Family & Bereavement Counsellor and Support Worker

Helen & Douglas House; Oxford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - GBP 60,000; Full time

Job description

Key Details

Hours: part‑time – 18 hours per week, worked over 3 days
Location: Helen House, Oxford
Salary: HDH Band 5 £33,636 – £40,483 per annum (pro rata), depending on experience
Closing date: 3 March 2026 at 12 noon
Interview date: 11 March 2026

Job Overview

We have an exciting opportunity, due to the retirement of the current post holder, to join our Family and Bereavement Support Team. Family and Bereavement Counsellor and Support Workers provide emotional and psychological support to parents of babies and children living with a life‑threatening illness or life‑limiting condition, and provide grief education, emotional and psychological support to parents and grandparents for up to 2 years following the death of a baby or child. They help parents and grandparents manage their emotions, cope with grief, build resilience, and empower them at level 1–2 of the Bereavement Network Europe Model. If needed, they can refer clients to level 3 intervention.

Responsibilities

• Provide therapeutic counseling and support to bereaved parents and grandparents.
• Deliver peer‑to‑peer bereavement support groups.
• Work onsite at Helen & Douglas House Children’s Hospice, in hospital settings, and in patients’ homes.
• Drive and travel across six surrounding counties.
• Engage in clinical supervision in line with British Association of Psychology and Counselling standards.

Qualifications

• Relevant qualification essential (Diploma in Counselling, Registered Nurse, Mental Health Nurse, Social Worker with counselling experience, or significant experience with grief and loss).
• Experience working therapeutically with individuals experiencing loss and change.
• Compassionate, sensitive, creative, and a great communicator.
• Preferred: experience with bereaved parents and running peer‑to‑peer bereavement support groups.

Additional Information

Clinical supervision is provided in line with British Association of Psychology and Counselling standards, complementing resilience and self‑care skills. Client‑facing hours count as counselling hours.

We are an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from all areas of the community. All staff must undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Helen & Douglas House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

Previous applicants need not apply. Informal conversations welcome in advance of application. For more information, please call Jo Wilson (Team Lead Family & Bereavement Support) or Debbie Kelly (Head of Community & Family Support Services) Tuesday‑Friday 9‑5, 01865 794749.

Contact

Helen & Douglas House
14A Magdalen Road
Oxford
OX4 1RW
Telephone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]