*Please note this role is based in Hobart, Tasmania - Australia*.
The Team:
The Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service (TCGS) is the only public genetics service in Tasmania, Australia. Based at the Royal Hobart Hospital in Southern Tasmania, the TCGS is a Statewide service receiving referrals from across Tasmania for general and cancer genetics across all life stages including prenatal, paediatric and adult. The TCGS team works closely with public and private specialists and primary health providers to deliver genomic healthcare to the Tasmanian community in person, including regular outreach clinics to the North and Northwest regions of Tasmania, and via phone and telehealth. The TCGS team includes dedicated administrative support, research, allied health assistants, genetic counselling and clinical genetics staff. The TCGS is also closely linked with The Menzies Research Institute and the University of Tasmania.
The Role:
The Principal Genetic Counsellor provides leadership and supervision to the allied health workforce within the Tasmanian Clinical Genetics Service (TCGS) including Associate Genetic Counsellors, Certified Genetic Counsellors and Allied Health Assistants. The Principal Genetic Counsellor will also work closely with the TCGS Head of Department - Consultant Clinical Geneticist, and TCGS Operations Manager to provide strategic direction for the TCGS as a service.
In addition to the leadership and supervision aspects of the role, the Principal Genetic Counsellor will also maintain their own clinical caseload including complex, difficult and/or critical genetic counselling cases.
To be considered for the role you must have completed a tertiary qualification/program of study in Genetic Counselling accredited by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia (HGSA) or equivalent, have a minimum 8 years of relevant experience and hold, or be eligible for, Certification and Registration as a Clinical Genetic Counsellor with the HGSA as detailed in the HGSA Practitioner Certification Policy for Genetic Counsellors.
You will need:
- Extensive knowledge of current genetic disorders, together with broad experience in the provision of genetic counselling services within a health service setting.
- Ability to apply advanced genetic counselling skills to complex clinical, ethical and case management situations across multiple subspecialty areas of genetics.
- Demonstrated ability to work within a multidisciplinary team of medical and health professional staff, together with the ability to facilitate change, foster collaborative partnerships and influence the delivery of genetic counselling services to appropriately meet the needs of clients.
Note: - Please refer to the Statement of Duties for all the selection criteria of this position to address in your application.
Why Tasmania:
The Department of Health Tasmania oversees various hospitals across the state, including the Royal Hobart Hospital, Launceston General Hospital, Northwest Regional Hospital, and Mersey Community Hospital, as well as district hospitals and ambulance services. Additionally, it provides community health, mental health, and primary healthcare services to the Tasmanian community through more than 300 sites.
Tasmania, Australia's only island state, offers unparalleled natural beauty and a luxurious lifestyle. Pursuing your health career in Tasmania’s public health system means building strong connections with colleagues and patients. It also means embracing a lifestyle where you can enjoy extraordinary experiences outside of work while making a significant impact on the community during work.
Details of appointment:
Permanent full time, day worker position, working 76 hours per fortnight, commencing as soon as possible.
*Notwithstanding hours to be negotiated with the successful applicant.
Applicants should note that, for a period of twelve months from the date of publication, this selection process may be used to fill subsequent or similar full time, part time, and casual vacancies.
Position Features:
- This position is based in Hobart with some travel to the North/North West of the State expected
- Some out of hours work and intrastate and interstate travel may be required.
Salary: $143,677 to $151,608 per annum. Our Employer 12% superannuation contribution is on top of this amount.
- Salary range is in accordance with Allied Health Professionals Public Sector Unions Wages Agreement No. 2 of 2022.
Salary Packaging:
You will have access to salary package a range of benefits including living expenses up to $9,010 + $2,650 in meal entertainment each FBT year + other benefits if eligible.
Allowances:
In addition, the following allowances calculated on the salaried incremental point may be available:
- Professional Development Allowance of up to $1000 per annum
Benefits available to eligible candidates:
- Travel and relocation assistance support available up to $15,000 for eligible appointees from overseas, and up to $10,000 for appointees from interstate.
- Professional development and accelerated pathways.
- A range of leave entitlements, including study leave and Professional Development Support.
- Fitness Passport – You, and your family can access 40+ fitness facilities across Tasmania for just $14.50 per week per person, or $28.05 for a family.
More information about our Employee Benefits can be found here
Eligibility:
Successful applicants will be required to meet the essential criteria.
- Tertiary qualification/program of study accredited by the Human Genetics Society of Australasia or equivalent
- Eligible to undertake certification with the Human Genetics Society of Australia.
- Eligible for membership with the Human Genetics Society of Australasia
- A relevant post graduate qualification along with at least 8 years specialised experience in genetic counselling
Applicants should note the following criteria are desirable:
- Experience across all sub-disciplines including familial cancer and prenatal genetic counselling.
- Full Certification in Genetic Counselling from the HGSA
- Current Genetic Counselling Registration with the HGSA
- Current Driver’s Licence
Note: - Please refer to the Application Guide for more information of pre-employment check.
Download the Statement of Duties and any Associated Documents
We encourage you to review the Statement of Duties, Applicant Guide, prior to applying for an overview of the duties, program, selection process and application guidance.
Statement of Duties:
Application Guide:
How to apply:
Apply Online. Please click the "Apply" button on this screen to ensure that important questions about you are answered.
You will be prompted to complete a 1–2-page application detailing your experience, skills and knowledge as they relate to the attached Statement of Duties. A separate statement addressing the selection criteria in the Statement of Duties is not required.
For more information:
Applicants who require further information are encouraged to contact the Contact person for detailed information about the vacancy.
Name: Rachel Pope-Couston
Position: Acting Principal Genetic Counsellor
Phone number: +61 3 6166 8296
Email address: rachel.pope-couston@ths.tas.gov.au
What it is like working at the Department of Health?
Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Excellent are the key values to work in Department of Health. Listen to some of the lived experiences from within the department through some of our wonderful staff and hear about their journey in relocating to Tasmania!
Make It Tasmania | Move for a great lifestyle
One Health Podcast - Spotify
One Health Podcast - Apple
Tasmanian Health Careers | Tasmanian
Department of Health has achieved the “Carer Accredited Employer Status” providing support to employees with caring responsibilities. (Find out more under the Carer Recognition Act 2023).
Respecting diversity is the foundation of everything that Department of Health do. This allows us to instil trust and collaborate through honest and fair communication and helps cultivate an environment of growth and innovation. We strongly encourage applicants from key communities including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTIQA+ people, and people living with disabilities.