Maternity Bereavement Support Worker Headington
Job description
To work as part of the bereavement midwifery team and assist staff with the care of bereaved families under the supervision and direction of the Bereavement Specialist Midwife and Bereavement Midwifery Team. To actively partake in providing both clinical and practical care needs of bereaved parents, thus enhancing the delivery of care in accordance with agreed bereavement standards and guidelines which will ensure the highest standards of bereavement care with the maternity setting. The post holder is expected to work confidently and professionally with all grades of staff and external professional, financial and legal institutions to ensure the correct running of the Maternity Bereavement Service in accordance with both statutory and Trust requirements. The post holder will be required to handle a diverse workload and demonstrate a proficiency in prioritising work schedules; liaising with colleagues to ensure a prompt response to urgent service demands. The post holder is required to work autonomously in handling enquiries but with the support and reference of senior Maternity Bereavement Midwives and colleagues. The post holder is expected to demonstrate skills and aptitude in the care of the bereaved, angry, distraught and occasionally hostile parents and relatives. The nature of this post requires that the post holder can convey complex information in a clear, concise and appropriate manner. The post holder will be expected to be able to facilitate baby viewings with bereaved parents who wish to come back to the bereavement ward to view their baby with family members. They may occasionally be required to assist the Midwifery staff in the release of the deceased babies to funeral directors and to liaise with mortuary colleagues in this regard to ensure that Mortuary auditable processes are followed. Here in Oxfordshire, we offer women and healthcare professionals a unique set up of our Maternity Services where around 7200 babies are born annually. We have 4 stand-alone Midwifery Led Birth units within the county based at Banbury, Chipping Norton, Wantage and Wallingford as well as offering home births to all areas. There is also an integrated birth unit where around 10% of birthing people choose to go in labour. As a large Tertiary hospital, the John Radcliffe offers a large Delivery Suite with an en-suite birthing pool room, 3 Maternity theatres and a specific Maternity Recovery Ward. There are specialist services such as the Fetal and Maternal Medicine Team and Bereavement Team. For those working with us, we have a named Maternity Psychologist 3 days a week to support all staff, as well as 15 Professional Midwifery Advocates. For those wishing to develop their careers and skills, we have a core Practice Development Team who can guide staff with their career options and development opportunities. We strive to ensure every member of our team feels valued and to have the confidence to speak up and be heard. We truly believe that supporting our staff to feel happy and well-supported within their work environment, will ensure the best quality of care for the birthing people who access our services. See Job Description attached to advert. Please note: This job description is not definitive or restrictive in any way and should be regarded only as a guideline to the duties required and may be amended in the light of changing circumstances following consultation with the post holder. The job description does not form part of the contract of employment.
