Walking side by side, we offer emotional and practical support to families experiencing child loss or those caring for a child with medical complexities who may face an uncertain future. We enable them to create memories cocooned in the sanctuary of Reuben’s Retreat, underpinned by our compassionate hearts.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
The Family Wellbeing Champion will provide individualised bereavement support services to families who have experienced child loss, creating safe spaces for emotional and social healing. This includes coordinating therapeutic and recreational activities, arranging restorative breaks, and developing programmes that respect and nurture each family’s unique journey. This role requires empathy, emotional resilience, and a commitment to high standards of administrative and operational practice. The post holder must manage their own well-being while supporting families through sensitive experiences. Working collaboratively with the Family Support Team, the Family Wellbeing Champion will continuously monitor and enhance services to ensure they meet the needs of families and adhere to safeguarding and funder requirements.
DUTIES AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide exceptional support and activity programmes for families bereaved of a child, designed in partnership with the Head of Family Support & Wellbeing (FSWB) and the family team overseen by the CEO.
Prepare Risk Assessments and implement management plans to ensure all activities are safe.
Act as an ambassador for Reuben’s Retreat, fostering relationships with partner organisations to support families.
Collect qualitative evaluation data and develop methods to measure project impact.
Ensure targets are achieved in line with our strategy.
Maintain high standards of written communication and competencies in Microsoft Office.
Plan, organise, and operate all areas of work effectively.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Respond in a timely fashion to all requests for support while maintaining a heart-centred approach.
Conduct initial family needs assessments with the family team and CEO to ensure tailored support.
Monitor and review families receiving support and plan the development of individual and group activities.
Plan and implement a calendar of events for different beneficiary groups.
Host events and activities, sourcing qualified personnel and volunteers as required.
Recruit and induct counsellors and therapists, verifying qualifications and suitability.
Liaise with counsellors to arrange support appointments and monitor relationships.
Ensure effective communication channels are in place for concerns and support.
The post holder will work flexibly in various venues with regular evening and weekend work. They will have access to confidential information and must uphold strict confidentiality regarding beneficiaries and staff.
Person Specification
EXPERIENCE
Previous experience in a supportive or therapeutic environment (E).
Experience supporting bereaved individuals, including children and families (E).
Experience designing or contributing to innovative support programmes (D).
Experience with families facing complex needs (D).
Knowledge of safeguarding practices (E).
Experience in project evaluation (D).
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE
Relevant qualification in health, social care, childcare, or community work (minimum Level 5) or equivalent experience (D).
Effective communication skills across diverse backgrounds (E).
Strong verbal and written communication skills (E).
Understanding of interventions that reduce social isolation (D).
Awareness of the challenges faced by families using Reuben’s Retreat support services (D).
Self-motivated, able to manage priorities and work independently (E).
Competent in Microsoft Office, including diary management (E).
Strong organisational and administrative skills (E).
Full driver’s licence and access to a car for local and occasional longer-distance travel (E).
PERSONAL QUALITIES
Emotionally resilient, able to support others in distressing situations (E).
Empathetic towards families with children facing medical complexities and those bereaved (E).
Warm, friendly, and approachable character (E).
Highly organised, able to manage multiple tasks (E).
Discreet and adaptable, demonstrating flexibility (E).
Respectful of confidentiality and professional boundaries (E).
Aligned with Reuben’s Retreat’s values of Authentic, Compassionate, Unique, and Trusted (E).
Able to work outside of normal hours, including evenings and weekends (E).