Lindsey Lodge

Palliative Care Counsellor

The closing date is 06 July 2025

Job summary

Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare is seeking a compassionate and experienced Palliative Counsellor to join our supportive and dedicated team. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference to patients and families affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement.

About the Role

You will be part of our Palliative Counselling and Family Support team, providing one-to-one and group support for patients, families, and the bereaved across all clinical areas of the hospice. Reporting to the Palliative Counselling Lead, you will contribute to the delivery of counselling services and bereavement programmes, holding your own clinical caseload and supporting volunteers and students involved in service delivery.

What Were Looking For

We are looking for a qualified counsellor (minimum Level 4 Diploma in Counselling or equivalent) with experience in bereavement or palliative care. You will be a compassionate and reflective practitioner, comfortable working with people facing complex emotional challenges. Experience of working in a hospice or healthcare setting and familiarity with SystmOne is desirable.

Main duties of the job

Key responsibilities include

Delivering high-quality palliative and bereavement counselling to patients, families and carers.

Supporting the development and implementation of tailored programmes for bereaved families.

Providing pre and post-bereavement support to those affected by life-limiting illness.

Assisting with supervision and development of volunteer bereavement support workers and student counsellors.

Ensuring accurate and timely documentation on SystmOne and supporting effective communication with patients, families and other healthcare professionals.

About us

Why Join Us?

At Lindsey Lodge, you will be part of a committed and multidisciplinary team focused on delivering person-centred care. We support staff with ongoing development opportunities and a warm, collaborative working environment. This is your chance to play a key role in supporting families through some of lifes most difficult times.

Be part of a values-led organisation that puts people first.

Join a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to continuous improvement.

Help shape an forward thinking and responsive service making a real difference to local families.

Details

Date posted

20 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0226-25-0000

Job locations

Burringham Road

Scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire

DN17 2AA


Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

To assist in delivery of palliative counselling and bereavement services across the clinical areas of Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare

To assist with delivery of assigned programmes under the direction of the Counselling Lead

To deliver the highest standards of bereavement and palliative counselling care.

To provide palliative counselling, support and information to those with a life limiting illness and their relatives.

To provide Pre and post Bereavement support to the families of those that are living with a life limiting illness.

As appropriate and within the skill set of the post holder, to assist with supervision and training for all volunteers working with the Palliative and bereavement counselling service.

To assist in delivering Palliative counselling and bereavement services to meet changing needs across the hospice, working under and with the Counselling and Support Practitioner Lead.

To ensure electronic documentation is up to date and accurate, and to include timely inputting of client notes on SystmOne.

To produce correspondence and communication with patients and families and other health professionals in line with agreed policies and to ensure that the volunteer bereavement support workers have inputted caseload updates within SystmOne.

CLINICAL/PROFESSIONAL DUTIES

Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to effectively manage a caseload offering Palliative and bereavement counselling to individuals with a range of needs providing support, bereavement information and relevant resources to patients, families and carers. Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to develop and deliver programmes to meet the needs of individual clients and evaluate. To attend appropriate meetings as a core member of the multi-disciplinary team to provide support on bereavement issues and feedback to the Counselling Lead. Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to assist with initiation, planning and evaluation of bereavement support for relatives and ensure the volunteer bereavement support workers assist. To follow national and organisational policies applicable to the role and keep up to date with the current legislation and evidence based practice

To work with service users independently within policies and codes of conduct work is managed rather than supervised to maintain appropriate patient records, which maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Hospice Data Protection policy. Identify and assess risk to vulnerable clients and liaise with GPs and outside agencies where appropriate. Refer the bereaved on to specialist services both within the Hospice and/or external organisations as required.

MANAGEMENT

Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to act as a resource for palliative care staff across the organisation.

To manage an ongoing caseload of service users

To be a committed team member and provide support to members of the multidisciplinary team and to other caseworkers involved in the care of clients as appropriate To assist with monitoring and prioritising the caseload of volunteers working in Counselling and bereavement support, to ensure effective service delivery.

