Specialist Counsellor for Fertility
The closing date is 07 June 2026
A qualified counsellor is required to assist NUH Life within Nottingham University Hospital (NUH), based at Queens Medical Centre. The applicant must be a qualified counsellor with BICA (British Infertility Counselling Association) or working towards accreditation.
NUH Life is a state‑of‑the‑art fertility centre and sperm donor bank, offering compassionate, ethical and high‑quality fertility care. We specialise in ovulation induction, intrauterine insemination and donor insemination, with excellent success rates based on nearly 30 years of experience. Our donor bank is the jewel in our crown, with in‑house donor insemination. Counselling is part of this integral journey for your patients.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide care for patients (couples) on the Fertility Pathway and to providers of donor gametes. As such they must be appropriately recognised and accredited through the British Infertility Counsellors Association (BICA) and expected to:
- Provide one‑to‑one support for individuals and couples requiring advice and support in relation to fertility status and well‑being
- Provide support to couples who are experiencing relationship difficulties as a result of an infertility diagnosis and its subsequent treatment
- Provide implications counselling to recipients of donor sperm treatments, especially those issues related to attitude towards donor phenotype and identity; openness versus secrecy and well‑being of the offspring
- Provide implications counselling to providers of donor gametes in line with current regulations
We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, or Disabled, as we are striving to be better represented at NUH.
Person Specification
Training and Qulifications
- Diploma/advanced diploma in counselling
- Registered with BACP
- Evidence of BICA accreditation (or evidence of working towards it)
- Continuing professional development to maintain registration
- Understand relevant sections of the current HFEA code of practice
- Experience in development of and/or delivery of services to fertility patients /couples including sperm donors
Experience
- Knowledge of a range of counselling procedures and techniques
- Able to convey sensitive information in an empathetic manner to patients, relatives/carers
- Evidence of ability to manage a caseload of patients/couples
Communication and Relationship Skills
- Regular case discussion with senior colleagues
- Elicit and communicate highly sensitive information where patients/clients may be emotional/hostile
Analytical and Judgement Skills
- Initial assessment of client/patient presenting with multiple complex issues
- Make decisions regarding referrals to specialist services
Planning and Organisation Skills
- Manage own caseload, working with nursing and scientific staff in planning workload
- Work flexibly within the team according to workload and case‑mix
- Work autonomously within Trust policies and BACP code of ethics
- Stay current in terms of regulation and guidance
Physical Skills
- Write up patient/client case notes following therapy sessions
- Have proficient keyboard skills
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trusts
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