Genetic Counsellor
Join a diverse team in a Band 7 NHS role offering a £50,861 – £59,159 salary, fixed-term contract, access to professional development and flexible working options. Registered counsellors encouraged.
If you are a trained genetic counsellor craving a flexible, supportive and professionally rewarding environment, the opportunity in the West of Scotland Clinical Genetics Service stands out. This Band 7 role offers a competitive salary (£50,861 – £59,159), a 12-month fixed-term contract, a full-time workweek, and a strong focus on development and wellbeing.
Role Highlights & Responsibilities
Day-to-day, you will manage a mixed caseload that includes general, cancer, cardiac and prenatal genetic counselling. The role involves working independently and collaboratively within multi-disciplinary clinics. Tasks range from direct patient care — both in-person and remote — to supporting families in understanding complex genetic information, making informed choices, and adjusting to diagnoses. The position also engages you as an adviser and educator for both patients and the broader medical community. Duties may include triaging referrals, taking detailed family histories, and supporting patients through significant, sometimes life-changing decisions.
Pros of the Role
One key benefit is the service’s commitment to staff development, including teaching opportunities and continued professional growth. The inclusive team environment supports specialisation and learning. The package is bolstered by NHS Scotland perks: generous annual leave, pension membership, employee assistance, life insurance, and competitive development opportunities, making it ideal for those seeking both stability and a meaningful career.
Cons to Consider
Applications require specific credentials such as GCRB or HCPC registration and a relevant MSc, which may limit accessibility. The fixed-term nature of the contract offers less long-term security than a permanent post. Further, demand for flexibility and the intensity of multidisciplinary collaboration may not suit every working style.
Verdict
This Genetic Counsellor role appeals to those ready for responsibility, eager for professional development, and comfortable in a busy, diverse NHS context. If you are well-qualified and want to work in an environment that values staff growth and inclusion, this could be an excellent fit for your next step.
