Genomic Associate
Job summary
This role within the Cancer Genetics Service provides administrative, logistical and pathway coordination support to facilitate the safe, timely and efficient delivery of genomic and cancer genetics services. Working under the supervision of Genetic Counsellors, Clinical Geneticists and other appropriately qualified clinicians, the post holder will support patients and families throughout the genomic pathway, from referral through to testing, screening, surveillance and follow-up activities. This includes obtaining clinical information, family history and relevant records; coordinating samples and testing; supporting patient communication; maintaining accurate databases and pathway trackers; facilitating multidisciplinary team working; and assisting with service audits and quality improvement activitiesThe role supports the work of registered clinical professionals, and the post holder will work within agreed protocols and clearly defined boundaries, recognising when issues require escalation to a Genetic Counsellor, Clinical Geneticist or other senior clinician.
Main duties of the job
1. Clinical Pathway Coordination o Act as a key contact for patients, laboratories and healthcare professionals within cancer genetics pathways. o Obtain and validate family history, pathology reports, genetic test results and medical records.
2. Genomic/Tissue Testing and Sample Coordination o Coordinate genomic testing pathways under clinical direction. o Track pathology reports, genetic tests, tissue requests and samples.
3. Triage and Risk Assessment Support o Support clinician-led triage by gathering and validating clinical information. o Obtain family history and pathology information to support risk assessment.
4. Patient Support and Communication o Collect family history information under clinical supervision. o Provide information regarding appointments, testing and care pathways.
5. Screening, Surveillance and Follow-Up o Coordinate screening and surveillance referrals under clinical instruction. o Maintain pathway databases and monitor outstanding actions.
6. MDT, Audit and Service Improvement o Coordinate MDT meetings, record outcomes and monitor actions. o Maintain activity databases and support audit and quality improvement projects.
7. Professional Responsibilities o Work within agreed protocols and recognise limits of competence.o Comply with information governance requirements and participate in training, CPD and service improvement.
About us
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust (LNWH) cares for the people of Brent, Ealing, Harrow and beyond.
Our team of more than 8,200 clinical and support staff serve a diverse population of almost one million people.
We run major acute services at:
o Northwick Park Hospital: home to one of the busiest emergency departments (A&E) in the country. The hospital provides a full range of services including the country's top-rated hyper-acute stroke unit and one of only three hyper-acute rehabilitation units in the UK
o St Mark's Hospital: an internationally renowned specialist centre for bowel disease
o Ealing Hospital: a busy district general hospital providing a range of clinical services, as well as 24/7 emergency department and urgent care centre, and specialist care at Meadow House Hospice
o Central Middlesex Hospital: our planned care site, hosting a range of surgical and outpatient services and collocated with an urgent care centre.
We are a university teaching NHS trust, in recognition of the important role we play in training clinicians of the future and bringing the benefits of research to the public.
Job description
Job responsibilities
To view the main responsibility, please see the attached the Job Description and Person Specification.
Person Specification
Education/ Qualifications
- Registered nurse or someone educated to degree level in a relevant subject (such as biology, genetics, biomedical sciences, psychology) with specialist training and/or experience.
- Completed or enrolled in MSc in genetic / genomic counselling
Knowledge & Experience
- Experience of managing information systems and developing databases and spreadsheets
- Experience of working in a clinical/medical NHS setting
- Experience of discussing sensitive and confidential information with patients
- Knowledge of cancer genetics
- Knowledge of the work of Clinical Genetics units
Skills, Abilities and Attributes
- Understanding of impact of disease and chronic ill health on individual and their family
- Ability to deal with patients in a sensitive and empathetic manner
- Ability to analyse information and identify key records required (following training)
- Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to prioritise own workload and work to strict guidelines
- Proficient in MS Word, Excel and Power Point, as well as ability to learn to use local patient information systems
- Ability to work within a multi-disciplinary team but also on own with minimal supervision
- Excellent attention to detail
- Excellent time management and organisational skills
- Good awareness of own limitations and when to escalate issues
- Ability to generate own routine correspondence
- The ability to focus and concentrate on a task and work under pressure
HEART values
- Demonstrate commitment to Trust HEART values - Honesty, Equity, Accountability, Respect, and Teamwork
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
Employer details
Employer name
London North West University Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
LNWUH Trust, Northwick Park & St. Mark's Hospital's
Watford Road
Harrow
HA1 3UJ
United Kingdom
Employer's website
https://www.lnwh.nhs.uk