Important Job Application Information

Thank you for your interest in NHS Tayside vacancies

Please see below Job Description/Person Specification and General Conditions of Service

Your Application Form must be completed in full. Please note copies of Curriculum Vitae, Qualifications and Course Certificates will not be accepted at this stage.

Please return your completed Application Form to [email protected] (quoting the vacancy reference number in the subject box) or to the postal address given on the General Conditions of Service.

All completed applications are held in Human Resources until the closing date. After the closing date a panel will meet to prepare an interview shortlist. Once this decision has been made, all shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam folder.

This process takes approximately 6 weeks. Therefore, if you have not been contacted regarding interview within 6 weeks of the closing date, your application has been unsuccessful and you will receive no further correspondence from Human Resources.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:-

Find out more about living and working in Tayside at:

www.dundeecity.gov.uk

www.angus.gov.uk

www.pkc.gov.uk NHS TAYSIDE – AGENDA FOR CHANGE JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB IDENTIFICATION Job Title Genetic Counsellor – Band 7 Department(s)/Location Clinical Genetic Centre, Ninewells Hospital Number of job holders 3

JOB PURPOSE To help individuals and families deal with a genetic disorder, to identify and manage the care of at risk individuals. To act as a significant educational resource.

SCOPE AND RANGE

To provide a high quality genetic counselling service at regional specialist level, both as an autonomous practitioner and as part of the clinical Genetics Team, for a population of approximately 500,000 in the Tayside & North East Fife area.

To help individuals and families deal with a genetic disorder. This is to be achieved by helping the clients and their families to:

 comprehend the medical facts, including the diagnosis, probable course of the disorder, and the available management  appreciate the way in which heredity contributes to the disorder, and the risk of recurrence in specified relatives  understand the alternatives for dealing with the risk of recurrence  help clients choose the course of action which seems to them most appropriate  make the best possible adjustment to the disorder in an affected family member and/or the risk of recurrence of that disorder.

To act as a significant educational resource, both to the wider health care system and trainees in clinical genetics and genetic counselling. MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Take a lead role in providing expert genetic counselling by managing an individual clinical caseload autonomously. 2. Act as lead Genetic Counsellor for one or more genetic conditions e.g. Haemophilia, Huntington’s Disease, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, prenatal genetics, cardiology. 3. Take responsibility, on rotation with other Genetic Counsellors, for accepting referrals from GPs, hospital doctors and other health care professionals, prioritising action accordingly. 4. Organise own caseload. 5. See patients and their families in clinics at Ninewell’s Hospital, peripheral clinics elsewhere in the Region, or, infrequently, in their own homes as appropriate. 6. Respond to enquiries from the public, patients & health professionals, particularly in the Tayside and North-East Fife Region. These enquiries can be on a very wide range of issues. 7. Take a lead role in the provision of predictive genetic test consultations with patients, e.g. for Huntington’s disease or familial cancer conditions. 8. Assess patients to determine when there is a need for referral to specialist therapeutic counselling, psychiatric assessment or screening, and make appropriate referrals. 9. Identify and respond to emerging expected and unexpected issues for the client or family. 10. Calculate risks of patients and families being affected by various genetic disorders, the risks of recurrence (chance of another pregnancy being affected) and the carrier risks. This can involve making decisions where expert opinion differs or some information is unavailable. In order to do this, source and interpret complex scientific papers and often multiple genetic test results. 11. Identify changes in risk for individuals and relatives within the family, e.g. risks change as a result of various test results, or because of changes in the family history of disease over time. 12. Take responsibility for communicating and applying new scientific information for the benefit of the family over an open-ended time frame 13. To facilitate accurate risk assessment, and with appropriate consent from family members, confirm diagnostic information, by requesting appropriate information from national & international departments of molecular genetics, cytogenetics, pathology, cancer registry confirmation, health records etc. Obtain appropriate stored tissue blocks from laboratories and request appropriate genetic tests. 14. To facilitate accurate documentation of data and draw Cyrillic pedigrees (family trees). 15. Contribute to Regional database Register presently held on Access database. This involves, calculating risks for multiple individual family members and entering information onto database. It also involves identifying individuals at risk of genetic conditions, communicating this information sensitively and coordinating their appointments, genetic testing and screening follow-up. 16. Liaise with laboratory colleagues to order, and communicate about, genetic tests and to discuss complex test results that are difficult to interpret. Planning & Organisation 1. Based upon each family member’s specific risk of developing/carrying a condition, develop a program of care for the patient. This may involve referring to multiple specialties. Provide information on the care of other family members, to identify at-risk relatives and advise on how they could obtain genetic counselling or screening. 2. Training other healthcare professionals to assess and communicate cancer risk/antenatal risk, when to refer to the Genetics Clinic, and when to organise appropriate screening/tests. 3. Arrange for blood samples taken outside NHS Tayside to be transported to Ninewells Hospital (or elsewhere) as appropriate. Policy and Service Development 1. Propose changes to working practices within genetic clinic, and beyond own area (e.g. prenatal/Scottish Executive/Cancer Clinics and Cancer Networks). 2. Within areas of specialty in genetic counselling, design protocols and polices with guidance from colleagues, Clinical Genetic Associations and Department of Health Policies.