To assist with supervision and retention of Bereavement support workers.

To ensure and monitor Bereavement support workers attendance at supervision meetings and support meetings.

To contribute to the development of clinical standards, policies and clinical audit working within the quality framework of the Hospice and attend working parties as requested To contribute to the effective use of resources. To keep records which facilitate communication within the hospice in accordance with hospice policy.

EDUCATION AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

To participate in regular and ongoing clinical supervision Participate in Hospice in-house educational programmes of other professionals and volunteers to promote knowledge of bereavement issues. Participate in the induction of all new staff and volunteers as required.

Assist with design and implementation of bereavement and counselling courses and training days.

Take responsibility for own professional and personal development, which will be monitored in supervision sessions and in the yearly appraisal.

Participate in research, audit and evaluation.

Ensure relevant NICE Guidelines and National Association of Bereavement Standards are met and adhered to, including policies for safeguarding vulnerable people.

Assist with monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of the Palliative counselling and Bereavement Service ensuring delivery of a quality service.

Maintain an awareness of research and relevant findings and in conjunction with practitioners and volunteers work towards these being applied to practice.

GENERAL

The post-holder will have access to confidential data on staff, patients and services within Lindsey Lodge. Failure to maintain confidentiality will lead to disciplinary action, which could ultimately lead to dismissal.

The post holder may be required to participate in the assessment of risk and thereby contribute towards clinical and corporate governance agenda as appropriate.

The post will be subject to regular annual staff development review.

The post holder will be expected to produce work of a high standard and to promote quality at all times.

Lindsey Lodge is committed to Equal Opportunities for all present and potential members of staff and patients. Therefore Lindsey Lodge expects all employees and volunteers to understand, support, and apply this policy through their working practices which requires all individuals to be treated with respect, dignity, courtesy, fairness and consideration.

The post holder will be expected to keep themselves updated on all matters relating to Hospice procedure and policy.

Where you are a member of a professional body you are required to conform to the professional standards set by that body. You are required to ensure your registration is current and practice continuous professional development.

The ethos of the Hospice is based on an interdisciplinary approach and employees and volunteers are required to participate in this concept.

Job description

Job responsibilities

JOB SUMMARY

To assist in delivery of palliative counselling and bereavement services across the clinical areas of Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare

To assist with delivery of assigned programmes under the direction of the Counselling Lead

To deliver the highest standards of bereavement and palliative counselling care.

To provide palliative counselling, support and information to those with a life limiting illness and their relatives.

To provide Pre and post Bereavement support to the families of those that are living with a life limiting illness.

As appropriate and within the skill set of the post holder, to assist with supervision and training for all volunteers working with the Palliative and bereavement counselling service.

To assist in delivering Palliative counselling and bereavement services to meet changing needs across the hospice, working under and with the Counselling and Support Practitioner Lead.

To ensure electronic documentation is up to date and accurate, and to include timely inputting of client notes on SystmOne.

To produce correspondence and communication with patients and families and other health professionals in line with agreed policies and to ensure that the volunteer bereavement support workers have inputted caseload updates within SystmOne.

CLINICAL/PROFESSIONAL DUTIES

Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to effectively manage a caseload offering Palliative and bereavement counselling to individuals with a range of needs providing support, bereavement information and relevant resources to patients, families and carers. Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to develop and deliver programmes to meet the needs of individual clients and evaluate. To attend appropriate meetings as a core member of the multi-disciplinary team to provide support on bereavement issues and feedback to the Counselling Lead. Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to assist with initiation, planning and evaluation of bereavement support for relatives and ensure the volunteer bereavement support workers assist. To follow national and organisational policies applicable to the role and keep up to date with the current legislation and evidence based practice

To work with service users independently within policies and codes of conduct work is managed rather than supervised to maintain appropriate patient records, which maintain confidentiality and adhere to the Hospice Data Protection policy. Identify and assess risk to vulnerable clients and liaise with GPs and outside agencies where appropriate. Refer the bereaved on to specialist services both within the Hospice and/or external organisations as required.

