Bereavement Counselor- Hospice

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.

Location: High Pointe House- Haverhill, MA

Hours: Full-Time, 40 Hours, Day Shift Occasionally Nights are needed.

No weekends Required

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.

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.