Job summary
- Main area
- Specialist Medicine
- Grade
- Band 8a
- Contract
- Permanent
- Hours
- Full time
- Part time
- Home or remote working
- Job ref
- 188-CL290425
- Employer
- University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
- Employer type
- NHS
- Site
- University Hospital Southampton
- Town
- Southampton
- Salary
- £53,755.00 - £60,504.00 Per Annum (PA) Pro Rata
- Closing
- 29/05/2025 23:59
- Interview date
- 10/06/2025
Employer heading
Genetic Counsellor Principal
Band 8a
Job overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Please see below for detailed job description of the role.
Main duties of the job
The Wessex Clinical Genetics Service is delighted to invite applications for a Principal Genetic Counsellor (Band 8a) permanent (1.0 WTE). NHS genetic services are undergoing radical changes as we move to a national genomic medicine service and transform care for people with rare diseases and cancer. This is an exciting opportunity to help lead an established and dynamic genetic counselling team, primarily in cancer genetics.
Wessex Clinical Genetics Service is a regional specialist service providing a high quality genetic counselling service (General/ Cancer& Prenatal) and consultancy for a population of 3 million in the Wessex Region (Hants, Dorset, South Wilts and Isle of Wight). We are now part of the Central and South NHS Genomic Medicine Service Alliance.
The main the roles and responsibilities will be to:
• Take a lead role in providing high quality genetic counselling service and consultancy at regional specialist level, for a population of 3 million in the Wessex Region (Hampshire, Dorset, S. Wiltshire, and Isle of Wight)
• To act as a significant educational resource to the wider health care system, trainees in clinical genetics and genetic counselling, and the public.
• To provide line management and support for genetic counsellors and Pre-registration Genetic counsellors.
• Propose, implement and co-ordinate research programmes in clinical genetics.
Working for our organisation
University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.
Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.
We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.
At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.
At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly skilled genetic counsellor preferably with experience in service planning and development and of the formulation of policies and protocols. The individual will be able to demonstrate management and leadership skills.
We are an innovative centre and were appointed as a Genomic Medicine Centre as part of the 100,000 genome project. We are committed to professional development and education. We are a host centre for the new Scientific Training Programme (STP) in Genomic counselling and are delivering the MSc in Genomic Medicine.
We recognise internationally obtained MSc Genetic Counselling qualifications as per GCRAB overseas agreements, providing applicants are eligible to work in the UK.
For informal enquiries contact Melanie Watson ([email protected]) and/or Athalie Melville ([email protected]) on telephone 02381206170 . Application packs are available from: www.jobs.nhs.uk
The main the roles and responsibilities will be to:
• Take a lead role in providing high quality genetic counselling service and consultancy at regional specialist level, for a population of 3 million in the Wessex Region (Hampshire, Dorset, S. Wiltshire, and Isle of Wight)
• To act as a significant educational resource to the wider health care system, trainees in clinical genetics and genetic counselling, and the public.
• To provide line management and support for genetic counsellors and Pre-registration Genetic counsellors.
• Propose, implement and co-ordinate research programmes in clinical genetics.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly skilled genetic counsellor preferably with experience in service planning and development and of the formulation of policies and protocols. The individual will be able to demonstrate management and leadership skills.
Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details
Person specification
Trust Values
Essential criteria
- Patient First
- Always Improving
- Working Together
Qualifications, knowledge and experience
Essential criteria
- AHCS or HCPC registration
- MSc Genetic Counselling (following BSc/BA in a relevant subject) and registered with AHCS (Genetic Counsellor) OR RGN, RMN or similar with a BSc/BA or MSc in a relevant subject and registered with AHCS (Genetic counsellor) OR Completed an STP in Genomic counselling (with HCPC registration )
- Experience in Genetic Counselling as a genetic counsellor or equivalent
- Experience within an NHS setting
- Ability to work autonomously and manage independent clinical workload
- Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team Formation of policies/protocols
- Ability to analyse research findings to inform practice development Management of staff
- Demonstrates clinical expertise and insight into the wider implications of their practice Proficient in phlebotomy
- Familiarity with databases and word processing Ability to manage conflict/challenging situations
- Ability to manage and mentor specialist genetic and other staff Evidence of leadership at both a local and national level
- Must be willing to travel to peripheral clinics
Desirable criteria
- Certificate level counselling qualification
- Teaching Qualification
- MSc/PhD in genetics/health/social care
- Experience with audit, evaluation and research
- Service planning/development
- Formation of policies/protocols
- Management of staff
- Proficient in phlebotomy
- Ability to manage conflict/challenging situations
- Ability to manage and mentor specialist genetic and other staff Evidence of leadership at both a local and national level
Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Athalie Melville
- Job title
- Principal Genetic Counsellor
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 023 81206170
- Additional information
Contact name: Melanie Watson
Contact job title; Consultant Genetic Counsellor
Contact email address: [email protected]
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