MANAGEMENT

Under the direction of the Counselling Lead, to act as a resource for palliative care staff across the organisation.

To manage an ongoing caseload of service users

To be a committed team member and provide support to members of the multidisciplinary team and to other caseworkers involved in the care of clients as appropriate To assist with monitoring and prioritising the caseload of volunteers working in Counselling and bereavement support, to ensure effective service delivery.

To assist with supervision and retention of Bereavement support workers.

To ensure and monitor Bereavement support workers attendance at supervision meetings and support meetings.

To contribute to the development of clinical standards, policies and clinical audit working within the quality framework of the Hospice and attend working parties as requested To contribute to the effective use of resources. To keep records which facilitate communication within the hospice in accordance with hospice policy.

EDUCATION AND PRACTICE DEVELOPMENT

To participate in regular and ongoing clinical supervision Participate in Hospice in-house educational programmes of other professionals and volunteers to promote knowledge of bereavement issues. Participate in the induction of all new staff and volunteers as required.

Assist with design and implementation of bereavement and counselling courses and training days.

Take responsibility for own professional and personal development, which will be monitored in supervision sessions and in the yearly appraisal.

Participate in research, audit and evaluation.

Ensure relevant NICE Guidelines and National Association of Bereavement Standards are met and adhered to, including policies for safeguarding vulnerable people.

Assist with monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of the Palliative counselling and Bereavement Service ensuring delivery of a quality service.

Maintain an awareness of research and relevant findings and in conjunction with practitioners and volunteers work towards these being applied to practice.

GENERAL

The post-holder will have access to confidential data on staff, patients and services within Lindsey Lodge. Failure to maintain confidentiality will lead to disciplinary action, which could ultimately lead to dismissal.

The post holder may be required to participate in the assessment of risk and thereby contribute towards clinical and corporate governance agenda as appropriate.

The post will be subject to regular annual staff development review.

The post holder will be expected to produce work of a high standard and to promote quality at all times.

Lindsey Lodge is committed to Equal Opportunities for all present and potential members of staff and patients. Therefore Lindsey Lodge expects all employees and volunteers to understand, support, and apply this policy through their working practices which requires all individuals to be treated with respect, dignity, courtesy, fairness and consideration.

The post holder will be expected to keep themselves updated on all matters relating to Hospice procedure and policy.

Where you are a member of a professional body you are required to conform to the professional standards set by that body. You are required to ensure your registration is current and practice continuous professional development.

The ethos of the Hospice is based on an interdisciplinary approach and employees and volunteers are required to participate in this concept.

Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • To have dealt appropriately with own experience of loss and grief
  • Caring and compassionate attitude
  • Person centred approach
  • Able to work on own initiative or part of a team
  • Ability to manage and prioritise own time and workload
  • Confidence to participate in inter-disciplinary team meetings
  • A problem solver
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to appreciate, understand and value diversity in a non-judgemental manner
  • Ability to maintain confidential and ethical boundaries
  • Ability to understand and work with conflict
  • Ability to work creatively, independently and with flexibility
  • Sense of humour

Qualifications

Essential

  • Be a registered member of the BACP or other appropriate recognised body
  • Knowledge to level 5 or comparable should hold a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma or equivalent plus ongoing supervision and relevant experience

Desirable

  • Level 5 or equivalent recognised adults counselling qualification.
  • Having achieved or working towards B.A.C.P. or other professional body accreditation

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of Hospice and/or palliative care setting

Desirable

  • One years experience of working with loss and bereavement
  • Experience of supporting training programmes
  • Experience of working closely with volunteers
  • Experience of working in a multi professional team
  • Experience of working in a health care environment
  • Experience of working across client groups
  • Experience and ability to work with, contain and process high levels of distress
  • Experience of supporting groups
  • Knowledge of SystmOne

