Job overview
Are you a compassionate and organised individual looking to make a meaningful difference? We’re seeking a Bereavement Services Officer to provide a sensitive, professional, and proactive service to relatives at one of life’s most difficult moments.
In this vital role, you’ll work closely with medical, nursing, and chaplaincy teams to support families and ensure the smooth, respectful operation of the Bereavement Office. You'll help uphold hospital and national standards for the care of the bereaved and manage the certification process for deceased patients.
If you’re empathetic, reliable, and able to work with discretion in emotionally sensitive situations, we want to hear from you.
If you wish to apply for this post as a Secondment opportunity, please seek permission from your current line manager before applying.
Main duties of the job
1. To provide expertise, knowledge, and support for the care of deceased patients and their relatives.
2. Manage the day-to-day running of the office and provide managerial guidance to those using the service.
3. Liaise with ward staff and teams in the event of any issues arising regarding patient property.
4. Inform relatives of the process for the registration of their relative’s death. Issue documentation, personal effects, and information to relatives.
Working for our organisation
To find out more about working for our Trust, please visit:
Our benefits
We offer a range of benefits to support our staff including:
·Access to the NHS Pension Scheme, providing generous benefits upon retirement, as well as a lump sum and pension for dependants
·27 days holiday rising to 33 days (depending on NHS Trust service)
·A generous relocation package of up to 30% of salary (capped at £18k) to support with relocation expenses for hard to fill positions where relocation would be an expectation to undertake the role fully. If you would like to discuss a potential relocation package, please speak to the recruiting department/manager.
·A variety of different types of paid and unpaid leave covering emergency and planned leave
·Confidential advice and support on personal, work, family and relationship issues, 24/7, from our Employee Assistance Programme
·NHS Car Lease scheme and Cycle to Work scheme
·An extensive range of learning and development opportunities
·Discounts on restaurants, getaways, shopping, motoring, cinema and finance from a range of providers
For further information on the fantastic range of benefits we offer please visit the Trust's dedicated Staff Benefits pages.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
A full description of the role is available in the attachment: job description.
Please note that if a high number of applications are received this advert may close early. You are advised to submit your application at the earliest opportunity.
Working for the Trust
Across our organisation, people are guided by values that were co-developed with staff: we are kind; we are open; and we pursue excellence.
Our values play into our ambition to develop a more diverse workforce, truly representative of our communities. We welcome applications from everyone, while working with our Staff Networks - including our Race Equality, LGBTQ+, Disability and Carers Networks - to increase the number of applications we receive from different backgrounds. If there is anything we can do to make our application process more accessible to you, please contact: .
As part of seeking to become more inclusive, we will consider requests for flexible working from the start of your employment. It may not be suitable for every role, but we will try and be supportive where we can. We would encourage you to speak to the recruiting manager named within this advert to discuss any requirements you may have.
Armed Forces Friendly Employer
We are holders of the Gold Award from the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, which is helping actively promote SaBRE - Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers. This means that we have made a statement of intent to support all Defence personnel, including with applications for employment.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
5. GCSE English and Maths at Level C or above and/or the equivalent.
6. Computer literate with knowledge of IT systems such as Word and Excel
Desirable criteria
7. Administration experience
8. Experience of Patient Administration System
Experience
Essential criteria
9. Evidence of ability to develop effective working relationships with different levels and disciplines internal and external to the organisation.
10. Experience of working with the recently bereaved
Desirable criteria
11. Minimum 2 years’ experience within the NHS or similar environment
Special Knowledge
Essential criteria
12. Insight into bereavement services
13. Deals with complex and sensitive information on a regular basis.
14. Awareness of national and local guidance
Personal Attributes
Essential criteria
15. Demonstrates insight into managing own stress levels.
16. Flexible approach to work and the changing needs of the service
17. Professional and patient focused.
Skills
Essential criteria
18. Reliable, adaptable to change and quick to learn and have ability to work on own initiative, or as part of a team.
19. Understands the need to prioritise and cope with changes at short notice.
20. Discrete and maintains confidentiality