Genomic Associate

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Birmingham Women's and Children's NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a Genomic Associate to support genetic counselling and testing for patients with rare diseases and their families. The role involves coordinating information collection, obtaining consent, samples, and test results, and supporting access to the genomics service.

Based in the clinical genetics department, you will communicate with patients by phone, video, and in-person visits, and help coordinate care, multidisciplinary meetings,

Qualifications

• Experience in healthcare settings and ability to engage with families sensitively.
• Knowledge of NHS policies on consent, confidentiality and data protection.
• Experience collecting patient information, samples or coordinating care is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Facilitate collection of information, consent, samples and test results.
• Coordinate care for patients and families within the genetics service.
• Engage with marginalised communities to facilitate access to services.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary meetings and educational events for professionals.

Skills

Excellent communication

Interpersonal skills

IT systems

Education

Two or more A levels

BSc in Biological Sciences/Psychology/Education or equivalent

Nursing qualification (optional)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Family tree software

Job description

Search through the open vacancies at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s.

This is YOUR place

• To be at the heart of brilliant care for women, children and young people.
• Where innovation, compassion, and opportunity meet to help transform lives.
• To make a unique impact from day one. As one of only two centres in the UK for women, children, and young people, this is where you can help bring prize-winning discoveries and game-changing innovations to life.
• To grow a thriving career and unlock your potential. Our unique and vast specialisms provide opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. No matter the career path you choose – you’ll have unwavering support for your ambition and a real investment in your learning.
• To discover a community of support. Where our strength comes from our people, who come from every walk of life and who work shoulder-to-shoulder across every discipline. Here, you’ll find a deep camaraderie and the support to take control of your career and find your passion – on the best days, and the toughest.

This is Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Trust.

This is your place, our place, the place.

Flexible working arrangements may be considered and discussions with the recruiting manager regarding this are encouraged.

Job overview

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.

T he 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.

Working for our organisation

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.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please refer to the attached job description and person specification to view the full details for this opportunity at Birmingham Women’s and Children’s 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).

Informal enquiries should be directed to Laura Boyes, Consultant Genetic Counsellor, on [e-mail].

Person specification

Qualifications

• Two or more A levels in relevant subjects; or equivalent level 3 or 4 qualifications
• BSc in a Biological Science ,Psychology, Education or equivalent experience Or Qualified nurse or Nursing Associate

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience working in healthcare
• Experience working with families with inherited or rare disease
• Knowledge of child development

Analytical & Judgement Skills

• Ability to analyse information and identify key records required (following training)
• Application of NHS policies on consent, confidentiality and data protection

Professional/Managerial/ Specialist Knowledge

• Proficient in use of IT systems, including for data entry and of microsoft office packages
• Knowledge of family tree drawing software

Personal Skills/ Abilities & Attributes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including by phone
• 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

• Ability to communicate in another language

Sponsorship:

Please note, visa sponsorship is only available for certain roles in line with current UKVI regulations. Please ensure the role you are interested in meets the criteria for sponsorship before submitting your application. If you would like more information, please visit: UK Visas and Immigration - GOV.UK

Artificial Intelligence (AI):

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

Reasonable Adjustments:

BWC is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer, committed to fostering an inclusive environment for those with a disability, long term health or mental health condition. The Disability Confident scheme means we actively encourage applications from people with disabilities, long term health or mental health conditions, and we want to ensure our recruitment practices are inclusive and accessible to all. Our aim is to get the best out of every individual and if successful for interview, you will be asked if you require any reasonable adjustments (special requirements). We will strive to support and accommodate these requests where possible.

Safeguarding

As a Trust employee you are required to comply with all legislation and guidance relating to safeguarding children and adults with care and support needs, and promoting their health and welfare. You are required to inform the Head of Safeguarding of any safeguarding concerns about your own children or children you live with. This information will be treated in a confidential manner.

Employer certification / accreditation badges

The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.