Job 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 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.
Main duties of the job
The role involves day-to-day coordination of the Bereavement Support Service, including the management and support of a multidisciplinary team. The post holder 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.
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.
Working for our organisation
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
Hywel Dda University Health Board operates a bilingual policy. All applicants are invited to apply in Welsh, any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR APPLICANTS:
Applications for our roles are carefully reviewed and shortlisted based on specific criteria, which varies from job to job. Using a generic application to apply for multiple roles or relying on automated AI application services, such as Lazy Apply or AI Apply, may not provide the necessary information, leading to your application being overlooked. To ensure your application is given full consideration, we recommend submitting a tailored application that directly addresses the criteria listed in the Person Specification section of the advert.
By submitting your application to NHS Jobs/Trac, you are giving your consent for elements of your application data to be transferred to the NHS Electronic Staff Record (ESR) and other secure, internal NHS Workforce systems in order to support and manage your recruitment and employment within your employing organisation; to be used by Recruitment for purposes of checking your Professional Registration online (where applicable).
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If you are successfully appointed, by completing the application form you authorise the UHB to obtain any previous NHS service details including all electronically held sickness information, via the Inter Authority Transfer process on the national Electronic Staff Record (ESR).
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