Bereavement Lead

We’re seeking a compassionate and skilled Bereavement Lead to coordinate and deliver high‑quality bereavement support for patients, families, and carers. You’ll ensure people receive the right level of support in line with NICE guidance, carrying out assessments and providing structured one‑to‑one and group interventions for those experiencing complex grief or psychological distress.

Closing date - 11th June 2026

Interview - w/c 22nd June 2026

A key part of this role is leading our counselling and volunteer team recruiting, training, supervising, and supporting them to deliver safe, person‑centred care.

Applicants should possess a Level 4 Diploma in Counselling or equivalent and registered membership of BACP or another recognised professional body and hold a qualification or training in Clinical Supervision. Applicants should have a minimum of 3 years post‑registration experience as a qualified counsellor in a specialist role, experience working within palliative, end‑of‑life, and bereavement care with adults and families, and leading therapeutic group work.

St. Michaels Hospice is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults, children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. Successful candidates will be required to undergo relevant background checks, including a DBS check and provide satisfactory reference before starting the role.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

As Bereavement Lead haels Hospice (SMH) you will be responsible for coordinating bereavement support services for patients who have been diagnosed with a life‑limiting illness and families who are anticipating bereavement or have been bereaved.

In line with NICE guidance, the post holder will assess the needs of people referred to the service and allocate to the appropriate level of support.

The role also includes maintaining a small caseload, providing structured individual and group counselling/support for people experiencing significant psychological issues secondary to grief or bereavement.

The post holder will recruit, train, line‑manage and supervise counsellors and bereavement support volunteers working for the service, working collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to ensure effective delivery of this service.

Complete assessments for clients referred to the Bereavement Service and allocate clients according to need and appropriate level of qualification/experience within the team.

Ensure that all procedures, working practices and volunteers adhere to SMH codes of practice, the codes of ethics of relevant professional bodies such as the BACP, the Bereavement Care Service Standards and Care Quality Commission regulations.

Gather feedback and evaluation data to develop the service and the support provided.

Adhere to SMH policies and procedures when dealing with suicide risk assessment, safeguarding issues, governance issues and complaints.

Undertake regular and frequent evaluation and monitoring of the Service to ensure it is meeting desired outcomes and the needs of those being referred.

Work in collaboration with the wider Family Support Team.

Provide one‑to‑one counselling for patients, carers and bereaved relatives with more complex anticipatory grief or bereavement needs.

Assess referred clients as per referral process. This will include robust assessment of suicide risk and appropriate response.

As per initial assessment, allocate clients to appropriate Bereavement Support Volunteers.

Provide mandatory supervision to the Bereavement Support Volunteers in regular groups and individually as required.

Complete regular reviews of service provision and need in order to develop and implement for further bereavement support groups if gaps in service are identified.

Ensure clients are aware of other, existing SMH, patient and family support services for which they are eligible.

Work with the multidisciplinary team to identify patient and family members who may be at risk of harm and follow‑up those where concerns are…