Bereavement Support Lead

Sands exists to save babies’ lives and ensure that anyone affected by pregnancy loss or baby death receives the support and care they need.

Our Bereavement Support Services team provides a wide range of services including a freephone Helpline, Online Community, Social Media support, memory making resources and print materials in order to provide consistent, high-quality information and support to bereaved families.

In this role you will provide operational and line management support so that the team can provide consistent, high-quality emotional support to bereaved families who seek support from Sands, as well as supervising the work of the Bereavement Support Officers whilst working on a rota basis.  You will also personally provide support to families via our various bereavement support channels.

The Sands Helpline is currently open from 10.00am to 3.00pm from Monday to Friday, and also between 6.00pm and 9.00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.   You will be expected to work regular shifts on a rota basis.

With significant experience of managing a team responding to people in crisis and  providing bereavement-centred support in a variety of settings and channels, you will be able to demonstrate a sound understanding of and empathy with, the issues surrounding the death of a baby. 

You will have excellent verbal and written communication skills, and be able to use these appropriately to offer telephone and email support to bereaved families.

The ability to professionally represent the charity’s views and positions clearly is essential, as are strong research skills and the ability to keep accurate and clear records in a variety of formats. Additionally, you will have a thorough understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding issues.

You will be highly-organised and have effective time management skills with the ability to manage your own workload.  The ability to reflect on your own practice and attend regular accredited clinical supervision is also essential.   

Please note that this is a 9-month fixed-term role to cover maternity leave.