About this role
Job summary As ourSpiritual Care Lead, youll play a vital role in supporting patients, families, bereaved individuals, staff and volunteers across the hospice. Leading the delivery and development of our spiritual care service, youll help ensure people of all faiths and beliefs, as well as those with no faith, receive personalised, inclusive support. If you are an empathetic and experienced spiritual care professional who is committed to making a meaningful difference, wed love to hear from you.
Main duties of the job Provide holistic spiritual and pastoral support to patients and families across hospice services, either face-to-face, by telephone or online. Lead and coordinate spiritual care provision, ensuring the needs of people from diverse faiths, beliefs and cultural backgrounds are met with dignity and compassion. Recruit, support and supervise Spiritual Care volunteers, helping to create a welcoming and reassuring environment throughout the hospice. Plan and deliver remembrance, reflection and commemorative services, working collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers. Develop new and innovative approaches to spiritual care, including discussion groups, reflective sessions, prayer groups and online support opportunities. Work as part of the multidisciplinary team, providing guidance, education and support on spiritual issues in palliative and end-of-life care. Build strong relationships with local clergy, faith leaders, community organisations and pastoral care networks to enhance support for patients and families. Maintain accurate records, relevant policies and quality standards to support a safe, effective and responsive service.
About us This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly regarded hospice team dedicated to delivering outstanding specialist palliative care. We offer a supportive working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to make a meaningful difference to patients and families when they need it most. Compassion, integrity, and excellence are at the heart of everything we do.
Job description Job responsibilities Proven experience in a pastoral, chaplaincy or spiritual care role within healthcare, hospice care or a similar setting. A strong understanding of spirituality and the ability to support people with a wide range of faith, cultural and personal beliefs, including those with no faith. Excellent communication, counselling and bereavement support skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport with patients, families, staff and volunteers. Experience coordinating services and supporting volunteers, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style. Strong organisational and administrative skills, with the ability to balance competing priorities effectively. Confidence using IT systems, including electronic patient records and Microsoft Office applications. A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, with sensitivity to the spiritual and emotional needs of individuals from all backgrounds. A full UK driving licence and access to your own transport. Experience within palliative care, volunteer management, training delivery, bereavement support, funeral planning, or a qualification in Theology, Pastoral Care or a related subject would be advantageous but is not essential.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
N/A
Desirable
Qualification in a relevant subject: e.g. Diploma in Theology & Pastoral Care.
Experience Essential
Proven experience in a pastoral or spiritual care role within healthcare or equivalent. Knowledge and understanding of the main world faiths, beliefs, and practices regarding illness, life, dying, and death. Comprehensive understanding of spirituality, including assessing spiritual, secular, and religious needs, with awareness of ethical and safe practice. Communication, counselling and bereavement skills with the ability to engage appropriately with a wide range of people. Ability to work responsively to spiritual needs, coordinate a Spiritual Care service, and support volunteers. Strong organisational and prioritisation skills. Competent IT skills, including experience using TPP SystmOne or similar client record systems. Current UK driving licence with use of own transport.
Desirable
Experience of leading and managing a team of volunteers to deliver services. Experience of working in a palliative care setting working with grief and loss and an understanding of the nature and scope of bereavement issues. Ability to plan, deliver, and evaluate training and activities effectively. Knowledge and experience of organising and arranging funerals
Additional Criteria Essential
Commitment to collaborative and team working, with excellent liaison skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-professional team. Flexible and adaptable to change. Inclusive approach to patients, carers, bereaved, staff, and volunteers. Ability to work collaboratively across non-denominational and multi-faith boundaries, with an active interest in multi-faith issues. Creativity in responding to needs within the working environment and available resources.
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name St Peter & St James Hospice
Address North Common Road
North Chailey
Lewes
West Sussex
BN8 4ED
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://stpjhospice.org/ (Opens in a new tab)