Specialist Bereavement Counselling Co-ordinator

Job Summary
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.

About Us
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

Details

Date posted

16 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 6

Salary

£39,263 to £47,280 a year per annum, pro rata

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Part-time

Reference number

100-ACS A

Job locations

Ty Cymorth

Glangwili General Hospital

Carmarthen

SA31 2AF

Job Description
Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 17/10/2025

Job Description
Job responsibilities

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 17/10/2025

Person Specification

Essential
Qualifications and knowledge

• Relevant Diploma in Counselling or equivalent
• Registered and Accredited with the BACP
• Supervision Qualification
• Evidence of relevant grief practice

Desirable

• Related counselling qualifications
• Area of in depth knowledge/expertise

Experience
Essential

• Experience working in adult/child, Grief/Bereavement Counselling
• Receiving Clinical Supervision

Desirable

• Evidence of broad spectrum of relevant Counselling experience

Other
Essential

• Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner

Desirable

• Evidence of personal support network.
• Welsh Speaker (level 1)

Person Specification

Essential

• Ability to travel between sites in a timely manner

Desirable

• Evidence of personal support network.
• Welsh Speaker (level 1)

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions 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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

UK Registration

Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).

Employer details

Employer name

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Address

Ty Cymorth

Glangwili General Hospital

Carmarthen

SA31 2AF

Employer's website

(Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Hywel Dda University Health Board

Address

Ty Cymorth

Glangwili General Hospital

Carmarthen

SA31 2AF

Employer's website

(Opens in a new tab)