At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide compassionate emotional support to patients and families during challenging times.
- Company: Join a leading hospice dedicated to high-quality palliative care.
- Benefits: Flexible part-time hours, ongoing training, and 27 days holiday.
- Other info: Supportive team environment focused on personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in people's lives every day.
- Qualifications: BACP or UKCP accredited counselling qualification and proven experience.
The predicted salary is between 27738 - 28566 £ per year.
Join our compassionate team supporting patients and loved ones. Are you passionate about providing compassionate, person-centred emotional support and looking for a role where you can truly make a difference? Our vision is a community where people live and die well, supported with dignity, respect and compassion. As a Counsellor within our Supportive Care Team, you’ll play a vital role in helping patients, families and those who have been bereaved navigate some of life’s most challenging moments.
Working both within the hospice and out in the community, you’ll deliver high-quality counselling support that addresses the emotional and psychological needs of those affected by life-limiting illness and bereavement.
Job Details
- Location: St Peter & St James Hospice, BN8 4ED (including community visits)
- Salary: £14.19 - £14.61 per hour (£27,738- £28,566 per annum, full-time equivalent)
- Contract Type: Bank (zero hours)
- Closing Date: We will be shortlisting and interviewing as applications are received, so early applications are strongly encouraged.
What you’ll be doing
- Provide specialist emotional and psychological support, working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Deliver compassionate, person-centred counselling:
- Assess and respond to the emotional and psychological needs of patients, families, carers and the bereaved.
- Provide one-to-one counselling sessions tailored to individual needs.
- Offer support through complex grief, anticipatory grief and end-of-life experiences.
- Ensure dignity, empathy and respect remain central to all interactions.
- Provide bereavement support and group work.
- Develop and facilitate bereavement support groups.
- Deliver structured and informal group sessions within the hospice and community.
- Support individuals at different stages of grief with sensitivity and professionalism.
- Work as part of a multidisciplinary team:
- Collaborate closely with clinical and supportive care colleagues.
- Contribute to holistic care planning and patient support.
- Manage and maintain your own caseload effectively across hospice and community settings.
- Maintain professional standards and safe practice:
- Assess and manage clinical risk within counselling and bereavement work.
- Maintain accurate and confidential records.
- Engage in supervision, reflective practice and ongoing professional development.
What we’re looking for
- BACP or UKCP accredited (or equivalent recognised counselling qualification).
- Proven counselling experience, ideally within palliative care, bereavement or healthcare settings.
- Ability to assess complex emotional needs using professional judgement.
- Confidence managing an independent caseload.
- Strong understanding of grief, loss and the complexities of bereavement work.
- Excellent communication, empathy and organisational skills.
- Commitment to ongoing CPD and professional development.
- Experience of working with/supporting volunteers.
- Confident in the use of technology and IT and client record systems.
Why join our team?
- A welcoming, open and compassionate counselling team.
- The opportunity to make a meaningful difference every day.
- Flexible part-time working.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities.
- A supportive, multidisciplinary environment focused on high-quality, person-centred care.
Please view the full job description and person specification at the bottom of the webpage. For an informal chat about the role, please contact Phillippa Jones, Head of Supportive Care (pjones@stpjhospice.org).
The Organisation
St Peter & St James Hospice is a leading provider of specialist palliative and end of life care for our Mid-Sussex community. People affected by life-limiting illness are central to everything we do and it is our mission to ensure they receive the best possible care, in the right place, at the right time. Our services are free of charge and can be accessed at home, in a care setting, or at the Hospice in North Chailey.
We achieve our goals through the organisation’s talented people, by attracting, retaining and developing a highly skilled, diverse and engaged workforce. Over 150 employees and 400 volunteers work in a variety of roles across our Clinical Services, Retail and Support Functions.
If you're looking to put your skills to use in an organisation that makes a difference for its local community and values Compassion, Integrity, Accountability, Excellence and Inclusivity then click 'Apply Now'!
The Benefits
- 27 days holiday
- Company sick pay scheme
- Enhanced maternity/adoption pay
- Monthly occupational health clinics
- Leadership development programme
- 20% discount in our charity shops
Our people
Our people are our strength. We value diversity and inclusion so encourage applications from everyone, regardless of race, national origin, sex, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability or age.
Please ensure you have your own means of transport as the hospice is not accessible by bus and is located on a main road without public footpath.
If you have any questions about this vacancy or require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process, please contact us on hr@stpjhospice.org.
Please note we may shortlist and interview candidates as applications are received. Offers of employment are subject to satisfactory results from pre-employment checks (right to work, references, Occupational Health, and DBS if applicable).
Counsellor in Lewes employer: St Peter & St James Hospice
St Peter & St James Hospice is an exceptional employer, offering a compassionate and supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the lives of patients and their families. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a focus on teamwork, you will find ample opportunities for personal and professional growth while contributing to high-quality, person-centred care in the Mid-Sussex community.
Contact Details:
St Peter & St James Hospice Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Counsellor in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare and counselling fields. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research common questions for counselling roles and practice your responses. Think about your experiences and how they align with the compassionate care we value at St Peter & St James Hospice. Show them you’re the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest roles we have available, so you won’t miss out on any opportunities to join our amazing team.
We think you need these skills to ace Counsellor in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Compassion:When writing your application, let your passion for providing compassionate support shine through. Use examples from your experience that highlight your ability to connect with patients and their families during tough times.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Counsellor role. Mention your relevant qualifications and experiences, especially in palliative care or bereavement, to show us you’re the right fit.
Be Professional Yet Personal:While it’s important to maintain professionalism, don’t shy away from adding a personal touch. Share your motivations for applying and how you align with our values of compassion, integrity, and teamwork.
Apply Early!:Since we’re shortlisting as applications come in, don’t wait until the last minute! Get your application in through our website as soon as possible to increase your chances of being considered.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Peter & St James Hospice
✨Understand the Role
Before your interview, take the time to thoroughly read the job description. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the qualities they’re looking for in a Counsellor. This will help you tailor your answers to demonstrate how your skills and experiences align with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Compassion
As a Counsellor, empathy is crucial. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you provided emotional support or helped someone through a difficult time. Highlighting your compassionate approach will resonate well with the interviewers and show that you embody their values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your ability to handle complex emotional situations. Think of scenarios where you had to manage grief or provide support in challenging circumstances. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and decision-making skills during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you’ll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about their team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you.
