Lead Counsellor, Palliative Care & Bereavement

St Peter & St James Hospice; Piddinghoe; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

St Peter & St James Hospice seeks an experienced Lead Counsellor to direct and develop the counselling service for patients, families and the bereaved. You will provide clinical leadership, supervise counsellors and volunteers, and shape bereavement services across the hospice.

The role requires an accredited counsellor with leadership experience and a commitment to person-centred care. You will manage referrals, triage processes, and drive service improvement in a supportive environment.

Qualifications

• Accredited counsellor with leadership experience.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers.
• Strong ability to manage referrals and triage efficiently.
• Familiarity with client record systems and audits.

Responsibilities

• Provide counselling and psychosocial support to patients, families and the bereaved.
• Lead, supervise and develop counsellors and volunteers.
• Oversee referrals, assessments and service delivery.
• Develop training for staff and external stakeholders.
• Monitor service performance and contribute to guideline reviews.

Skills

Counselling leadership

Supervision

Volunteer management

People skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Counselling qualification (Dip/MA/BA in Counselling)

Job description

St Peter & St James Hospice seeks an experienced Lead Counsellor to direct and develop the counselling service for patients, families and the bereaved. You will provide clinical leadership, supervise counsellors and volunteers, and shape bereavement services across the hospice.

The role requires an accredited counsellor with leadership experience and a commitment to person-centred care. You will manage referrals, triage processes, and drive service improvement in a supportive environment.