Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for a Counsellor or Therapist to join our Family Support Team at Shooting Star Childrens Hospices, leading a new, two-stranded project focused on support groups for families and community-based counselling and therapy interventions. Shooting Star Childrens Hospices (SSCH) is a leading childrens hospice charity caring for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions, and their families.We support families across North West, Surrey and South West London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care. Our Care Events team provide an extensive programme of groups and events for the 750 life-limited children, their families and bereaved families. There are themed family events, support groups for siblings of different ages, pamper days for mums, counselling groups, memorial days and many festive events such as ice-skating at Hampton Court. There are 3-4 events each week, making many opportunities for families to make memories together, and to build a peer network of support. Main duties of the job Design and co-ordinate the implementation of new therapy groups for SSCH families over the next 12 months. The demand for psychosocial care for SSCH families has increased significantly over the last 5 years, with specific need for mental health and wellbeing care. The introduction of therapy groups will ensure the sustainability of our services and provide families with access to other families who have lived understanding of their experience. In this role you will co-ordinate and support the production of new support groups, being the lead counsellor/therapist on three of these. Design and implement a community counselling and therapies service in local settings in NWL ICB. SSCH serves four ICBs, with hospice buildings in Surrey and South West London. SSCH do not have a physical base in North West London ICB (NWL), and it is evident that engagement in our psychosocial care is lower in NWL. A pilot of community-based interventions in local hubs is planned to increase access, whilst also providing opportunities to learn the shape of service that families in NWL need. Key performance indicators: Successful launch of new groups and events. Family member engagement in therapy groups, reducing demand on individual interventions. Improvement in wait times for counselling and therapies. Attendance at family events in NWL with increased accessibility Safe delivery and take-up of therapies/counselling in NWL community hubs. About us Shooting Star Childrens Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved. Rated Outstanding by the Care Quality Commission, we support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care. Our specialist care and support is free of charge to families and available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It includes specialist nursing in the community, symptom management and pain relief, overnight respite stays, end-of-life care, specialist bereavement care and a comprehensive range of therapies, groups and clinics for the whole family. At the heart of what we do are our dedicated staff; their exceptional commitment and professionalism means every family has the opportunity to make every moment count. It costs £10 million a year to run Shooting Star Childrens Hospices. Just 30% of our funding comes from the government, so we rely on our supporters generosity to keep the service running. We employ 175 members of staff, including 98 nursing and medical staff, and support around 700 families. Date posted 23 April 2025 Pay scheme Other Salary £37,899.42 a year per annum Contract Fixed term Duration 12 months Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number B0299-CTGPL-0425 Job locations The Avenue Hampton TW12 3RA Christopher’s Shooting Star Hospices Old Portsmouth Road Artington Guildford GU3 1LP Job description Job responsibilities Part 1: Job Profile Background The demand for psychosocial care for SSCH families has increased significantly over the last 5 years, with specific need for mental health and wellbeing care. The launch of our Specialist Bereavement Service has reached families previously unknown and increased the psychosocial services caseload further. As the number of families needing care has increased substantially, it is essential to ensure the sustainability of the services maintaining timely access to therapies and counselling, and quality of care for all. A 12-month plan has been mapped to achieve this and ensure sustainability. SSCH serves four ICB areas, with hospice buildings in Surrey and South West London. SSCH do not have a physical base in North West London ICB (NWL), and it is evident from data analysis that engagement in psychosocial services is lower than in all other ICBs. Alongside initiatives to ensure sustainability, the 12-month plan includes a pilot of psychosocial groups and events, counselling and therapies delivered in community hubs in NWL. Main purpose of job 1. Co-ordinate the design and implementation of new therapeutic group interventions for SSCH families over the next 12 months. 2. Support the design and pilot of the community counselling and therapies service in community hubs in NWL ICB. Key performance indicators: Successful launch of new groups and events. Family member engagement in therapy groups, reducing demand on individual interventions. Improvement in wait times for counselling and therapies. Attendance at family events in NWL with increased accessibility Safe delivery and take-up of therapies/counselling in NWL community hubs. A final report detailing impact, learning and recommendations will be shared with appropriate stakeholders. Work relationships This role sits in the Care Events Team, and will involve work specifically with: The Counselling Team The Therapies Team The West London sub-team of counsellors, therapists and family support worker(s). The person in role will attend the weekly Care Events meeting, Specialist Psychosocial MDT and contribute towards the Counselling and Therapies Team meetings. The role involves working with the wider care directorate, and networking with other local services and venues, to enhance knowledge and understanding, and to support the quality improvement of SSCH services in NWL. Part 2: Main duties and key responsibilities 