Genetic Counsellor - Genetic Health Service NZ – Northern Hub

• Work with New Zealand’s leading public hospital and make a real difference to the health of Aucklanders
• Excellent opportunity to utilise and develop your skills within a supportive, expert multidisciplinary team
• Based at Auckland City Hospital and Auckland University, we are offering a fixed term part-time position (0.6) to be split between a clinical and research role

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

About the Role

Genetic Health Service NZ – Northern Hub, part of Te Pūriri o Te Ora Regional Cancer and Blood Service based at Auckland City Hospital, is one of three national genetic service hubs. The Northern Hub provides genetic care across the upper North Island, from Tairāwhiti to Northland. Our team includes five Geneticists , ten Genetic Counsellors and Genetic Intake Assistants who work collaboratively to provide high-quality, patient-centred care.

As a Genetic Counsellor in the clinical role, you will support the delivery of coordinated, efficient, and compassionate genetic counselling services across general, prenatal, and cancer genetics. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to grow your skills, gain exposure to a wide range of cases, and contribute to meaningful health outcomes for individuals and whānau. As a Genetic Counsellor in the research role, you will support a collaborative University of Auckland research programme investigating gene-elusive inherited heart diseases through genome sequencing of patients and families who remain without a genetic diagnosis following standard genetic testing. The role will serve as a central link between the Cardiac Inherited Diseases Group (CIDG), University of Auckland researchers, clinical geneticists, cardiologists, family coordinators, diagnostic laboratories, research participants, and the project Rōpū Kaitiaki.

Key accountabilities (depending on experience) include:
• provide genetic counselling care across specialties

• Determining a patient’s understanding of their referral and providing information on genetic mechanisms
• Recording family pedigrees clearly and accurately
• Gathering clinical information, family consent, and laboratory data as required
• Preparing clinical letters and documentation outlining outcomes and recommendations
• Coordinating genetic testing and obtaining informed consent
• Referring patients to other specialties where appropriate
• Identifying and recruiting eligible participants to the cardiac inherited diseases study
• Maintain study records and documentation of consent, genomic results
• Key liaison between study participants and whānau and study leads
• Present cases for clinical review in both clinical and research settings

To find out more about the role please see the position description here

About Te Pūriri o Te Ora - Kia ora from our team!

Te Pūriri o Te Ora is the name that has been gifted to our northern regional cancer and blood services by Kahurangi Rangimārie Naida Glavish of Ngāti Whātua, Chief Advisor Tikanga for Te Toka Tumai Auckland. Te Pūriri o Te Ora means "the Pūriri tree of wellbeing" and speaks to the many qualities and gifts of the Pūriri tree and our aspiration to provide a place of healing and wellbeing for our communities.

Te Pūriri o Te Ora is the biggest cancer and blood service within Aotearoa, providing care to approximately 40% of the country. We provide a wide range of services including Medical and Radiation Oncology, Haematology, Āwhinatia Te Tangata (specialist Māori Health team), Cancer Support Team (specialist psychological and social support), Research, Genetics Services, and the NZ Familial Gastrointestinal Cancer Service.

The values that underpin the way we care and work with patients, whānau and kaimahi across Te Pūriri o Te Ora are Whanaungatanga, Manaakitanga, Kotahitanga, Āhurutanga, Mana Motuhake and Wairuatanga.

Like the diversity of birdlife that occupy the Pūriri tree, we look for and welcome applications from all whānau including our Māori, Pacific, disabled and rainbow communities.

We hope that you will join us in our collective commitment to manaaki and serve all who call upon us for their cancer care, and help provide a common place of protection, nurture, healing and enduring strength for all. Kia ora!

For more information about the story of Te Pūriri o Te Ora click here

For more information on living and working in Tāmaki Makaurau click here.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will bring:
• Excellent written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills
• A Master’s degree in Genetic Counselling
• Membership, or eligibility for membership, with the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA)
• A collaborative approach and commitment to culturally safe, equitable care

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of Aotearoa. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so we can better understand and serve our communities. We welcome applications from our diverse Māori, Pacific, disabled, and rainbow communities.

How to Apply

To apply, please click “Apply now.” All applications must be submitted through our online careers portal.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact Jade Cowley, Recruitment Consultant, at jade.cowley@tewhatuora.govt.nz

We will review applications as they are received and may proceed with the recruitment process before the closing date of this advert.