Macmillan Cancer Therapeutic Family Practitioner
The closing date is 27 May 2026
An exciting position has arisen for someone to join our cancer wellbeing team as a Family Support Worker within the Cancer Wellbeing and Information Centre at Ipswich Hospital, part time 18.75 hours per week. This is a rewarding opportunity to work directly with children and families affected by cancer, utilizing a range of therapeutic and counselling skills to support varied needs and emotions at a difficult time in their lives.
We are looking to employ a self‑motivated, flexible, organised and, most importantly, compassionate individual, who possess the qualifications and skills to offer therapeutic support to children of all ages and their family members. You will be a qualified social worker, counsellor or accredited therapist and have evidence of relevant experience and specialised study, e.g. play therapy, cancer/palliative care or bereavement.
If you have the skills, passion and enthusiasm to work with families affected by cancer to support their psychological wellbeing we'd love to hear from you.
The majority of the role will be working with patients at Ipswich Hospital, however occasional home working and community outreach will be required, including cross cover for Colchester Hospital colleagues.
Main duties of the job
You will manage and support parents (or grandparents) with a cancer diagnosis and their children to support communication and adaptation to the diagnosis, treatment and resulting effects/impact. You will require the knowledge and experience of the challenges, ethical dilemmas, and safeguarding presented in this area of work.
You will work as part of an integrated multi-disciplinary team, including counsellors, clinical colleagues, wellbeing centre staff and volunteers. You will be required to work independently and be responsible for the associated administrative duties, record keeping, data collection and analysis which require proficient IT and telephone skills.
Person Specification
Experience
* Significant experience in working therapeutically with children and their families, assessing their needs and delivering appropriate therapeutic interventions to promote wellbeing and adaptation.
* Significant post‑qualification experience including palliative care/oncology/comparable group where complex psycho/social support has been given to patients facing a life‑threatening illness, their families and carers.
* To display knowledge and understanding of developmental stages and the effect of trauma and loss on the child's psyche.
* Experience of group work with children, young people and their families.
* Proven experience of successfully leading change, projects or teams, ensuring delivery against key performance indicators to maintain high quality standards of care.
* Experience of audit and research.
* Experience of teaching.
* Experience in supervising staff, allocating resources effectively, and fostering a positive, collaborative working environment.
Qualifications
* Social Work Degree and/or counselling qualifications, or other relevant degree level qualification or clear evidence of working at that level.
* Registered member of HCPC, BACP or similar.
* Evidence of further specialised study e.g. Working with Bereaved Children, Play therapy, etc.
* Practice Teacher Award.
Knowledge
* Awareness and understanding of the impact of chronic illness on patients, families and carers.
* Knowledge and understanding of child development, and family and group dynamics, and grief.
* Knowledge of relevant legislation relating to all user groups.
* Knowledge and understanding of NHS, statutory and voluntary sector provision of care.
* Commitment to service delivery which is culturally appropriate and responsive to the needs of all users including disadvantaged groups.
* Knowledge of relevant safeguarding policies and procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exemptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Benefits
Generous pension scheme, unsocial hours payments (where applicable), 27 days annual leave on commencement (pro rata) and access to a range of NHS discounts. Staff Health and Wellbeing programme offer a variety of services.
£49,387 to £56,515 a year pro rata
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