1. Design and co-ordinate the implementation of 14 new therapeutic group interventions for SSCH families over the next 12 months. Take leadership of 3 groups: Breathe, Chill Bean Virtual Grandparents Group and the Aunts, Uncles and Adult Siblings Virtual Group, creating the materials and facilitating the groups with families. Support and coordinate those who are leading the other 12 new therapeutic groups with administrative support and guidance: Flourish, Bereaved Flourish, Sensory Move and Groove, GTEP, Bereaved Counselling Group for Parents of Over 1s, Bereaved Counselling Group for Parents of Under 1s, Virtual Teen Bereavement Group, 3 day Grief Workshop for Siblings, Family Friends Webinar, Ages & Stages Webinar, Schools Webinar, Employers Webinar Support the Lead Facilitators to create appropriate content and materials to advertise new group interventions on the SSCH website and upload/design the content. Co-ordinate the self-referral pathway for the new groups on the SSCH website through processing referrals as they arrive, directing for risk assessment and conducting risk assessments with families. Create events on Eventbrite to allow communication about groups and events to be delivered to families in a professional and consistent manner. Ensure tasks set out in the Lead Facilitator checklist are complete, including record of attendance entered by the therapist/counsellor as an Event on the Care Database. Utilise counsellor/therapist expertise to inform/oversee group criteria, objectives and evaluation of each group, ensuring details are accurate in the Catalogue. Include appropriate evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to meet the emerging needs of SSCH children and families. Promote the psychosocial groups and events at MDTs, counsellor meetings and therapy meetings, identifying families who may benefit. Identify training requirements in staff members and volunteers facilitating groups. Work alongside the Psychosocial Leads and Head of Psychosocial Services in addressing issues arising in project areas. Communicate new group initiatives with the wider organisation via Constellation, policy and guidance. Support the therapeutic design and delivery of social family events in NWL. Collate data regarding engagement and impact of the new groups in a short monthly report/presentation for the Head of Psychosocial Services and Psychosocial Leads. 2. Design and implement a community counselling and therapies service in local settings in NWL ICB. Support those implementing community therapy/counselling work with a client through the following tasks. Audit the counselling and therapy waiting list to identify families appropriate for a community hub therapy/counselling and identify appropriate locations. Attend MDT and counsellor/therapy meetings to identify families at point of offer/referral. Create a list of essential and desirable specifications for community venues for the Strategy and Partnership Team to locate appropriate venues. Co-ordinate and source equipment required for delivery of counselling/therapies in a community venues. Ensure appropriate safety training, for example regarding lone-working, professional boundaries. Ensure risk assessments are in place for the safe and effective delivery of community hub psychological interventions, ensuring this is in place for each hub. Create a checklist for therapists/counsellors delivering community hub sessions. Help achieve a fresh understanding of the needs of families in NWL communities, to ensure the support is accessible, meaningful and effective through supporting research. Work with the PR and Comms team to inform and update SSCH families and the wider organisation of new community offer. Collate data regarding engagement and impact of community interventions in a short monthly report/presentation for the Head of Psychosocial Services and Psychosocial Leads. 3. Leadership Role model our commitment to cultivating diversity and inclusiveness, placing value on leveraging the rich array of perspectives and experiences that make up our diverse communities. Ensure innovation in psychosocial services flourishes through actively incorporating a wide array of insights and practices. Work with team leaders to create an environment where differences are not just recognised, but are integral to the fabric of our operations. Adhere to SSCH policies and procedures. a) Other duties The post holder must be able and willing to get to Shooting Star House in Hampton, and on occasion to Christophers in Guildford. The post holder will need to travel extensively throughout NWL and less frequently in other parts of Surrey and South West London The post holder will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check b) Mandatory Criteria The post holder will be working in a developing environment and they will therefore be expected to undertake other appropriate duties as required for the effective operation of Shooting Star Childrens Hospices. 1. Professional Codes of Conduct The post holder will be required to respect professional codes of conduct and practice relevant to their role, as appropriate 2. Health and Safety Be responsible for health and safety in the area under their control and ensure that they are familiar with Shooting Star Childrens Hospices policy on health and safety at work. 3. Mandatory Training The post holder will attend all mandatory training relevant to their role 4. Our values and behaviours Shooting Star Childrens Hospices is a leading childrens hospice charity for babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions, and their families. We require that all of our staff share our common values and display behaviors that will enable us to achieve our goals. Professionalism we will safeguard our families, each other and our organisation by working to ethical and professional standards at all times. Respect We will treat each other with the utmost respect. Integrity We will be open, honest and transparent in all that we do. Diversity We will respect individuality and ensure inclusion and fairness to all. Excellence We will strive for excellence in all that we do. Behaviours Framework Shooting Star Childrens Hospices is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of children and young people. All staff members are expected