OVERVIEW
Walking side-by side, offering emotional and practical support to families of child loss or those that have a child with medical complexities and may face an uncertain future. Enabling them to create memories cocooned in the sanctuary of Reuben’s Retreat underpinned by our army of compassionate hearts.
MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB
The Family Wellbeing Champion will provide compassionate, 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 a strong sense of empathy, emotional resilience, and a commitment to high standards of administrative and operational practice. The post holder must be able to manage their own well-being while supporting families through deeply 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
* Provision of 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 – offering a provision of excellent wide-ranging support and activity programme for bereaved families.
* Preparation of Risk Assessments and implementation of management plans to ensure all activities are safe for all involved.
* Act as an ambassador for Reuben’s Retreat, foster and build key relationships with partner organisations to support all families who need support from the charity.
* Collect qualitative evaluation data and develop a range of formal and informal evaluation methods to measure the changes as a result of the project.
* Ensure targets are achieved in line with our strategy.
* Take individual responsibility for agreed objectives and targets.
* Keep abreast of changes in policy that may impact Family support services.
* Provide an exceptional standard of written communication and competencies around Microsoft Office and its associated programmes.
* Plan, organise, administer, and operate all areas of work effectively and to a high standard.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
* Respond in a timely fashion to all requests for support, whilst maintaining a heart-centred approach.
* Conduct initial family needs assessment with the family team and CEO to ensure the support that is offered is bespoke, individually designed, and appropriate.
* Work with CEO and Family team to review and monitor families that are receiving support and plan the development and progression of all individual and group programmes of activity.
* Plan and implement a calendar of events and activities for different beneficiary groups in partnership with the family team.
* Host events and activities and source suitably skilled and qualified service delivery personnel and appropriate volunteer staff to support individuals, families, events and activities as required. Ensure that all individuals are aware of RR policies and procedures and always adhere to them.
* In line with our core values of Authentic – Compassionate – Unique – Trusted, recruit and induct counsellors, therapists and activity providers, verifying their experience, qualifications, and suitability to support our beneficiaries.
* Liaise with counsellors and therapists to arrange support appointments and activities and monitor the progress of relationships.
* Ensure that communication channels are in place so that service delivery personnel, volunteers and service users can escalate any concerns and seek support if/when needed.
* The post holder will be expected to work flexibly in a range of venues with regular evening and weekend work.
* During your employment, you may have access to, see or hear information of a confidential nature and you are required not to disclose such information, particularly relating to beneficiaries or staff. All person identifiable information must be held in the strictest confidence and should be disclosed only to authorised people.
Person Specification
EXPERIENCE
* Previous experience of working in a supportive, empathetic, or therapeutic environment (E)
* Experience supporting bereaved individuals, including children and families (E)
* Experience designing or contributing to innovative and creative programmes of support (D)
* Experience with children and families facing complex, multiple needs (D)
* Knowledge and experience with safeguarding practices and procedures (E)
* Experience in evaluating projects, especially those funded by external bodies or grants (D)
SKILLS/KNOWLEDGE
* Relevant qualification in health, social care, childcare, or community work (minimum Level 5), or equivalent experience (D)
* Effective communication skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds (E)
* Strong verbal and written communication skills for varied forums (E)
* Understanding of support interventions that reduce social isolation (D)
* Awareness of the challenges faced by families using Reuben’s Retreat support services (D)
* Self-motivated, able to set and manage own priorities, work independently, and use initiative (E)
* Competent in Microsoft Office suite, including diary management (E)
* Professional competence in social media for event coordination and communication (E)
* Strong organisational, planning, time-management, and administrative skills (E)
* Full driver’s licence and access to a car, with regular local travel and occasional longer-distance travel (mileage reimbursement provided) (E)
PERSONAL QUALITIES
* Emotionally resilient, with the ability to support others in distressing situations while managing personal well-being (E)
* Empathy for the needs of families with children facing medical complexities and those bereaved of a child (E)
* Warm, friendly, energetic, and approachable character (E)
* Highly organised, with an ability to work to deadlines and manage multiple tasks (E)
* Tactful, discreet, and adaptable, demonstrating a flexible attitude (E)
* Respectful of confidentiality, safeguarding policies, and professional boundaries (E)
* Aligned with Reuben’s Retreat’s values of Authentic, Compassionate, Unique, and Trusted, treating colleagues and beneficiaries with dignity and respect (E)
* Able to work outside of normal office hours as required, including evening and weekend work (E)
Closing Date 5/12/2024
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £25,290.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* On-site parking
Schedule:
* Weekend availability
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 05/12/2024
Reference ID: FWB Champion - Bereavement Support
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