We are seeking an experienced counsellor or psychotherapist to provide specialist assessment and support to bereaved individuals, including those with more complex needs, identifying and responding appropriately to risk and safeguarding concerns.
This role will have accountability for the day to day management of service referrals, caseloads and delivery of bereavement support.
An important part of the role will be managing and developing our bereavement support volunteer team, ensuring volunteers and counselling students are recruited, inducted, supported and supervised to provide high-quality, safe and compassionate support.
Role Details
- Salary: £19,225.38- £23,403.04 per annum
- Agenda for Change equivalent: Band 5
- Working pattern: Part time 22.5 hours a week, worked Monday to Wednesday
- Contract: Permanent
This cross-county role will be based across our Taunton and Yeovil hospice sites, with regular travel across Somerset as part of the role.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Assessing complex bereavement needs and developing appropriate, person-centred plans of support.
- Managing and prioritising referrals and caseloads effectively.
- Supporting people experiencing grief and loss with compassion, sensitivity and appropriate professional boundaries.
- Leading, supporting and supervising Bereavement Support Volunteers and counselling students on placement.
- Supporting the recruitment, induction, development and retention of bereavement volunteers.
- Working collaboratively with hospice multidisciplinary teams and external health, social care and community services.
- Recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding and other areas of risk.
- Monitoring service quality and outcomes through data, audit and the experiences of people accessing support.
- Developing and reviewing bereavement policies, procedures and operational guidance.
- Providing training and education to staff, volunteers and other professionals.
- Contributing to service reports and the continued development of high-quality, equitable bereavement support across the county.
- Representing St Margaret’s Hospice within local and national bereavement networks.
What We’re Looking For
- Experience of providing therapeutic, counselling or specialist bereavement support.
- The ability to assess complex needs and identify and manage risk appropriately.
- A strong understanding of professional boundaries, safeguarding and confidentiality.
- Experience of supporting, supervising and developing others, ideally including volunteers or students.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- The confidence to work collaboratively across multidisciplinary and organisational boundaries.
- An evidence-based approach to practice and a commitment to continuing professional development.
- An interest in service improvement, evaluation and demonstrating outcomes.
- A commitment to equality, diversity and ensuring equitable access to support.
- The resilience, reflective practice and self-awareness required to work effectively within bereavement care.
Our Values
At St Margaret’s Hospice, our values guide everything we do. We are:
- Compassionate:Kindness and care for everyone, every day
- Collaborative:One team, working together for one goal
- Ambitious:Striving for better, now and into the future.
Inclusive recruitment
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. If your experience broadly matches the role and you’re motivated to make a difference, we encourage you to apply.
If you need adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk or call 01823 774834.
Why join St Margaret’s Hospice?
You won’t just be joining a fantastic team—you’ll become part of a welcoming, community-minded charity making a real difference every day.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment alongside a range of benefits including:
Holiday entitlement
- 33 days including bank holidays, rising to 35 days after 1 year, and increasing with length of service (pro-rata if part-time)
- For Band 5 clinical roles, annual leave entitlement may include reckonable service from previous clinical roles at Band 5 or above, where joining us directly from the NHS or another hospice.*
- Ability to buy and sell annual leave
Pension scheme
- NHS pension continuation where applicable*
- 6% employer / 5% employee contribution for non-NHS staff
Additional Benefits
- Life assurance cover (2x salary)*
- Health Cash Plans
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access, counselling, wellbeing support, and legal/financial advice
- Blue Light Discount Card
- Enhanced maternity leave*
- Excellent learning and development opportunities
- Free on-site parking in Yeovil and Taunton
- Opportunities to volunteer and support fundraising initiatives
*Eligibility criteria applies
Closing date:02/11/2026
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visasponsorshipat this time.
Safer Recruitment
St Margaret's Hospice are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of those who use our services.
As part of our safer recruitment processes, all offers of employment are subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks relevant to the role. These may include verification of identity, right to work,references, qualifications,DBS,and otherregulatory, fraud prevention,and compliance checks.
The Disclosure and Barring Service offers a confidential checking service for transgender applicants. This route gives applicants the choice not to have any gender or name information disclosed on their DBS certificate and is available for all levels of DBS check.
Counsellor or Psychotherapist - Bereavement in Taunton employer: St. Margaret’s Hospice
St Margaret’s Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values the contributions of every team member. Located in Taunton, this role provides meaningful opportunities for professional growth within the healthcare sector, allowing you to make a real difference in the community while enjoying flexible part-time hours. With a focus on employee well-being and development, you will thrive in an environment that prioritises high standards of clinical governance and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor or Psychotherapist - Bereavement in Taunton
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like St. Margaret’s Hospice often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at St. Margaret’s Hospice
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at St. Margaret’s Hospice. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at St. Margaret’s Hospice.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at St. Margaret’s Hospice.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at St. Margaret’s Hospice.