Induction Standards & Code of Conduct 1. Your performance must comply with the national “Mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers in Scotland” 2009; and with the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers.

Information Resources 1. Ensure that all clinical documents are up-to-date, accurate, legible and appropriately filed. 2. Use word processor to accurately compile standard and non-standard letters and other communications as appropriate. 3. Take minutes of meetings infrequently. 4. Accurately record data on patient information systems and use the in-house databases. 5. Occasional requirement to create databases or spreadsheets using computerised systems. Staff Supervision, Training Management & Leadership 1. Contribute to clinical supervision of Trainee Genetic Counsellors. 2. Postholder is not responsible for a budget, but needs to work efficiently. 3. Within areas of specialty in genetic counselling, responsible for designing protocols & policies, liaising with colleagues & with guidance from policies where appropriate (e.g. Department of Health/AGNC/British Society for Genetic Medicine). 4. Shared responsibility (with Principal Genetic Counsellor/ Clinical Team Manager) for appraisal of Trainee Genetic Counsellor staff. 5. Propose changes to working practice and policy within genetics & beyond genetics (e.g. prenatal, cancer clinics, Scottish Government). 6. Contribute to service planning. Research and Development 1. Design and implement audit of clinical genetics to maintain clinical governance and audit profile of department. 2. Contribute to research within the Department. 3. Access and interpret literature reviews relating to clinical practice. Self Development 1. Participate in regular individual and / or group counseling reflection sessions to discuss difficult counselling cases with a Clinical Psychologist. 2. Take personal responsibility for continuing professional self-development and keep up-to-date with changes in the practice of genetic counselling. 3. Maintain Genetic Counsellor Registration when mandatory to do so. COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS

Communication with patients & Families 1. Elicit client’s concerns and expectations. 2. Elicit and accurately document client’s detailed family history. 3. Interpret medical, psychological, and family history. 4. Communicate clinical & genetic information to patients and their relatives. Advise on risk factors that reduce risk and on factors that influence risk. 5. Receive and provide highly complex and possibly conflicting information. 6. Interpret and communicate normal and abnormal genetic test results to patients and health care professionals. 7. Organise and partake in co-counselling with colleagues. 8. Expertly communicate highly sensitive and potentially psychologically damaging information, which may cause high levels of distress. 9. Communicate with patients who are bereaved and provide appropriate support. 10. Use non-directive and other counselling skills to counsel patients about various testing options and to facilitate decision making. 11. Use advanced counselling skills to communicate sensitively in the presence of language, cultural, emotional and/or medical barriers. 12. Identify and manage conflict within families, created by sensitive genetic information. 13. Manage conflict when patients’ demands are incompatible to professional responsibilities and resources. 14. Manage patients who have great difficulty accepting a clinical diagnosis or genetic test results. 15. Write clear and sensitive letters to patients and clinicians summarising clinic discussions and test results, including writing to medical colleagues to identify sensitive issues, e.g. differences in opinion or interpretation on policies. 16. Write and utilise patient information leaflets on scientifically complex and sensitive genetic issues.

Communication with Colleagues 1. Liaise with laboratory colleagues to order and communicate about genetic tests and to discuss complex test results that are difficult to interpret. 2. Liaise with colleagues in other genetic centres to obtain and provide information and to establish understanding and co-operation. 3. Liaise regionally, nationally and internationally with other relevant Departments and Specialities. 4. Discuss cases with ethical complexity with colleagues where appropriate to come to consensus. 5. Write clear letters to clinicians summarising clinic discussions and test results, including writing to medical colleagues to identify sensitive issues, e.g. differences in opinion or interpretation on policies.

Educational & Presentation Activities 1. Present findings of research, audit and clinical practice to large groups of staff or members of the public, within NHS Tayside, regionally, nationally, or internationally. Power point presentations. 2. Participate in the teaching of genetics, sometimes as part of university courses, to medical personnel, nursing and other health care professionals, lay groups and members of the public, by lectures, tutorials and counsellor led clinics. 3. Prepare and present scientific articles in clinical and departmental journal clubs/study days. 4. Act as an educational resource for medical and other personnel attached to the clinical genetics team. 5. Participate in national educational initiatives. Research 1. Design and implement audit of clinical genetics to maintain clinical governance and audit profile of department. 2. Access and interpret literature reviews relating to clinical practice. 3. Recruit patients to research projects. 4. Design, plan & conduct research, write up, present & publish.

