Role: Suicide Bereavement Liaison Officer

Location: Midlands

Car & full license essential

Hours: 24 hours per week

Shift: Monday – Wednesday 9am-5pm

Salary: €23.86 per hour

Contract Type: Permanent contract (24 hrs per week over 3 days)

About: 

The Suicide Bereavement Liaison Service is a collaborative venture between Pieta House 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 will require travel around the above mentioned regions to meet and assist clients in their home/community. 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.

Responsibilities:

• 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 regular supervision with the Project Supervisor
• Keep up to date with professional developments in the field of suicide bereavement and the provision of mental health services and implement changes accordingly
• 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

Skills & Experience:

• An understanding of the bereavement process and how being bereaved by suicide can affect individuals
• A degree (or equivalent) in a relevant clinical area such as counselling or psychotherapy. A specific bereavement qualification is also desirable.
• A minimum of 3 years’ relevant post- qualification experience of working with people in a therapeutic and multi-disciplinary setting
• Own transport and full driving licence
• 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
• 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

Note: Garda Vetting is required (of the successful candidates) for this position.

Applications for the post should be made via our website, 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 25th November 2024.

Suitable candidates will only be contacted to arrange interviews

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.