Specialist Bereavement Counselling Co-ordinator

Hywel Dda University Health Board; Carmarthen; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An NHS healthcare provider is seeking an experienced and compassionate counsellor to deliver high-quality pre- and post-bereavement counselling. This role includes managing a counselling service, leading a multidisciplinary team, and contributing to high standards of care across multiple locations. Candidates should demonstrate excellent communication skills and possess leadership experience in a similar setting. A flexible approach is essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in a bereavement or counselling setting.
• Ability to work across hospital and community settings.
• Desirable: Ability to speak Welsh.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality pre- and post-bereavement counselling.
• Coordinate the day-to-day running of the counselling service.
• Support a multidisciplinary team in delivering bereavement care.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Clinical expertise in bereavement

Leadership experience

Ability to work autonomously

Job description

Overview

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 post holder will co-ordinate the Bereavement Support Service, with responsibility for a multidisciplinary team, and 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.

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. 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.

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