Death Certification & Bereavement Support Officer

North Tees & Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in Tees Valley is recruiting a Medical Examiner Officer to support the scrutiny of deaths and assist relatives, healthcare professionals, and coroner services. The role requires compassionate communication and careful handling of sensitive information.

The post involves reviewing records, liaising with the Medical Examiner and teams, and contributing to governance, safety and learning initiatives across University Hospitals Tees.

Qualifications

• Educated to Bachelor’s degree level, or evidence of study/equivalent practical experience in a clinical setting.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Empathetic and self-awareness when dealing with bereaved families.
• Understanding of medical terminology for discussing causes/circumstances of death.
• Knowledge of statutory death certification processes and how ME system aligns with NHS.
• Ability to work in a high pressure environment with bereavement care central to service.

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a team to oversee the death certification process for all deceased patients in the organisation and wider community.
• Establish the circumstances of individual patient deaths by reviewing medical records and sourcing additional details for scrutiny by the medical examiner.
• Assist in highlighting cases for assessment by SJR, CDOP, Clinical Governance and LeDeR teams.
• Maintain awareness of diverse needs to ensure equality for all users.
• Discuss likely content of death certificates with relatives and provide explanations with support.
• Ensure concerns raised by relatives are forwarded to appropriate support services.
• Demonstrate commitment to flexible working patterns and IWL principles.
• Tackle discrimination and harassment; promote equality and diversity in the workplace.
• Reduce sickness absence and promote safe working conditions.
• Take responsibility for personal development and a Personal Development Plan.

Skills

Bachelor's degree

Communication

Empathy

Medical terminology

Death certification knowledge

Statutory processes

Working under pressure

Equality & diversity

IT literacy

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust in Tees Valley is recruiting a Medical Examiner Officer to support the scrutiny of deaths and assist relatives, healthcare professionals, and coroner services. The role requires compassionate communication and careful handling of sensitive information.

The post involves reviewing records, liaising with the Medical Examiner and teams, and contributing to governance, safety and learning initiatives across University Hospitals Tees.