At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide vital pre and post bereavement support to children and families facing life-limiting illness.
- Company: Rowans Hospice, a charity dedicated to supporting the community in Portsmouth and South-East Hampshire.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, health programme, career development, and free parking.
- Other info: Join a dedicated team committed to equal opportunities and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and families during challenging times.
- Qualifications: Experience in psychosocial assessments and a passion for supporting young people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About Us
Rowans Hospice is a charity that provides free care and support to adults and their families living in the Portsmouth and South‑East Hampshire region who have a life‑limiting illness. Established in 1994, our income is generated by ongoing support of the local community, donations, legacies, fundraising and through our retail shops.
The Role
The Child Bereavement Specialist will work within the Meerkats Team, which is managed by the Child Bereavement Manager, who is responsible to the Child Bereavement Lead. The role is based at Rowans Hospice, Purbrook. The Child Bereavement Specialist provides specialist pre and post bereavement support to children and young people up to the age of 18 who have a significant adult with a life limiting illness or who have died. The role will continue development and delivery of the Meerkat Service at Rowans Hospice, delivering high quality, developmentally appropriate psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interventions within the adult hospice setting, recognising the unique impact of life limiting illness and bereavement on children and families. You will work collaboratively with hospice colleagues and external partners to ensure children’s needs are identified early and responded to appropriately.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake specialist psychosocial assessments of children, young people and families affected by serious illness or bereavement, demonstrating respect for each child’s developmental stage and lived experience.
- Identify emotional and psychosocial needs and support families in responding to these with honesty and clarity.
- Provide developmentally appropriate pre and post bereavement support through individual sessions, family guidance and group work.
- Provide guidance to parents, carers and other adults supporting children through illness and bereavement, ensuring they feel valued and informed.
- Maintain an active clinical caseload and prioritise referrals according to clinical need and service capacity.
- Support children experiencing anticipatory grief when a significant adult has a life limiting illness.
- Provide post bereavement support to children and families following the death of a significant adult.
- Facilitate group support programmes for children and young people where appropriate.
- Respond to crisis situations involving families when required, acting with Trust and calm professionalism.
What we Offer
In addition to working for a meaningful cause, we provide:
- Company pension (NHS pension retained if transferring from NHS)
- Continuous service recognised if transferring from NHS
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Free parking
- DSE equipment & uniforms provided
- Generous holiday allowance
- Career development opportunities
- Blue Light Card membership
Join Our Team
Apply today and be part of a dedicated team providing vital hospice care to the community. Rowans Hospice is committed to equal opportunities and inclusion in the workplace, welcoming applications from all backgrounds. For further information please review the Job Description and to apply for the role please use our online application form. For an informal discussion about the role please contact Sophie de Bere on 02392 248025 or email recruitment@rowanshospice.co.uk. Rowans Hospice is committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of all children and vulnerable adults needing our care and support. Subsequently, our recruitment process is thorough, ensuring a consistent and detailed approach to gather information from and about candidates so that all persons appointed are suitable to work with children and vulnerable adults. Apply now and make a difference!
Closing date: 01 May 2026
First Stage Interview date: 12 May 2026
Second Stage Interview date: 14 May 2026
Child Bereavement Specialist in Winchester employer: The Rowans Hospice
Rowans Hospice is an exceptional employer, dedicated to providing meaningful support to children and families facing life-limiting illnesses. Located in Purbrook, our work culture fosters collaboration and compassion, offering generous benefits such as a company pension, career development opportunities, and a health & wellbeing programme. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions and promotes personal growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Child Bereavement Specialist in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the hospice and healthcare community. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet professionals who might know about job openings or can give you insider tips.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Rowans Hospice, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions, especially around bereavement support.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with someone from the team, let them know why you care about supporting children and families through bereavement. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Rowans Hospice team.
We think you need these skills to ace Child Bereavement Specialist in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Before you start writing, make sure you understand the role of a Child Bereavement Specialist. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you tailor your application to show us why you're the perfect fit!
Be Personal:When writing your application, don’t just list your qualifications. Share your personal experiences or motivations for wanting to work in this field. We love hearing genuine stories that connect you to the role and show us your passion for supporting children and families.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Make sure your application is well-structured and easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon. This helps us quickly see your strengths and how you can contribute to our team at Rowans Hospice.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our online form! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your details and ensures everything is in one place. Plus, it shows us you’re keen to join our team at Rowans Hospice!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Rowans Hospice
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Child Bereavement Specialist and the unique challenges faced by children dealing with loss. Familiarise yourself with Rowans Hospice's mission and values, as well as the Meerkats Team's approach to support.
✨Show Empathy
During the interview, demonstrate your ability to connect with children and families in distress. Share examples from your past experiences where you've provided emotional support or guidance, highlighting your understanding of their needs.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if Rowans Hospice is the right fit for you.
✨Be Professional Yet Approachable
While it's important to maintain professionalism, remember that this role requires a warm and approachable demeanour. Practice how you can balance both during the interview, so you come across as someone who can be trusted by families in need.
