Guidance

Job description example

Published 28 September 2020

This is an example of a job description for a role involving counselling responsibilities.

1. Organisational values

The post holder will:

• maintain the privacy and dignity of individuals and respect the individual’s needs and wishes
• act with integrity and be trustworthy
• strive for the highest standards in own work and challenge colleagues to do the same
• respect individuals, visitors and colleagues
• actively give and receive feedback

2. Job summary

The post holder will work as part of an integrated team, in partnership with carers and other providers of health and social care, to deliver counselling for individuals and couples who may be affected by or at risk of having a child with sickle cell, thalassaemia and related conditions.

3. Clinical functions and responsibility

3.1 Antenatal screening programme

The post holder must be able to:

• facilitate and support the coordination of the antenatal screening programme within maternity, community and primary care settings, in collaboration with other staff in the team
• conduct counselling sessions for ‘at-risk’ women and couples and, where required, refer for prenatal diagnosis (PND)
• liaise with local and regional screening laboratories
• follow up pending results
• ensure, through close supervision of administrative staff, the accuracy of result information sent by letters to individuals, their carers and relevant departments
• offer bereavement counselling and support in cases where termination or miscarriage of pregnancy following prenatal diagnosis has taken place
• refer newly diagnosed individuals with a major haemoglobinopathy to the haematologist and specialist obstetrician
• appropriately manage individuals who do not attend their appointments in line with local protocol
• maintain local, regional and national data reporting systems and submit all relevant key performance data in accordance with policies and protocols
• develop and maintain a repertoire of health promotion materials and resources to support provision of the service

4. Share learning

The post holder must promote shared learning and:

• be a source of expertise and advice for others involved in the SCT screening and counselling care pathway
• provide specialist clinical advice to other health and non-health professionals on behalf of users in the community

5. Communication

The post holder must be an effective communicator and:

• relay complex information to individuals in a clear and simplified way
• provide non-judgmental and non-directive counselling
• use relevant counselling skills when breaking bad news
• provide support for families with emotional and mental health needs, for example bereavement counselling
• access regular counselling supervision to ensure safe practice

6. Research

The post holder must be able to:

• utilise evidence-based practice, keeping informed of current, credible research outcomes in the field of haemoglobinopathies that may impact practice
• identify opportunities to initiate and/or participate in conducting relevant audits and research

7. Training and professional development

The post holder must participate in training and professional development opportunities and:

• prepare and deliver training programmes for health, allied and social care professionals and students
• make presentations as appropriate to the role

8. Knowledge and skills required to fulfil the role

The post holder must be able to evidence that he/she has used the SCT counselling knowledge and skills guide or is working towards fulfilling the learning outcomes and practical indicators outlined within the resource.