Suicide Bereavement Worker

Rethink Mental Illness; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 14,000 - 23,000; Part time

Job summary

Rethink Mental Illness in Gloucestershire is seeking a Suicide Bereavement Worker to provide one-to-one and group support for people bereaved by suicide or suspected suicide. The role offers flexible, local delivery across Gloucestershire, with in-person, telephone and digital support.

You will use planning and outcome tools, coordinate with agencies, support volunteers, and ensure compassionate practice. Part-time 23 hours per week, with evening availability, and a strong commitment to dignity

Qualifications

• Experience supporting people affected by suicide, bereavement, caring roles, or working within health/social care.
• Lived experience of bereavement by suicide (with at least 3 years having passed).
• Ability to work flexibly across Gloucestershire, including evenings up to 8pm.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work independently.
• Experience of safeguarding, incident reporting and lone working.
• Excellent organisational and IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality, person-centred bereavement support, both 1:1 and in groups.
• Use bereavement support planning and outcome measurement tools to track progress and demonstrate impact.
• Provide practical support, advocacy and liaison with agencies (e.g. police, coroners, professionals).
• Offer information, guidance and signposting to local and national services.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Contribute to service monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Support volunteers and ensure safe, ethical, and compassionate practice at all times.

Skills

Bereavement support

Communication skills

Safeguarding

Lone working

IT skills

Organisational skills

Independent working

Education

NVQ 3 / QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care

Job description

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe in a future where everyone severely affected by mental illness has access to the support they need and the respect they deserve. Our Gloucestershire Support After Suicide Service plays a vital role in providing compassionate, person‑centred support to people bereaved by suicide — helping them rebuild hope, resilience and wellbeing.

We’re now looking for a Suicide Bereavement Worker to join our dedicated team and be part of a highly valued, peer‑led service.

This is a part time position, offering 23 hours a week.

About the role

As a Suicide Bereavement Worker, you’ll deliver one‑to‑one and group support to people of any age who have been bereaved by suicide or suspected suicide. You’ll work flexibly across Gloucestershire, offering in‑person, telephone and digital support within community settings and people’s homes.

You’ll help individuals navigate incredibly difficult and often complex circumstances — from practical matters like inquests, police engagement and funeral arrangements, to emotional support, advocacy and signposting to specialist services.

This role is deeply meaningful. You’ll empower people to regain control, make sense of their experiences, and move forward at their own pace.

What you’ll be doing

In this role, you will:

• Deliver high‑quality, person‑centred bereavement support, both 1:1 and in groups.
• Use bereavement support planning and outcome measurement tools to track progress and demonstrate impact.
• Provide practical support, advocacy and liaison with agencies (e.g. police, coroners, professionals).
• Offer information, guidance and signposting to local and national services.
• Maintain excellent working relationships with stakeholders and local communities.
• Contribute to service monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement.
• Support volunteers and ensure safe, ethical, and compassionate practice at all times.

About you

You’ll bring compassion, resilience, and a strong commitment to supporting people through one of the most challenging experiences of their lives.

You’ll need to have:

• Experience supporting people affected by suicide, bereavement, caring roles, or working within health/social care.
• Lived experience of bereavement by suicide (with at least 3 years having passed).
• Ability to work flexibly across Gloucestershire, including evenings up to 8pm.
• Strong communication skills and the confidence to work independently.
• Experience of safeguarding, incident reporting and lone working.
• NVQ 3 / QCF Diploma in Health & Social Care (or related subject).
• Excellent organisational and IT skills.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience delivering training or awareness sessions
• Trauma‑informed training
• Knowledge of Gloucestershire services and communities
• Experience providing advocacy or supporting people who self‑harm
• Knowledge of grief theories or loss support
• Experience in working with bereaved children

If you’re compassionate, resilient and ready to support people at one of the most critical moments in their lives, we’d love to hear from you.