About this role
Job summary
Family Support Worker
LocationLymington, Hampshire
Hours30 hours per week
Salary£31,606 per annum
Closing date14th June 2026
We are seeking a compassionate and experienced Family Support Worker to join our Patient and Family Support Team at Oakhaven Hospice, contributing to a safe and supportive environment that prioritises the wellbeing and safeguarding of patients and families at every stage of their journey.
Main duties of the job
About the role
This is a highly rewarding opportunity to support patients and families through some of the most important and challenging times in their lives.
As a Family Support Worker, you will: Provide compassionate emotional, psychological, and practical support to patients, families and carers Work as part of a multidisciplinary team delivering holistic, person-centred palliative care Support children, young people and families, including pre- and post-bereavement care Manage your own caseload, helping individuals SAFELY navigate complex personal and social challenges Advocate for patients and families, offering guidance on areas such as housing, benefits and support services Help facilitate therapeutic and bereavement groups Build strong relationships with colleagues and external agencies to ensure joined-up care
Every day is different, but each day offers the chance to make a meaningful difference.
About us
About us
Oakhaven Hospice supports people across the New Forest living with life-limiting illness, offering specialist care both within the hospice and in the community.
We are proud of our culture and values Compassion, Accountability, Respect and Empathy which shape everything we do. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, supported and able to be themselves.
Job description Job responsibilities
As part of the MDT work to ensure optimal safe and effective care and comfort.
Working in collaboration with MDT, provide operational support and focus on the psycho-social needs of patients and their families.
To provide psychological and practical support as necessary to patients, family members, including children and young people and carers under hospice care.
To provide pre-bereavement and bereavement support to the families, children and young people and carers of those who have died under Oakhavens care.
Managing a clinical caseload of individuals, families and carers, address complex needs and assist patients and carers in the achievement of agreed goals.
Person Specification
Experience Essential
Experience of sustaining the compassionate support of clients Experience of working with adolescents and children Experience of working with those in distress Working as part of a wider multi-disciplinary team
Desirable
Previous work in a health and social care environment Experience of delivering training. Experience mentoring and training of students or /volunteers Working with groups
Qualifications Essential
Diploma in Health or Social Care or equivalent
Desirable
Degree in Health or Social Care Registered Social Worker Bereavement support training
Skills Essential
Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to provide non-judgemental and empathic emotional support to patients and families whilst maintaining safe and appropriate boundaries Excellent communication skills including listening and negotiating communication of ideas and provision of advice to other HCPs. Ability to work alone and as part of the team. To develop respectful, effective and supportive relationships with colleagues, including those of other disciplines. Ability to organise and manage time effectively, prioritising workloads and the needs of patients. Evidence of sound clinical decision making, independently and as part of a team (e.g. MDT). Recognising risk and working within safeguarding principles and frameworks. Ability to quickly build a rapport and establish professional relationships with others, based on trust and understanding
Desirable
Providing time limited therapy using a range of therapeutic approaches
Knowledge Essential
An understanding of the impact of illness and loss. Planning and / or co-facilitating events such as bereavement groups, patient and family occasions, and other initiatives. Ability to use and work IT systems (e.g. standard Microsoft Office & Outlook) and experience of working with counselling and /or health & Social Care databases. Timely and accurate record-keeping. Understanding of patient confidentiality and GDPR principles
Desirable
Knowledge of palliative care or a relevant specialist field. An understanding of family dynamics and the potential effects of bereavement on different members of the family Experience of providing bereavement support or crisis support work Working knowledge of the benefits system Understanding of clinical governance, service evaluation and audit
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 Oakhaven Hospice
Address Lower Pennington Lane
Pennington
Lymington
Hampshire
SO41 8ZZ
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.oakhavenhospice.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)