About this role
Job summary
Were looking for a kind and compassionate person to join our Family Support team supporting families whilst they are in hospital in London and Surrey. Youll support families whose child has cancer or a life challenging condition offering emotional and practical support when its most needed helping families feel less alone during some of their most difficult times. As a Hospital Family Support Worker, youll split your time between a number of families, visiting them whilst they are inpatients on the ward or as an outpatient, along with keeping in touch with them when they are not in hospital via phone, email or text. Whether sitting with a parent at their childs hospital bedside, supporting a teenager on the ward, along with collaborating with hospital teams and Momentum community colleagues to deliver a seamless and impactful service, ensuring continuity of support beyond hospital stays... youll make sure families know theyre not facing this journey alone.
Main duties of the job
Ideally, your hours will be spread across five days, we are open to discussion on this. You will also have regular peer support, clinical supervision, and opportunities to develop your skills. Youll be part of a small, friendly, and passionate team who look out for each other just as much as we look out for the families we support. The role is about being calm, empathetic, building trust, being there when it matters, and making sure families know theyre not alone.
About us
The charity was founded in 2004 by our now Founder and Honorary President and has grown enormously over that time. We currently have partnerships with eight hospitals who refer families to us for our support, which ranges from therapies and counselling, to respite holidays and special family experiences. Were on a mission to help many more families with seriously ill children to know that they are not alone, and well need brilliant and talented people to share our ambition and make it happen.
Job description Job responsibilities
Working in Hospital
Visit your assigned hospitals across London and Surrey, including Royal Marsden Sutton, Evelina London SE1 (when the Primary Treatment Centre moves from The Royal Marsden), Kingston Hospital, St Georges Tooting, St Peters Chertsey, Royal Surrey Guildford and Epsom Hospital regularly, in line with need, to support existing Momentum families and meet new referrals. This will be based on service need, and you will not be required to attend all hospitals each week.
You will also be visiting families in selective Intensive Care Units, during times of critical illness and uncertainty.
Build strong, positive relationships with hospital staff, and other professionals so you become a trusted part of the team on the paediatric wards, including attending Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings, sharing professional knowledge of our families, maintaining accurate records and reporting back as required.
Deliver presentations in hospital to professionals to raise awareness of Momentum.
Be a friendly and approachable presence for professionals and families alike, clearly explaining what Momentum can offer.
Follow hospital policies on infection control, dress code, and safeguarding at all times.
There may be occasions when you are required to work a Saturday, taking time back during the week.
Supporting Families
Provide compassionate, age-appropriate support to families, children, and young people of all ages and backgrounds.
Offer emotional and practical support tailored to each family's situation, listening closely and responding with care from the moment they're referred.
Manage your own caseload, prioritising contact based on need and making sure families always feel supported.
Connect families to relevant services - such as therapies, respite breaks, and family experiences which includes trusted external organisations when needed.
Recognise the needs of siblings, grandparents, and carers, helping them to find the right support too.
When required, support families under palliative care with compassion and sensitivity.
Work closely with our Echoes team to ensure bereaved families transition to their specialist support smoothly and with care.
Make sure every family feels part of Momentum for as long as they need us.
Professional Responsibilities
Refer families into Momentums support service, in line with the criteria required for referral.
Keep clear, accurate and confidential records of your work on our secure database (Salesforce)
Work independently, in line with our operational plan and report back to Senior Family Support Worker.
Regular and timely collaboration within the Family Support Team (Hospital & Community) managing and reporting on caseload.
Share stories, photos, and anonymised family updates (with consent) to help the charity's fundraising and communications.
Join team meetings, clinical supervision, and training (some virtual, some at our office near Hampton Court Station, Surrey)
Act promptly on any safeguarding concerns in line with Momentums policies.
Follow all guidelines for lone working, safeguarding, data protection, and health & safety.
Take on other tasks that help us deliver our family support services for example managing family events i.e. family days out.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience working directly with children, young people, and families, demonstrating sensitivity to their unique needs. A natural ability to build rapport with others - you listen well and put people at ease. Excellent understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality Strong communication skills (both written and verbal). Good time management skills A calm, empathetic, compassionate approach, especially in emotional or sensitive situations Comfortable working independently, managing your own time, juggling priorities, and managing a varied caseload. Ability to work independently, adapt to evolving service needs and manage resources effectively. Proficiency in using IT systems including Microsoft Office, databases and managing your calendar. Able to keep clear and accurate notes. A team player willing to collaborate and share learning with colleagues. Role is mostly hospital based but reliable internet connection at home for effective remote working where needed.
Desirable
Experience working with young adults. Experience of working in a charity or healthcare setting Familiarity with hospital environments and working alongside NHS professionals. Sound knowledge of Safeguarding for children, young people, and adults at risk. Experience in bereavement or social work would be advantageous. Possession of a valid UK driving license with access to a car.
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 Momentum Children's Charity
Address Field based role across London and Surrey hospitals
1 x monthly meeting at:
11a Creek Road
East Molesey
Surrey
KT8 9BE
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.momentumcharity.org/ (Opens in a new tab)