Bereavement cafe manager

We are seeking a compassionate, organised and proactive Bereavement Cafe manager to help children and young people who have experienced a bereavement.   Working 15 hours a week across Dorset during term-time,  you will plan and deliver Bereavement Cafes which are guided, age-appropriate group sessions that help children to process their grief in a safe and supportive environment. 

Mosaic is a well-regarded charity which has a mission to provide specialist support to children, young people and families when they are struggling to deal with the death of someone close to them.  This role is ideal for someone with a background in working with children and young people,  counselling, bereavement support, art therapy or education.  It's important that you're happy to drive to different schools during the week around the county to deliver the cafes, as well as planning the activities aross the term.  

  Mosaic wants to help equip school staff to support students who've been bereaved, and to enable them to understand more about grief and loss.  

Key responsibilities

Programme delivery

Deliver bereavement cafe programmes in primary and secondary schools in Dorset,  liaising with schools on timings and numbers of students.

Facilitate art group sessions (typically one hour) using creative, age-appropriate activities

Adapt delivery to meet the needs and development stages of the children and young people involved.

Co-ordinate a team of our exisitng volunteers to support each session, ensuring they understand the needs

School liaison

Build and maintain strong working relationships with schools across Dorset,  managing requests for cafes.

Liaise wiht pastoral leads, SENCOs and safeguarding staff to plan sessions and identify students who might benefit.

Share practical tools and strategies with school staff to enable them to support students beyond the cafe programme.

Resource Development

·       Create and maintain therapeutic activity plans and resource packs for both age groups.

·       Develop tailored guidance and tools for teachers and support staff.

·       Ensure all materials are inclusive, accessible, and trauma-informed.

Safeguarding & Emotional Support

·       Monitor the wellbeing of children and young people during sessions.

·       Uphold Mosaic’s safeguarding policies and escalate any concerns appropriately.

·       Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times.

Monitoring & Evaluation

·       Keep accurate records of attendance, engagement, and feedback.

·       Support impact tracking and evaluation efforts.

·       Contribute to service reporting as required.

Awareness & Engagement

·       Represent Mosaic positively in schools and the wider community.

·       Promote awareness of Mosaic’s bereavement services and fundraising activities.

·       Encourage schools and families to support or participate in Mosaic’s fundraising events where appropriate.

Person Specification

Essential:

·       Experience working with children or young people in a supportive, educational, or therapeutic setting.

·       Confidence in leading group activities and supporting emotional expression.

·       Strong communication skills with both children and adults.

·       Safeguarding Level 3 training (or willingness to complete prior to starting).

·       Able to work independently, manage time effectively, and travel across Dorset.

·       Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.

·       Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain).

Desirable:

·       Experience facilitating emotional wellbeing or support groups.

·       Knowledge of trauma-informed or grief-informed practice.

·       Familiarity with Dorset’s education or community mental health systems.

·       Interest in community engagement or fundraising support.

What We Offer

·       The chance to join an active, positive team who are making a huge difference to childrens' lives across Dorset, 

         A  part-time role in term-time supporting bereaved children and young people in school, helping them to go on to thrive. 

·       Clinical supervision and guidance from an experienced Senior Counsellor.

·       Opportunities for ongoing training and reflective practice.

·       Reimbursement of travel expenses at 45p a mile for driving, and access to a materials budget.

·       A chance to be part of Mosaic’s mission in delivering vital support to families experiencing grief.