to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes undergoing appropriate training, following reporting protocols for any concerns related to child welfare, and promoting a safe and supportive environment for children and young people. We are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Before commencing employment, successful candidates will be required to provide satisfactory references and undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Job description Job responsibilities Part 1: Job Profile Background The demand for psychosocial care for SSCH families has increased significantly over the last 5 years, with specific need for mental health and wellbeing care. The launch of our Specialist Bereavement Service has reached families previously unknown and increased the psychosocial services caseload further. As the number of families needing care has increased substantially, it is essential to ensure the sustainability of the services maintaining timely access to therapies and counselling, and quality of care for all. A 12-month plan has been mapped to achieve this and ensure sustainability. SSCH serves four ICB areas, with hospice buildings in Surrey and South West London. SSCH do not have a physical base in North West London ICB (NWL), and it is evident from data analysis that engagement in psychosocial services is lower than in all other ICBs. Alongside initiatives to ensure sustainability, the 12-month plan includes a pilot of psychosocial groups and events, counselling and therapies delivered in community hubs in NWL. Main purpose of job 1. Co-ordinate the design and implementation of new therapeutic group interventions for SSCH families over the next 12 months. 2. Support the design and pilot of the community counselling and therapies service in community hubs in NWL ICB. Key performance indicators: Successful launch of new groups and events. Family member engagement in therapy groups, reducing demand on individual interventions. Improvement in wait times for counselling and therapies. Attendance at family events in NWL with increased accessibility Safe delivery and take-up of therapies/counselling in NWL community hubs. A final report detailing impact, learning and recommendations will be shared with appropriate stakeholders. Work relationships This role sits in the Care Events Team, and will involve work specifically with: The Counselling Team The Therapies Team The West London sub-team of counsellors, therapists and family support worker(s). The person in role will attend the weekly Care Events meeting, Specialist Psychosocial MDT and contribute towards the Counselling and Therapies Team meetings. The role involves working with the wider care directorate, and networking with other local services and venues, to enhance knowledge and understanding, and to support the quality improvement of SSCH services in NWL. Part 2: Main duties and key responsibilities 1. Design and co-ordinate the implementation of 14 new therapeutic group interventions for SSCH families over the next 12 months. Take leadership of 3 groups: Breathe, Chill Bean Virtual Grandparents Group and the Aunts, Uncles and Adult Siblings Virtual Group, creating the materials and facilitating the groups with families. Support and coordinate those who are leading the other 12 new therapeutic groups with administrative support and guidance: Flourish, Bereaved Flourish, Sensory Move and Groove, GTEP, Bereaved Counselling Group for Parents of Over 1s, Bereaved Counselling Group for Parents of Under 1s, Virtual Teen Bereavement Group, 3 day Grief Workshop for Siblings, Family Friends Webinar, Ages & Stages Webinar, Schools Webinar, Employers Webinar Support the Lead Facilitators to create appropriate content and materials to advertise new group interventions on the SSCH website and upload/design the content. Co-ordinate the self-referral pathway for the new groups on the SSCH website through processing referrals as they arrive, directing for risk assessment and conducting risk assessments with families. Create events on Eventbrite to allow communication about groups and events to be delivered to families in a professional and consistent manner. Ensure tasks set out in the Lead Facilitator checklist are complete, including record of attendance entered by the therapist/counsellor as an Event on the Care Database. Utilise counsellor/therapist expertise to inform/oversee group criteria, objectives and evaluation of each group, ensuring details are accurate in the Catalogue. Include appropriate evidence-based and trauma-informed approaches to meet the emerging needs of SSCH children and families. Promote the psychosocial groups and events at MDTs, counsellor meetings and therapy meetings, identifying families who may benefit. Identify training requirements in staff members and volunteers facilitating groups. Work alongside the Psychosocial Leads and Head of Psychosocial Services in addressing issues arising in project areas. Communicate new group initiatives with the wider organisation via Constellation, policy and guidance. Support the therapeutic design and delivery of social family events in NWL. Collate data regarding engagement and impact of the new groups in a short monthly report/presentation for the Head of Psychosocial Services and Psychosocial Leads. 2. Design and implement a community counselling and therapies service in local settings in NWL ICB. Support those implementing community therapy/counselling work with a client through the following tasks. Audit the counselling and therapy waiting list to identify families appropriate for a community hub therapy/counselling and identify appropriate locations. Attend MDT and counsellor/therapy meetings to identify families at point of offer/referral. Create a list of essential and desirable specifications for community venues for the Strategy and Partnership Team to locate appropriate venues. Co-ordinate and source equipment required for delivery of counselling/therapies in a community venues. Ensure appropriate safety training, for example regarding lone-working, professional boundaries. Ensure risk assessments are in place for the safe and effective delivery of community hub psychological interventions, ensuring this is in place for each hub. Create a checklist for therapists/counsellors delivering community hub sessions. Help achieve a fresh understanding of the needs of families in NWL communities, to ensure the support is accessible, meaningful and effective through supporting research. Work with the PR and Comms team to inform and update SSCH families and the wider organisation of new community offer. Collate data regarding engagement and impact of community interventions in a short monthly report/presentation for the Head of Psychosocial Services and Psychosocial Leads. 