At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead mortuary and bereavement services, ensuring compliance and supporting bereaved families.
- Company: Join King's College Hospital, a leading NHS Trust dedicated to transforming healthcare.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to sustainable healthcare and community support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment while helping families during difficult times.
- Qualifications: RSPH Diploma in Anatomical Pathology Technology and experience in bereavement services required.
The predicted salary is between 55524 - 62652 £ per year.
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s largest and busiest teaching Trusts with a turnover of c£2.1 billion, 1.5 million patient contacts a year and more than 14,000 staff based across 5 main sites in South East London. The Trust provides a full range of local hospital services across its different sites, and specialist services from King’s College Hospital (KCH) sites at Denmark Hill in Camberwell and at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) site in the London Borough of Bromley. We encourage all our staff to have a healthy work/life balance. In doing so, you can apply for flexible working from the beginning of your employment. We offer a range of options which are designed to suit different circumstances and priorities in line with service requirements.
To provide a professional, proactive and sensitive service to bereaved relatives, whilst ensuring the Trust’s statutory obligations are fulfilled. To take responsibility in continuously reviewing practice and developing policies which incorporate national guidance and Human Tissue Authority Legislation. To work closely with other key professionals both within and outside the Trust in order to meet individual needs. To promote an awareness of bereavement issues within a multi-faith, multi-cultural environment.
Main duties of the job:
- To deputise for the Head of Service.
- Organise and participate in routine and specialised postmortem provision, ensuring HTA compliance.
- Overseeing the day-to-day running of the mortuary and bereavement office.
- To work with the Head of Service in ensuring that all SOPs, risk assessments and audits are undertaken and updated as in line with departmental, Trust and HTA policies.
- To ensure robust traceability of all samples and deceased.
- Maintain cleaning/disinfection/maintenance of the department, ensuring the creation and maintaining of cleaning and maintenance records.
- Participate in on-call service rota.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities:
- To manage the bereavement supervisor and ensure the smooth running of the service in accordance with KCH guidelines and recommendations.
- Liaison with external agencies including the coroner’s office, Police, GP’s, Treasury Solicitors, councils and financial institutions.
- Ensure efficient and professional liaison with clinical, nursing and clerical staff and all other Trust staff.
- To ensure there is a robust system in place for the sensitive disposal of POC’s, ensuring compliance with Trust policy and national guidelines.
- To ensure all organs, tissue, blood and other samples are appropriately labelled, recorded and tracked and disposal records maintained.
- To take a leading role in Health and Safety ensuring safe and appropriate working practices within the department.
- Undertake staff appraisals for all levels of APTs and bereavement supervisor.
- Ensure the department provides a sensitive and professional viewing and identification service to the bereaved.
- To support the Head of Service in the production of staff rotas covering post mortem provision, emergency on call, annual leave etc.
- Ensure the maintenance of appropriate records within the department – mortuary register, Eden, equipment servicing, fridge/freezer temperatures, cleaning etc., ensuring compliance with HTA and codes of practice and standards.
- Ensure cultural and religious beliefs are respected and complied with at all times.
- Participate in the future development plans of Mortuary and Bereavement services.
Person specification:
- RSPH Diploma and Certificate in Anatomical Pathology Technology Level 4 Qualification.
- RSci/CSci Accredited or AHCS registered.
- Substantial skills in routine and specialised post mortems.
- Anatomical and Forensic Knowledge.
- A strong sense of personal and team accountability coupled to a clear understanding of the boundaries around delegated authority.
- Training and teaching skills.
- Experience of reporting and managing HTARIS.
- Excellent knowledge of clinical governance, HTA and Health and Safety legislation.
- Experience of working with bereavement services.
- Be able to deal with the physical and emotional aspects of work in the mortuary and bereavement services.
Service Lead for Mortuary and Bereavement in London employer: Kings College Hospital
King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead a dedicated anaesthetic team while contributing to teaching and research. With a strong focus on professional development, the Trust provides ample opportunities for continuous learning and career advancement, all within the supportive community of Princess Royal University Hospital, known for its commitment to high-quality patient care and innovative practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead for Mortuary and Bereavement in London
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Kings College Hospital.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Kings College Hospital.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Kings College Hospital, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead for Mortuary and Bereavement in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Kings College Hospital.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Kings College Hospital.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Kings College Hospital. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Kings College Hospital. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kings College Hospital
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Kings College Hospital’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
