Bereavement Officer

Royal Berkshire Nhs Foundation Trust; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS trust in Reading seeks a Senior Bereavement Officer to provide essential support to bereaved families, managing sensitive interactions while performing administrative duties. The ideal candidate will have strong interpersonal skills, a background in handling sensitive situations, and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications. This role emphasizes emotional resilience, professional conduct, and effective communication, making it vital for supporting families during challenging times. The position offers flexible working opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

NHS pension scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Health-service discount schemes

Qualifications

• Experience in administrative tasks, particularly in secretarial and organisational duties.
• Experience working with bereaved families or in sensitive situations.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks while maintaining accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Deliver sensitive support to relatives and legal representatives.
• Perform secretarial and administrative duties.
• Collaborate with Medical Examiners Service for paperwork.

Skills

Attention to detail

Strong computer skills

Ability to work under pressure

Empathy and compassion

Strong interpersonal skills

Time management

Education

GCSE level education or equivalent

Training in bereavement support

Tools

Microsoft Office

ECDL

Job description

Senior Bereavement Officer

Deliver sensitive support to relatives, carers, friends and legal representatives, guiding them through the necessary administrative processes. Perform secretarial and administrative duties, including diary and data management, minute‑taking and maintaining contact with recently bereaved individuals. Work collaboratively with the Medical Examiners Service to ensure all relevant paperwork is reviewed and completed accurately and in a timely manner.

Key Requirements

• Use initiative and attention to detail in all tasks, ensuring a high standard of work at all times.
• Demonstrate strong computer skills, with intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Bring previous administrative experience, particularly in secretarial, organisational and data entry tasks.
• Effectively manage tight deadlines while adapting to changing and challenging situations, all while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Handle multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring each is completed efficiently and with a high degree of accuracy.
• Maintain a calm, professional approach under pressure, with the ability to solve problems creatively and innovatively.
• Demonstrate empathy and compassion when interacting with bereaved individuals, while maintaining a professional balance and strong core values.
• Maintain your own health and well‑being by managing emotional resilience and seeking support if needed.
• Very good level of computer literacy.
• GCSE level of education or equivalent.
• Training in bereavement support.
• Desirable criteria: Minutes‑taking course/training evidence or experience.
• European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL), demonstrable experience in an admin role with excellent knowledge of office procedures.
• Experience of working with bereaved families or in sensitive and emotional situations.
• Demonstrable experience of training/mentoring staff.
• Experience in conducting audits.
• Demonstrable experience of working in a healthcare setting.
• Strong time‑management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Understanding of data protection and confidentiality.
• Very good interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral.
• Ability to work both as part of a team and individually.
• Knowledge of the Coroner & Justice Act 2009, including The Notification of Deaths Regulations 2019.

Benefits

• Flexible working opportunities and a strong emphasis on work‑life balance.
• Annual leave – 27 days for new starters, increasing to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years NHS service; pro‑rata for part‑time staff.
• NHS pension scheme.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Money Advice Service.
• Generous maternity, paternity and adoption leave for eligible staff.
• On‑site nursery (based at RBH).
• Full educational library services.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme, lockable storage for cycles.
• Bus‑to‑work scheme.
• Excellent rail and bus links.
• Hundreds of health‑service discount schemes across a wide range of brands.

The Trust is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all candidates regardless of background, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or other protected characteristics.