At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate counselling to those bereaved by suicide, offering both one-to-one and group support.
- Company: Join the award-winning Suicide Bereavement Service with Mind in Bexley and partners.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, supportive team environment, and regular supervision.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives during their most challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in bereavement counselling and working with young people aged 13 and over.
- Other info: Opportunity for personal growth in a rewarding and impactful role.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for the appointment of a bereavement counsellor in the award-winning Suicide Bereavement Service, delivered by Mind in Bexley together with partners South East London Mind and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. The service offers a community resource with open access to adults and young people bereaved by suicide across South East London (Bexley, Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark). The integrated team provides both one-to-one and group support, with the aim of reducing the risk of further deaths by suicide in this vulnerable group.
We are seeking an experienced bereavement counsellor who can work compassionately to deliver trauma-informed therapeutic support to people aged 13 and over bereaved by suicide. You will have evidence of post qualifying counselling experience, including of multidisciplinary working. You will be non-judgemental, caring, and resilient, with a good understanding of the issues presented by bereavement through suicide.
The ability to adapt your approach to a wide variety of people, being inclusive and sensitive to service users’ cultural and religious backgrounds, is essential. You will need to be able to work with sensitivity, respect other team members, and be open to learning. The role is demanding, so you will need to be emotionally intelligent and able to work within clear boundaries whilst being a reflective practitioner.
The team’s office is at the Bethlem Royal Hospital in West Wickham, Bromley. The successful candidate must be able to attend fortnightly team meetings at the office and be available to provide in-person counselling at least one day per week (either at the Bethlem Hospital or in the Lewisham/New Cross area). This is a part time role, working days must include Thursdays, with the other days being flexible from Monday-Friday. We are particularly interested in hearing from people able to work Mondays, Fridays or evenings to meet the needs of the service. The role may involve occasional evening and weekend working. You will be willing to work therapeutically face-to-face, by video call and by phone call, in response to client needs.
You will join a close, supportive team who share a passion for helping people cope with the impact of traumatic bereavement. You will have ownership over your work, while being well supported through regular supervision and reflective practice. For the right candidate, this unique role will be deeply rewarding.
Essential requirements for the post:
- Experience of providing counselling to bereaved people
- Experience of working with people at risk of suicide and managing client safety
- Experience of working with and willingness to work with young people aged 13 and over
- Experience of working in an agency setting
- Accredited membership, or registered and working towards accreditation, with one of the following regulatory bodies: BACP / NCS / UKCP
Interviews will take place week commencing 16th February 2026.
Bereavement Counsellor in Beckenham employer: Mind in Bexley
Contact Detail:
Mind in Bexley Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bereavement Counsellor in Beckenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health field, especially those who might know about opportunities in bereavement counselling. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job openings that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to bereavement counselling. Think about how you would handle sensitive situations and be ready to share your experiences. We want you to shine and show how compassionate you are!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your adaptability! In this role, you’ll need to work with diverse clients. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tailored your approach in past roles to meet different needs. It’s all about being inclusive and sensitive!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you on board to make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Bereavement Counsellor in Beckenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in bereavement counselling and working with vulnerable groups. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Your Compassion: In your written application, let your empathy shine through. Use language that reflects your understanding of the sensitive nature of this work. We’re looking for someone who can connect with people on a personal level, so make sure that comes across!
Be Clear and Concise: While we appreciate detail, clarity is key! Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points if necessary to make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mind in Bexley
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of bereavement counselling, especially in relation to suicide. Familiarise yourself with trauma-informed care principles and be ready to discuss how you've applied these in your previous roles.
✨Show Your Compassion
This role requires a lot of empathy and understanding. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated compassion and sensitivity, particularly when working with vulnerable individuals or those facing traumatic situations.
✨Be Culturally Aware
Since you'll be working with a diverse range of clients, it's crucial to show that you can adapt your approach to different cultural and religious backgrounds. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated these differences in your practice.
✨Reflect on Your Practice
As a reflective practitioner, be prepared to discuss how you handle emotional challenges in your work. Share how you seek supervision and support, and how this has helped you grow as a counsellor. This shows you're committed to your professional development.