Bereavement Counselor

Job Profile Summary 

​This role focuses on providing medical and clinical support services to patients.  In addition, this role focuses on performing the following Medical/Behavioral Health duties: Provides behavioral evaluation services to patients and are specialized in the evaluation and treatment of mental, emotional, and/or behavioral issues.  A professional individual contributor role that may direct the work of other lower level professionals or manage processes and programs.  The majority of time is spent overseeing the design, implementation or delivery of processes, programs and policies using specialized knowledge and skills typically acquired through advanced education.   A senior level role that requires advanced knowledge of job area typically obtained through advanced education and work experience.  Typically responsible for: managing projects / processes, working independently with limited supervision, coaching and reviewing the work of lower level professionals, resolving difficult and sometimes complex problems. 

Job Overview 

This position provides support to grieving families and individuals who have recently lost a loved one while they were treated at the hospital.  Helps to improve, restore, and maintain the maximum level of coping by those directly impacted from a loss.  This position will primarily utilize community resources and an internal interdisciplinary team of caregivers to offer resources commensurate with the needs of those dealing with complicated grief. 

Job Description 

Minimum Qualifications: 

1. Bachelor’s degree in social work or counseling. 

2. Relevant experience with dealing with loss and the bereavement process. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

1. Master’s degree in social work or counseling. 

2. Experience in a health care setting or working with end-of-life care. 

Hours: Per diem

Duties and Responsibilities: The duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature of work and are not intended to be an all-inclusive list.  Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. 

1. Utilizes bereavement theories and research findings to provide current standards of practice in bereavement support. 

2. Provides input and gathers information at Interdisciplinary Team meetings that will assist with bereavement services. 

3. Follows assigned families after the patient’s death according to plan of care. 

4. Works with bereavement volunteers. 

5. Provides bereavement support and education to clinical staff. 

6. Completes documentation for all family contacts and counseling sessions including plans of care. 

7. Keeps Volunteer/Bereavement Coordinator informed of issues. 

8. Conducts support groups as assigned by Volunteer/Bereavement Coordinator. 

9. Develops a general plan for each support group. 

10. Maintains documentation of support group attendees. 

11. Gives bereavement presentations to community. 

12. Participates in bereavement activities. 

13. Assists in orientation to bereavement services for new staff. 

14. Mentors student as requested. 

15. Works with Volunteer/Bereavement Coordinator to identify opportunities for improvement in performance and works to address them. 

16. May assist in community hospice education and promoting hospice care in the community and with other healthcare professionals. 

17. Reports corporate compliance concerns to the supervisor or Director of Quality Improvement when applicable. 

18. Ensures compliance within guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies (JCAHO, DPH, ERISA etc.) and demonstrates compliance with Home Health Foundation policies and procedures. 

Physical Requirements:  

1. Frequently required to move about inside the office and patient’s homes. 

2. Occasionally lift and/or move up to 10-25 lbs.  

3. Frequently communicates internally and externally; must be able to exchange accurate information via phone, email and/or in person.  

4. Specific vision abilities apply including close vision, distance vision and ability to adjust focus.  

5. Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.  

6. Exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. 

Skills & Abilities: 

1. Understands family dynamics and works effectively within various types of family systems. 

2. Demonstrates knowledge of, and sensitivity to, the grieving process and coping strategies. 

3. Demonstrated ability to show empathy and sympathy through spoken and written words. 

4. Excellent interpersonal skills. 

5. Ability to function well in very busy situations. 

6. Responsible and reliable. 

7. Good organization skills. 

8. Demonstrates knowledge of CQI process.