Family Support Practitioner

Would you like to be part of a team that make an impact every day?

Tynedale Hospice at Home is a forward thinking, inclusive registered charity providing counselling and bereavement support for children and adults following a diagnosis of a life-limiting illness or death of a loved one.

We are currently looking to recruit a compassionate individual to join our Family Support Service as Family Support Practitioner.

In this rewarding role, you will provide high quality pre and post bereavement support to children, families and adults using approaches such as, active listening, activity days and working with outside agencies. The post holder will provide support to established Bereavement cafes.

Working closely with a team of staff and volunteers you will help ensure that those affected by bereavement receive timely, sensitive and high-quality support tailored to their needs.

Essential qualifications and skills include:

• Diploma or equivalent in Bereavement care / counselling skills
• Child based qualification e.g. play therapy, NNEB.
• A minimum of one year experience in a relevant field as a practitioner
• Excellent interpersonal skills

Please see the job description and person specification for further details.

Successful applicants are required to provide an enhanced disclosure with a check of the adult barred list. Disclosure expense will be met by Tynedale Hospice  posts are subject to a six‑month probationary period.

Please be aware that we do not have a sponsor licence, and are therefore only able to appoint candidates who are eligible to work in the UK.

Tynedale Hospice at Home has proudly supported the communities of Ponteland and West Northumberland for over 30 years.

Our services include home‑based end of life nursing care, patient transport, complementary therapies and bereavement support. All of our services are provided free of charge.

Main Purpose of the role:

To provide high quality pre and post bereavement support to children, families and adults using approaches such as, active listening, activity days and working with outside agencies.

The post holder will provide support to established Bereavement cafes.

Key Responsibilities:

• To work with children, families and adults who require post and pre‑bereavement support following the death of a loved one or if they have been diagnosed with a life limiting illness.
• Empower adult clients to develop their long term coping strategies following bereavement and develop age appropriate toolkits for children.
• To agree a caseload with Deputy Head of Care commensurate to the hours worked.
• Ensure external funders outcomes are met and we are responsive to the needs of the community.
• To work in partnership with other local agencies to provide seamless support for pre and post bereavement clients and identify any gaps in the service.
• Liaise with nursing colleagues when/where necessary regarding referral of patients and/or their family members.
• Be aware of and work towards Hospice strategic goals.
• Adhere to Hospices behaviours and values at all times.
• Provide training / supervision as a team approach for Family support Volunteers.
• Provide training and guidance to empower staff within the school environment who work with bereaved children and young people.

Monitoring and Reporting

• Ensure clients records are kept up to date and all reports and feedback submitted in a timely manner (within 48hrs of session).
• Assist in the development and maintenance of appropriate recording systems to support the service.
  
  E.g. metrics / digitisation.
• Produce statistical data for reporting purposes for Head of Care, CEO, and Board of Trustees.
• Participate in report writing for external agencies when requested to do so.
• From time to time, the post holder will be required to undertake specific projects as determined by the Head of Care / Deputy Head of Care.

Self‑Development

• Ensure that your practice remains up to date and evidence based.
• To engage in annual appraisal which includes a personal development plan, to be discussed with Deputy Head of Care.
• Undertake appropriate personal development in order to maintain and develop skills and knowledge as…