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

  • Good planning and time management attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of bereavement models and theories of grief
  • Knowledge of complicated grief reactions
  • Understanding and awareness of a range of therapeutic interventions and techniques
  • Knowledge of a range of psycho-social issues that may affect the bereaved
  • The ability to work with the bereaved in a supportive and/or therapeutic way
  • Knowledge and understanding of Vulnerable Adults and Vulnerable Children Policies
  • High level of attending and listening skills
  • IT skills
  • Ability to work independently within agreed policy framework and code of conduct
  • The ability to work effectively as a member of an inter-disciplinary team
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and statistics
  • Ability to work within professional and ethical guidelines

Desirable

  • Knowledge of hospice philosophies
  • Knowledge of appropriate support services and agencies in the community
  • Ability to assist with training courses on all aspects of bereavement
  • Knowledge and understanding of NICE Guidelines and relevant National Standards
Person Specification

Personal Attributes

Essential

  • To have dealt appropriately with own experience of loss and grief
  • Caring and compassionate attitude
  • Person centred approach
  • Able to work on own initiative or part of a team
  • Ability to manage and prioritise own time and workload
  • Confidence to participate in inter-disciplinary team meetings
  • A problem solver
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Ability to appreciate, understand and value diversity in a non-judgemental manner
  • Ability to maintain confidential and ethical boundaries
  • Ability to understand and work with conflict
  • Ability to work creatively, independently and with flexibility
  • Sense of humour

Qualifications

Essential

  • Be a registered member of the BACP or other appropriate recognised body
  • Knowledge to level 5 or comparable should hold a minimum of a Level 4 Diploma or equivalent plus ongoing supervision and relevant experience

Desirable

  • Level 5 or equivalent recognised adults counselling qualification.
  • Having achieved or working towards B.A.C.P. or other professional body accreditation

Experience

Essential

  • Previous experience of Hospice and/or palliative care setting

Desirable

  • One years experience of working with loss and bereavement
  • Experience of supporting training programmes
  • Experience of working closely with volunteers
  • Experience of working in a multi professional team
  • Experience of working in a health care environment
  • Experience of working across client groups
  • Experience and ability to work with, contain and process high levels of distress
  • Experience of supporting groups
  • Knowledge of SystmOne

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

Essential

  • Good planning and time management attention to detail.
  • Knowledge of bereavement models and theories of grief
  • Knowledge of complicated grief reactions
  • Understanding and awareness of a range of therapeutic interventions and techniques
  • Knowledge of a range of psycho-social issues that may affect the bereaved
  • The ability to work with the bereaved in a supportive and/or therapeutic way
  • Knowledge and understanding of Vulnerable Adults and Vulnerable Children Policies
  • High level of attending and listening skills
  • IT skills
  • Ability to work independently within agreed policy framework and code of conduct
  • The ability to work effectively as a member of an inter-disciplinary team
  • Ability to maintain accurate records and statistics
  • Ability to work within professional and ethical guidelines

Desirable

  • Knowledge of hospice philosophies
  • Knowledge of appropriate support services and agencies in the community
  • Ability to assist with training courses on all aspects of bereavement
  • Knowledge and understanding of NICE Guidelines and relevant National Standards

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

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.

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Lindsey Lodge

Address

Burringham Road

Scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire

DN17 2AA


Employer's website

https://www.lindseylodgehospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Lindsey Lodge

Address

Burringham Road

Scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire

DN17 2AA


Employer's website

https://www.lindseylodgehospice.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Lead Counsellor

Emma Thorpe

emma.thorpe5@nhs.net

01724270835

Details

Date posted

20 June 2025

Pay scheme

Other

Salary

£29,970 to £36,483 a year Pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

B0226-25-0000

Job locations

Burringham Road

Scunthorpe

North Lincolnshire

DN17 2AA


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

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