3. Leadership Role model our commitment to cultivating diversity and inclusiveness, placing value on leveraging the rich array of perspectives and experiences that make up our diverse communities. Ensure innovation in psychosocial services flourishes through actively incorporating a wide array of insights and practices. Work with team leaders to create an environment where differences are not just recognised, but are integral to the fabric of our operations. Adhere to SSCH policies and procedures. a) Other duties The post holder must be able and willing to get to Shooting Star House in Hampton, and on occasion to Christophers in Guildford. The post holder will need to travel extensively throughout NWL and less frequently in other parts of Surrey and South West London The post holder will be required to apply for an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check b) Mandatory Criteria The post holder will be working in a developing environment and they will therefore be expected to undertake other appropriate duties as required for the effective operation of Shooting Star Childrens Hospices. 1. Professional Codes of Conduct The post holder will be required to respect professional codes of conduct and practice relevant to their role, as appropriate 2. Health and Safety Be responsible for health and safety in the area under their control and ensure that they are familiar with Shooting Star Childrens Hospices policy on health and safety at work. 3. Mandatory Training The post holder will attend all mandatory training relevant to their role 4. Our values and behaviours Shooting Star Childrens Hospices is a leading childrens hospice charity for babies, children and young people with life limiting conditions, and their families. We require that all of our staff share our common values and display behaviors that will enable us to achieve our goals. Professionalism we will safeguard our families, each other and our organisation by working to ethical and professional standards at all times. Respect We will treat each other with the utmost respect. Integrity We will be open, honest and transparent in all that we do. Diversity We will respect individuality and ensure inclusion and fairness to all. Excellence We will strive for excellence in all that we do. Behaviours Framework Shooting Star Childrens Hospices is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of children and young people. All staff members are expected to adhere to our safeguarding policies and procedures. This includes undergoing appropriate training, following reporting protocols for any concerns related to child welfare, and promoting a safe and supportive environment for children and young people. We are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Before commencing employment, successful candidates will be required to provide satisfactory references and undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check Person Specification Qualifications Essential Recognised counselling/therapy qualification Accredited counsellor/therapist with BACP/UKCP/HCPC Desirable Project management training, qualification Experience Essential Significant experience working with adults in groups (formal/informal) Experience of implementing clinical projects/quality improvement. Knowledge of safe delivery of counselling, therapy and emotional support. Flexibility in counselling/therapy approach, tailored to needs of the client population. Excellent digital admin skills (use of Eventbrite, website dashboard, Exell, 365, care notes) Experience of implementing change projects. Excellent communication skills. Experience of working with children and families who have experienced hardship. Evidence of non-discriminatory non-judgemental practice. Desirable Significant experience working with children and young people in groups (formal/informal) Experience of working in a palliative care environment Experience of conducting research semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Fluent in additional language. General attributes Essential Digital skills Car owner/driver with full UK drivers licence Collaborative working style Report writing Ability to organise self, methodical and able to multi-task Emotionally intelligent and resilient Ability to motivate and inspire Person Specification Qualifications Essential Recognised counselling/therapy qualification Accredited counsellor/therapist with BACP/UKCP/HCPC Desirable Project management training, qualification Experience Essential Significant experience working with adults in groups (formal/informal) Experience of implementing clinical projects/quality improvement. Knowledge of safe delivery of counselling, therapy and emotional support. Flexibility in counselling/therapy approach, tailored to needs of the client population. Excellent digital admin skills (use of Eventbrite, website dashboard, Exell, 365, care notes) Experience of implementing change projects. Excellent communication skills. Experience of working with children and families who have experienced hardship. Evidence of non-discriminatory non-judgemental practice. Desirable Significant experience working with children and young people in groups (formal/informal) Experience of working in a palliative care environment Experience of conducting research semi-structured interviews and focus groups. Fluent in additional language. General attributes Essential Digital skills Car owner/driver with full UK drivers licence Collaborative working style Report writing Ability to organise self, methodical and able to multi-task Emotionally intelligent and resilient Ability to motivate and inspire Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Address The Avenue Hampton TW12 3RA Employer's website https://www.shootingstar.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)