The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service is a collaborative venture between Pieta and the HSE. The primary objective of the service is to provide a high quality and proactive support to families and community in the aftermath of a loss by suspected suicide, within a defined framework and protocol to the geographic area.
The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer will provide support and guidance to individuals and families in the immediate aftermath of death by suicide.
The role covers CHO Area 9 - Dublin North region and requires travel across this region to meet and assist clients in their home. Pieta has a travel expenses policy in place for this role.
Essential: Successful candidate must have the use of their own car and provide evidence of full drivers license
Qualifications required:
A minimum level 8 qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy (a level 7 obtained pre-2018 will be accepted)
Accreditation is not required in this role
Responsibilities:
The ideal candidate will have strong communication and networking skills in order to establish and maintain working relationships with agencies and organisations locally.
Reporting directly to the National Co-ordinator on day to day matters you will also be part of a national network of Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officers.
Coordinate and develop the service to provide immediate contact and support to those bereaved and affected by a suspected suicide across the assigned geographic area
Provide timely and relevant support, information and advice. Exercise good judgment in assessing each case and establishing the most appropriate steps for on-going support, signposting or onward referral
Develop strong relationships and partnerships with key agencies and first responders in the region, to establish and facilitate helpful responses to individuals, families, or groups who have been bereaved by suicide
Prepare detailed monitoring and progress reports on a quarterly basis to include data pertaining to the delivery of service to those bereaved (liaison links, referrals made, follow up etc)
Continue to develop and maintain interagency protocol that will provide a co-ordinated response to families following a suicide death in line with best practice and/or local HSE CfL response protocols
Support community responses in consultation with the HSE Resource Officer for Suicide Prevention and HSE Mental Health Operations
Work with the HSE on the early identification of potential suicide clusters and liaise with agencies in line with local policy
Create and maintain confidential records of contact with individuals, under data protection, and in line with HSE policy and procedure
Attend individual & group supervision
Ability to fulfil obligations as per the Children First Act 2015
Work in accordance with Pieta’s Policies, Procedures and Guidelines to ensure consistent delivery of services and compliance with legislation e.g in the following areas: Health and Safety, GDPR and Child Protection
Keep up to date with professional developments in the field of suicide bereavement and the provision of mental health services and implement changes accordingly
Essential Skills & Experience:
An understanding of the bereavement process and how being bereaved by suicide can affect individuals. Professional development in suicide/ bereavement is desirable
A minimum level 8 qualification in Counselling or Psychotherapy (a level 7 obtained pre-2018 will be accepted)
Accreditation is not required in this role
A specific bereavement qualification is desirable
A minimum of 3 years’ relevant post- qualification experience of working with people in a therapeutic and multi-disciplinary setting
Car owner and full driving license essential
Working knowledge of the mental health field and the key agencies involved
Demonstrated experience of working in challenging environments and to be flexible and adaptive in responding to changing demands, needs and priorities
A clear understanding of professional boundaries and the need to adhere and uphold them
Experience and or understanding of issues around lone working
An understanding of confidentiality and how it relates to this work and its impact on working practice
The willingness to work unsocial hours and a time off in lieu system
The willingness to travel around the designated area (Dublin North) for work. Candidate ideally to be based in this region
Personal attributes such as empathy, compassion, sensitivity, non-judgemental and being able to work with people in distress
Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) training and experience is desirable
Employee Benefits:
Bursary Scheme with 90% employer contribution towards an education course relevant to the field of work plus up to 10 days study leave for duration of course
Entitlement to 2x paid supervision (independent) sessions per month up to a maximum of €70 per session
Occupational pension scheme - 5% employer contribution
Travel pass & bike to work schemes
Employee Assistance Programme
Supportive team environment with monthly in house group supervision and Pieta Way training for all new starters
Note: Garda Vetting is required (of the successful candidate) for this position.
Applications for the post should be made via email, attaching a cover letter (outlining your particular suitability for the role) with an updated Curriculum Vitae to recruitment@pieta.ie. The closing date for receipt of applications is 29th March 2024
Suitable candidates will only be contacted to arrange interviews
1st round of interviews are expected to take place online shortly after closing date
Pieta is an equal opportunities employer, meaning we do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, or physical/mental disability. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace for all. We offer additional support to those with additional requirements. Please let us know if you require support ahead of your interview.