Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and compassionate counsellor to join our team and help lead the delivery of a responsive and person-centred bereavement service.
The post holder will provide high-quality pre- and post-bereavement counselling to individuals and families, based on evidence-based practice and in line with statutory requirements and NHS policies. Working across hospital and community settings, you will support both adults and children, ensuring safe, individualised, and effective care.
This role also involves co-ordinating the day-to-day running of the counselling service, including the supervision and development of counsellors, students, and volunteers. You will contribute to service planning and development, and be responsible for maintaining high standards of practice and clinical governance.
The successful candidate will be able to work autonomously, demonstrate excellent communication skills, and bring both clinical expertise and leadership experience within a bereavement or counselling setting.
Main duties of the job
The role involves day-to-day coordination of the Bereavement Support Service, including the management and support of a multidisciplinary team. The post holder will contribute to the ongoing development and delivery of high-quality bereavement care across the Hywel Dda University Health Board area, underpinned by research evidence, best practice, and clinical expertise.
They will hold shared responsibility for managing a defined caseload independently, using recognised assessment tools and clinical judgement to deliver holistic, personalised therapeutic care. This includes assessing, monitoring, and coordinating support programmes in partnership with clients and other professionals, tailored to individual needs, context, and culture -- with the aim of promoting health and empowerment.
The post holder will be expected to recognise, report, and respond appropriately to any unsafe practices, while actively promoting high standards of care. Clear, accurate information will be provided to clients throughout the pre- and post-bereavement process, in a way that is sensitive to their understanding and emotional needs.
A flexible approach is essential, as the role involves working across the community and at both Ty Cymorth, Glangwili General Hospital (Carmarthen), and Ty Bryngwyn, Prince Philip Hospital (Llanelli).
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
- Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
- Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
- Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
- 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
- Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post is advertised as a Band 6. However, applicants not meeting the essential criteria Relevant Supervision Qualification and BACP Accreditation within the Person Specification are still invited to apply, and if successful would be appointed under the All Wales Annex 21 rules. They will be supported for a period of up to three years by a development plan to achieve the knowledge, skills and qualifications required to meet the essential job specifications - Relevant Supervision Qualification and BACP Accreditation, whereby 65% of the top of the Band 6 would be payable during the first year, 70% during the second year and 75% during the third year. Following successful development and achievement of Relevant Supervision Qualification and BACP Accreditation, the post holder will then be paid at Band 6(minimum point on the scale).
Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 6 role. Failure to achieve the required qualification/competencies/skills etc in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 31.01.2026.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The post is advertised as a Band 6. However, applicants not meeting the essential criteria Relevant Supervision Qualification and BACP Accreditation within the Person Specification are still invited to apply, and if successful would be appointed under the All Wales Annex 21 rules. They will be supported for a period of up to three years by a development plan to achieve the knowledge, skills and qualifications required to meet the essential job specifications - Relevant Supervision Qualification and BACP Accreditation, whereby 65% of the top of the Band 6 would be payable during the first year, 70% during the second year and 75% during the third year. Following successful development and achievement of Relevant Supervision Qualification and BACP Accreditation, the post holder will then be paid at Band 6(minimum point on the scale).
Support and supervision will be provided in order to develop the successful applicant to the Band 6 role. Failure to achieve the required qualification/competencies/skills etc in the designated timeframe could result in re-deployment.
As part of the Annex 21 process, there is no financial penalty to those who apply for this role where the percentage will cause a reduction in pay, subsequently a local protection would be put in place until the pay has caught up.
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
Interviews will be held on 31.01.2026.
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Relevant diploma/degree in Counselling
- Registered with BACP
- Accredited with BACP
- Supervision Qualification
- Evidence of relevant grief practice
Desirable
- Additional qualification in therapeutic interventions i.e. CBT, motivational interviewing.
- Related counselling qualifications.
- Area of in-depth knowledge/expertise
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within a community setting/hospital environment
- Experience of working in adult/child grief Bereavement Counselling.
- Experience of mental health assessment and implementation of a range of evidence based therapeutic interventions
- Experience of receiving clinical supervision
- Experience of delivering clinical supervision
Desirable
- Evidence of broad spectrum of relevant counselling
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
- Able to work flexibly
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and knowledge
Essential
- Relevant diploma/degree in Counselling
- Registered with BACP
- Accredited with BACP
- Supervision Qualification
- Evidence of relevant grief practice
Desirable
- Additional qualification in therapeutic interventions i.e. CBT, motivational interviewing.
- Related counselling qualifications.
- Area of in-depth knowledge/expertise
Experience
Essential
- Experience of working within a community setting/hospital environment
- Experience of working in adult/child grief Bereavement Counselling.
- Experience of mental health assessment and implementation of a range of evidence based therapeutic interventions
- Experience of receiving clinical supervision
- Experience of delivering clinical supervision
Desirable
- Evidence of broad spectrum of relevant counselling
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner
- Able to work flexibly
Desirable
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
