Band 5 Genomics Associate in Slough

We are seeking a motivated Band 5 Genomics Associate to join our dynamic team at The London Genetics Centre, 90 Sloane Street Medical Practice.

JOB PURPOSE:

•To facilitate the collection of information, consent, samples and test results to enable genomic counselling and testing for patients with and without a family history of disease and their family members.

•Under the supervision of a Genetic Counsellor, to make telephone contact with patients referred into our service to gather specific information requested by Clinician’s prior to or after a Genetics clinic appointment.

•To work within a multidisciplinary team to provide genetics support and coordinate multidisciplinary team meetings including taking minutes.

•Conduct clinical audits of genetic samples and test results to ensure high standards of patient care.

MAIN TASKS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Patient Care

•Making direct telephone contact with patients referred to our service to gather key information requested by clinicians at triage or after clinic appointments to facilitate the genetic counselling process (Including details of family members who have a known or suspected genetic diagnosis and through use of consent forms obtaining necessary consent to confirm diagnoses or obtain genetic test reports).

•Documenting all direct patient contact and other patient care actions in the patient record.

•Obtaining family history information if requested at triage ahead of an appointment with a Consultant Clinical Geneticist or Genetic Counsellor.

•On receipt of a completed Family History Questionnaire, produce a family tree using the information provided and filing both in the patients Genetics record.

•Facilitating safeguarding (e.g. to confirm parental responsibility for a looked-after child) and appropriately documenting any safeguarding alerts both electronically on the hospital systems and on paper-based notes.

•Obtaining and/or checking appropriate permission/consent have been given as required for clinic.

•Monitoring the return of patient medical records and forms and ensuring they are stored appropriately in the patient’s genetics notes.

•Managing the packaging and timely shipment of patient samples to the laboratory.

•Liaising with the laboratory to ensure timely processing and reporting of genetic test results.

•Responsibility for responding to referrals that do not require clinical contact e.g. those that do not meet referral criteria and sending standard letters/guides back to the referrer after approval by the Consultant geneticist of the week.

•To show a caring and professional approach towards patients, relatives and personal assistants. This may require acting with resilience to deal with sometimes distressed patients and relatives in an empathetic manner.

•Recognising limits of role, not providing clinical advice and escalating queries appropriately.

•Responding to non-clinical written and telephone enquiries.

•Liaise with Labs, histology, surgery and screening to obtain and provide information.

•Respond to requests from other Genetics services for information/copies of results or correspondence confirming appropriate consent is in place to release such information.

Organising and Planning

•The post holder will be expected to plan and prioritise their work according to clinical need.

•Attend appropriate meetings as required.

•Monitoring outstanding records/samples/screening and actioning appropriately.

•Responsible for ordering genetic supplies (test kits, shipping documents etc).

Service Development and Research

•Complete Skills for Health training.

•Be informed regarding the relevant research studies being undertaken within clinical specialty and any specific responsibilities relating to Clinical Genetics.

•Responsible for managing The London Genetics Centre sample and results clinical audits.

Leadership and Management

•Working under supervision of clinical team of a Genetic Counsellor, Consultant Geneticists and General Practitioners.

•Co-ordination of multidisciplinary meetings and education events for healthcare professionals.

•Help in facilitation on patient and public education events.

Information resources

•Sending out forms and information leaflets to patients post clinic as requested by the genetics clinician.

•Writing/supporting the creation of patient leaflets/brochures/slide presentations and ensuring regular clinical review of standard letter templates; some tasks may need to be completed outside of standard working hours.

•Maintenance of departmental website.

Other

•Maintain confidentiality and discretion and comply with the terms of the Data Protection Act and local Trust policies at all times

COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS:

•To promote an efficient and caring service at The London Genetics Centre

•Work cohesively with all members of The London Genetics Centre team and 90 Sloane Street general practice team, ensuring that the very best services to patients are provided at all times.

•Liaise with clinical and non-clinical teams across the general practice via telephone, email and virtual meeting platforms, acting as a point of contact for queries.

•Liaise with laboratories to ensure timely processing and reporting of tests

•Work collaboratively with the genetics team to deliver direct patient care and help improve the patient experience.

•Contribute to a supportive environment in the interest of staff morale.

Internal relationships include clinical consultants, genetic counsellor, administrative staff, domestic staff, and primary care staff.

External relationships include patients, carers, community health practitioners, social care staff, education staff, employers, third sector organisations, genetic counsellors in other genetic centres, external laboratory staff, other private and NHS care providers including international providers.

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

Essential

•BSc in a Biological Science OR BSc in Psychology, Education and evidence of completion of a relevant genomics course.

•The ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team.

•Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in order to build and maintain positive working relationships.

•Good listening skills to provide an effective, supportive environment for patients.

•Ability to work effectively across other professional boundaries.

•Ability to work under own discretion and initiative in order to prioritise allocated workload effectively.

•Ability to recognise limitations of own experience and seek advice when appropriate.

•IT skills.

•Hepatitis B vaccinated.

•Eligible qualifications to work in the UK.

Desirable

•Undertaking a MSc in Genetic Counselling (and have completed placement commitments).

•Previous experience of working in a private practice setting.

•Experience of working in genetics.

•Knowledge and understanding of genetic conditions and family history gathering.

•Experience of writing patient information leaflets.

•Phlebotomy – potential opportunity to undertake training if post holder does not have this.

The post holder is expected at all times to practice competencies that demonstrate insight, understanding and mutual respect of patients, their families, carers and work colleagues. Whether in a clinical or non clinical role the post holder is expected at all times to be an exemplar of person centred care, embracing the NMC code of conduct/AGNC code of ethics to a high standard as part of an integrated health professional team.

Job Title: Band 5 (equivalent) Genomics Associate

Responsible to: Dr Michael Sandberg

Department: 90 Sloane Street, London, SW1X 9PQ

Type of contract: 1 year duration (with the possibility for extension)

Hours per week: 40 Hours

No jobholders: 1

To apply please email your CV to