KNOWLEDGE, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO DO THE JOB  A previous experience as a Genetic Counsellor; AND  Either have attained, or be eligible to submit for, Registration as a Genetic Counsellor with the Genetic Counsellor Registration Board (GCRB).

AND: A OR B

A: Successfully attained a GCRB approved MSc Genetic Counselling.

B: Maintained current professional registration as a Nurse or Midwife; AND Have an Undergraduate or Masters Degree in a relevant field; AND Have previous experience as a senior registered practitioner having developed and Demonstrated proficiency as an autonomous professional in a health care setting; AND Successful completion basic Counselling training of at least 120 guided learning hours; AND Successful completion of an academically accredited course in the science of Human Genetics of no less than 30 guided learning hours.

Plus  Ability to work autonomously and manage independent clinical caseload.  Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team.  Experience of working with people who are distressed.  Knowledge of the clinical application of genetics.  Ability to analyse research findings to inform practice development.  Familiarity with databases and word processing.  Phlebotomy.

ESSENTIAL ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SYSTEMS AND EQUIPMENT Post holder is expected to have knowledge and ability to use all equipment used in the area, however may not have daily clinical involvement. Equipment Sole responsibility  Phlebotomy equipment Shared responsibility  Blood pressure monitor  Computer equipment  Photocopier  Fire equipment  Telephone  Fax machine. Systems  Maintaining patient records – ensuring that all clinical documents are up-to-date and accurate, legible and appropriately filed  Use of word processing to produce standard and non-standard letters and communication as appropriate  Accurately collect and record data on patient databases.  Use of PowerPoint for the production of educational resources  Use of excel for audit and research  Use of access for data collection and storage  Use of email for effective communication  Utilising the NHS e-library resources and internet to inform clinical practice  Access to Clinical Portal and other systems  Access to ACHI for patient details for follow-up  Intranet/internet for information

RESPONSIBILITY FOR RECORDS MANAGEMENT

All records created in the course of the business of NHS Tayside are corporate records and are public records under the terms of the Public Records (Scotland) Act 1937. This includes email messages and other electronic records. It is your responsibility to ensure that you keep appropriate records of your work in NHS Tayside and manage those records in keeping with the NHS Tayside Records Management Policy and with any guidance produced by NHS Tayside specific to your employment.

DECISIONS AND JUDGEMENTS  Provide independent consultations which may require additional input from senior staff members.  Interpret complex and controversial genetic laboratory results or family histories and use clinical expertise and judgement to provide information families can understand.  Assess clinical care needs and develop clinical care for families or refer to appropriate agencies.  Manage own caseload autonomously whilst working within Departmental clinical guidelines.  Work within various Departmental and National Protocols (e.g. presymptomatic testing protocol); Code of Ethics of the Association of Genetic Nurses & Counsellors (AGNC); and if Nurse or Midwife, NMC Code of Ethics and Code of Conduct.

MOST CHALLENGING/DIFFICULT PARTS OF THE JOB  Communicating highly emotive and distressing information to clients.  Managing conflict within families and maintaining confidentiality.  Provide counselling and psychological support for bereaved clients.  May require to be a Lone Worker at out-reach clinics or in clients own homes.  Working with a diverse patient group and many different conditions which require expert knowledge in all areas of genetics.  Developing multidisciplinary policies at NHS Tayside level, involving professionals from multiple specialities, e.g. familial breast cancer/colorectal screening policies.  Working as a member of a multidisciplinary team to develop the genetic service. Organisational Position

Professionally to Head of Service Managerially to Clinical Team Manager for Clinical Genetics Surgery

Principal Genetic Counsellor

Genetic Counsellors

Entry Level / Trainee Genetic Counsellor

------accountable to

___ communicates closely with POST REF NO: D/CH/21/16 JOB TITLE/BAND: Macmillan Genetic Counsellor Band 7 LOCATION: Based at Ninewells Hospital, Dundee (Covering Tayside and North East Fife) HOURS: 37.5 per week

CRITERIA ESSENTIAL DESIRABLE

Previous and varied experience as EXPERIENCE: genetic counsellor / genetic nurse counsellor in a regional genetics centre (in-keeping with requirements for GCRB registration) Experience of teaching in relation to the area of Clinical Genetics Evidence of experience in Contribution to Research studies clinical research

Undertaken audit Peer reviewed publications Conference presentations

Counselling Diploma (or QUALIFICATIONS: Registered Genetic Counsellor or higher) (Training; Research; able to submit for Registration Publications) Teaching qualification / formally assessed teaching ability.

