capturing metrics, conducting audits and reviewing waiting list data

Development of pathways between clinical services and the Genomic Laboratory Hub (GLH)/ Assisted Conception Unit (ACU), satellite services and other specialities to facilitate clarity and consistency of a high quality pathway delivering the national genomic test directory criteria

Working closely with the project lead and collaborators to align priorities by taking a proactive approach to agreed actions.

Be patient centred and consider the impact of actions on care.

Work within scope of practice and under guidance from colleagues.

Be a key link between genetics, primary and secondary care.

Schedule meetings, patient appointments and other forums.

The Department of Clinical Genetics at Guy's Hospital is one of the busiest in the UK. It is comprised of an extensive team of genetic counsellors, nurses, psychologists, research practitioners and clinical geneticists. With responsibility for providing genetic services for the South-East Thames region of eight million people, we offer general and highly specialist input. We deliver general, paediatric and cancer genetic services, and conduct a wide range of genetic counselling clinics, including community-based cancer family history risk assessments. Our national PGT service is world renowned and known as a centre of excellence.

Embedded in the Genomic Medicine Centre – South London, the department benefits from recent advancements in high-throughput DNA diagnostic analysis, delivered in conjunction with long-standing core cytogenetic, molecular and biochemical genetic laboratory services. We have established new clinical practices to keep patients and their families informed of new testing strategies in genetic conditions, and help them through the consent process.

We offer training at multiple levels, accommodating the needs of different trainees, clinical and scientific, whilst encouraging and supporting life-long learning across the department.

Individuals joining us will benefit from the wealth of experience they will acquire through working in this innovative team built on a long-established clinical genetics service.

Please see attached job description for detailed description of main duties and responsibilities for the post.