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Job overview
Within the Bereavement Offices across Royal Free, Barnet and North Middlesex Hospital sites, the post holder will provide dedicated support to all who contact our services regarding a death at our hospitals. The post holder will communicate in all bereavement-related matters with the bereaved by telephone, virtually or in person. The post requires an individual with excellent communication skills often in challenging situations.
Previous applicants need not apply
Please note if high volumes of applications are received the vacancy will close earlier than stated, you are advised to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment
Main duties of the job
To be the first point of contact at the trust for all matters in relation to deceased patients.
To display natural compassion, kindness and guidance to the bereaved
Responsible for the dignified processing of patient deaths, and the support of bereaved relatives who request assistance in a variety of circumstances
To liaise with wards to ensure deceased patients’ property is available for collection by relatives via the wards.
To carry out the procedures concerning the return of deceased patient’s valuables and money via cashiers’ offices.
To liaise with the medical examiner service to ensure accurate coordination of completion of death certificates and/or referral to the Coroner.
To liaise with medical staff on the provision of certificates on the cause of death, cremation forms and other relevant documentation.
Accompanying and supporting relatives to the viewing room / mortuary Provide diverse assistance and advice to families and friends of deceased patients in conjunction with the hospital chaplain
Carry out investigations in the event of patients dying with no known next of kin with the aim of identifying a suitable person to register the death and take responsibility for the funeral arrangements.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description for more information about this role and working at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust.
Person specification
Others
Essential
- Always puts patients and families first
- Flexible in their attitudes and behaviours to support team working and delivery of objectives
Experience
Essential
- Experience of developing and managing own workload whilst at the same time being able to work co-operatively as part of a team
- Demonstrable experience of working in a demanding and unpredictable environment
- Understanding of hospital procedures and policies relating to death and bereavement.
- Appropriate knowledge of medical terms to be used in checking cremation formon correct filling in of medical certificates of death.s and to supply advice to junior doctors
Skills and aptitudes
Essential
- Understanding of certification and legal processes relating to funerals
- Demonstrates understanding of grief and loss and its impact on individuals
- Knowledge of customs of other faiths and ethnic groups surrounding death
- Demonstrates a natural ability to demonstrate compassion and kindness
- Excellent communication skills in person/telephone/virtually/written
- Excellent interpersonal skills required for the sensitive support of the bereaved
- Confident & assertive whilst able to demonstrate empathy and tact
Royal Free World Class Values
Essential
- Demonstrable ability to meet the Trust Values
Personal Qualities & attributes
Essential
- Extensive experience of working with distressed and possibly hostile clients
- Seeks out and takes opportunities for improving the service
- Willing and able to take personal responsibility
- Flexible approach to work; adaptable and open to change
- Open and honest; willing/able to reflect and learn
Education & professional Qualifications
Essential
- Education to a high A-Level
- RSAIII or equivalent in keyboard skills.
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Band 4 - Bereavement Officer with Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 4 Administrative and IT role. The advertised salary is £34,186 - £37,389 Per annum inclusive of HCAS (pro rata). The contract type is Permanent. The application deadline is 09 Jul 2026.
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