Ability to work autonomously and Phlebotomy KNOWLEDGE & manage an independent clinical SKILLS: caseload. ECDL

Ability to work within a multi- disciplinary team and maintain positive working relationships

Ability to analyse research findings to inform practice development.

A knowledge of genetics obtained through graduate/post-graduate courses.

Ability to manage time effectively and prioritise. Excellent counselling skills

Good report and writing skills

Extensive verbal and communication skills

Knowledge and previous experience of using PC software including Word, spreadsheets and databases

Ability to reflect on own practice through Supervision process

Self-motivated Highly motivated PERSONAL QUALITIES: Team player Flexible approach to work Attention to detail Commitment to further professional training Good inter-personal skills Sensitivity to confidential and/or difficult situations Client focussed

OTHER: Ability to travel to other locations (e.g. travel across Tayside) to attend clinics. General Conditions of Service

POST REF NO: D/CH/21/16 JOB TITLE/GRADE: MacMillan Genetics Counsellor, Band 7 LOCATION: Clinical Genetics, Ninewells Hospital

Conditions of Service The terms and conditions of service for this post are those determined by the NHS Staff Council. Remuneration The current salary scale for the post is £31,696 to £41,787 per annum (pro rata for part-time staff). Placing on the scale on appointment is normally at the minimum but may be higher subject to verification of previous relevant service.

Salary is paid monthly by Bank Credit Transfer. Hours of Duty The hours of the post are 37.5 hours per week.

Start and finish times will be determined by the needs of the service. Superannuation Membership of the NHS Superannuation Scheme is not compulsory but is open to all staff between the ages of 16 and 70 (65 in some instances).

The contributions paid are a percentage of superannuable pay, which is essentially basic pay excluding, for example, overtime or travelling expenses.

Contribution rates with effect from 01.04.14 are as follows:

Annual Pensionable Pay Contribution (Full-time equivalent) Up to £15,431 5% £15,432 to £21,387 5.6% £21,388 to £26,823 7.1% £26,824 to £49,472 9.3% £49,473 to £70,630 12.5% £70,631 to £111,376 13.5% £111,377 and over 14.5%

Contributions are subject to tax relief and reduced National Insurance contributions. NHS Tayside also makes a substantial contribution towards scheme benefits – currently around 14% of basic pay. Annual Leave On appointment = 27 days (pro rata for part-time Staff) or 5.4 weeks per year.

After 5 years aggregated service = 29 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 5.8 weeks per year

After 10 years aggregated service = 33 days (pro rata for part- time staff) or 6.6 weeks per year Public Holidays = 8 days (pro rata for part-time staff) or 1.6 weeks per year References All offers of appointment are subject to receipt of two satisfactory references. Occupational Health All offers of appointment to new entrants to the National Clearance Health Service are subject to a medical examination. Medical examinations are arranged and undertaken by the Occupational Health and Safety Advisory Service (OHSAS). Rehabilitation of All current or spent criminal convictions, cautions, warnings or Offenders Act 1974 any case pending must be disclosed prior to commencing in (Exclusions and employment as detailed on the application form. Exceptions) (Scotland) Order 2003 Please note that having a conviction will not automatically debar you from obtaining employment with NHS Tayside. Careful consideration will be given to the relevance of the offence to the particular post in question. However, if you are appointed, and it is found that you did not reveal a previous conviction your employment may be terminated. Disclosure Scotland The successful applicant will be required to become a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG) in respect of regulated work with protected adults and regulated work with children. Immigration, Asylum and It is a criminal offence for an employer to employ anyone who does not Nationality Act 2006 have permission to live or work in the UK. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to produce specific original documentation at interview e.g. Passport, or full birth certificate together with an official document giving the applicants permanent National Insurance Number and name issued by a Government Agency or a previous employer, as well as photocopies of these documents. Professional Registration/ New entrants to NHS Tayside will be required to achieve the Induction Standards & mandatory Induction Standards for Healthcare Support Workers Code of Conduct (HCSWs) in Scotland and comply with the Code of Conduct for HCSWs throughout your employment. Internal candidates will be required to comply with the Code of Conduct for HCSWs Smoking Policy Smoking is prohibited within NHS premises and grounds. Applications Completed forms should be returned to:

[email protected] quoting the job reference in the subject line or to Human Resources Directorate, NHS Tayside, Level 9, Ninewells Hospital, Dundee DD1 9SY

By closing date of 27 June 2016

All shortlisted applicants will be emailed to invite them to attend for interview. It is important that you check your emails regularly, including your spam/junk box.