EMILY CLARKE
Mobile: 07813118013 Email: ekmc2014@gmail.com
An enthusiastic, self-starting, well organised and capable genetic professional who is looking for
employment in a client centred setting where genetic knowledge and counselling skills could be
useful.
I have a wealth of both employment and voluntary experience - including work with young people with
special needs, people with physical, sensory and learning disabilities in community, residential and
clinical settings. I combine academic scientific understanding with insight into the service user and
professional service provider perspectives, and have a particular interest in service user involvement.
EMPLOYMENT EXPERIENCE
Sept. 2014Present
Freelance Genetic Counsellor working with Genetic Disorders UK
I work on a freelance basis with the registered charity Genetic Disorders UK, which
provides information and support to individuals and families with genetic conditions of
any type. I provide specialist support and genetic expertise for members of the public
contacting the helpline by telephone and email. I also write clear and understandable
articles about genetics and genetic conditions for the website. I have an up-to-date
understanding of genetic technology and the potential this holds for future healthcare,
such as enabling prediction of disease risk.
Apr. 2014–
Oct. 2014
Registered Genetic Counsellor (Fixed term) – Central Manchester NHS
Foundation Trust. Genetic Medicine, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester.
As an autonomous Genetic Counsellor (GC) I took full responsibility for my own
caseload and continued to broaden and develop my clinical skills. Involvement in the
multidisciplinary genetic eye team gave me experience in joint working, which
highlighted to me the value of this approach in provision of high quality patient care.
Oct. 2011Mar. 2014
Trainee Genetic Counsellor – Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Genetic
Medicine, St Mary’s Hospital, Manchester.
I gained experience in cancer, neuromuscular and neuropsychiatric genetics as well as
managing urgent prenatal cases on a rota basis. I worked with patients in both doctorled and my own independent clinics providing accurate genetic information, risk
assessment, genetic testing, emotional support and sign posting. I also participated in
other aspects of the work of the department including audit and teaching of medical
and genetic counselling students. The experience and expertise I gained in this post
gave me the competence and confidence to function as part of a multidisciplinary
clinical genetic team.
Mar. 2009Jul. 2009
Physical Disability and Sensory Impairment Partnership Board Co-ordinator Gateshead Council and Sight Service
This role gave me the opportunity to further my skills at working with a wide variety of
people including council officials, health and social care providers and service user
groups. I administered all aspects of this seven subgroup Partnership Board, which
aimed to improve local health, housing and social care services for people with
physical disabilities and sensory impairments, promoting individual choice and self
directed support.
Emily K. M. Clarke - Curriculum Vitae - January 2015
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Aug. 2008–
Mar. 2009
Service Development Officer – RNIB and Sight Service, Gateshead
I worked with people affected by sight loss facilitating consultation groups to involve
these service users in service development and established a regional discussion and
campaign group. I also liaised with service providers, such as the Council, representing
the views of the client groups.
Feb. 2007Jun. 2007
Residential Care Support Worker - Percy Hedley Foundation, Newcastle
I worked with adults who had both physical and learning difficulties. I assisted with
personal care, as well as social activities. I gained an in-depth understanding of how
complex needs can best be met while promoting independence.
RELEVANT VOLUNTARY EXPERIENCE
Feb. 2007– I undertook a variety of voluntary roles to broaden my experience.
Jul. 2009
 Macular Society Research Committee Member - I represented the views of younger society
members and gained experience in assessing research grant applications.
 Sensory Support Team Steering Group Member – Social Services, Newcastle
This inter-agency group focused on training, awareness and service development projects for
people with sight loss (SL). We successfully developed a course to train people with SL as
trainers in visual impairment awareness.
 Samaritan Listening Volunteer - I provided emotional support for people in distress or
despair, primarily by telephone but also by email and face-to-face.
QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
2014 - 15
Eye Clinic Support Studies Course – RNIB/City University (Result pending)
2014
Registered Genetic Counsellor - UK Genetic Counsellor Registration Board
(GCRB). Registration No. 306.
2009 - 11
MSc. Genetic Counselling (Distinction) - The University of Manchester
Research project: ‘Patient Expectations and Attitudes towards Specialist Genetic Eye
Services.’ (Distinction)
Findings were presented as a poster at the European Meeting on Psychosocial
Aspects of Genetics (EMPAG) Conference 2012.
2007 - 8
BTEC Award levels 1 & 2 Counselling Skills - Newcastle College
2003 - 6
BSc. (Hons) Genetics (First Class) - Newcastle University
Dissertation: ‘Opinions of Visually Impaired and Blind People towards Genetic
Counselling.’ (First class)
Awarded the John Corran Book Prize in Genetics for high achievement.
PUBLICATIONS
2014
Clarke E, Combs R, Black G, Hall G. (2014) “Patient Expectations and Attitudes
Towards Specialist Genetic Eye Services.” Journal of Genetic Counselling. Published
online ahead of print.
REFEREES - Referee details can be provided upon request.
Emily K. M. Clarke - Curriculum Vitae - January 2015
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