Bereavement Program Specialist

The Bereavement Specialist is responsible for coordination of grief support services offered by Housecall Providers and serves as a community resource for grief and loss. This role is part time.

Estimated Hiring Range

$38.94 - $47.59

Bonus Target

Bonus - SIP Target, 5% Annual

Current CareOregon Employees: Please use the internal Workday site to submit an application for this job.

Essential Responsibilities

• Coordinates bereavement services for bereaved individuals according to policy.
• Assesses, develops, coordinates and/or monitors bereavement assessments and development of or updates to the bereavement plan of care for significant others for one year following patient death.
• Develops a plan of care, with input from the interdisciplinary team (IDT), that reflects the patient and family’s needs and desires.
• Conducts patient and family counseling and education, considering family system/dynamics and coping methods for all age groups.
• Facilitates bereavement support groups and events.
• Provides education to organization and/or community groups about grief and loss.
• Effectively and efficiently prioritizes visits and services based on assessments and the bereavement plan of care.
• Addresses advocacy needs for patients, families, and organization and coordinates care in order to help patients, families or caregivers navigate systems.
• Evaluates, supports and provides necessary referrals for patients’ family members/significant other who are experiencing complicated grief/bereavement.
• Provides grief support to Housecall Providers staff as needed.
• Provides crisis management support and consultations with patient/family/caregiver or IDT team as requested by hospice leadership.
• Serves as a member of the IDT and actively participates in IDT meetings for development and evaluation of the patient’s plan of care.
• Participates in orientation of new employees, volunteers or students seeking experience in hospice.
• Performs duties in compliance with Medicare Condition of Participation.
• Maintains patient/family and staff confidentiality in compliance with HIPAA laws.
• Participates in the coordination of the patient, family, or caregiver’s bereavement care in accordance with professional standards of practice.
• Performs comprehensive spiritual assessment and implements or coordinates the provision of spiritual counseling and support to hospice and palliative care patients and their families according to the plan of care.
• Develops an individualized spiritual/pastoral plan of care which demonstrates an effort to work in close collaboration with local clergy whenever desired by the patient and provide spiritual support as needed and defined by the patient/family.
• Offers patients/families of different philosophies and religious backgrounds opportunities to discuss and share their thoughts, feelings, beliefs and values.
• Provides on-call chaplaincy services when requested.
• Assesses patient/family response to care.
• Performs occasional service assignments such as the annual memorial service and monthly memorial services with staff.
• Participates in patient care conferences, exploring and assessing the spiritual needs of patients/families and updates care team on patient beliefs.
• Conducts or makes arrangements for funeral or memorial services when requested.
• Develops and maintains a resource group of clergies to whom specific aspects of spiritual care may be delegated.
• Provides educational programs for Housecall Providers staff, community clergy, religious and lay representatives as appropriate.
• Meets with individual staff regarding personal spiritual/pastoral issues that may affect their ability to function effectively.
• Maintains current knowledge and understanding of predominant religious/spiritual traditions and various religious groups in the service area.
• Collaborates as needed with Housecall Providers staff to enhance continuity of care.
• Responsible for documentation in the electronic medical records, assuring accuracy, completeness and compliance with regulations, certification standards, legal and ethical standards according to policies and procedures.
• Practices within the scope of license, certification, or registration, where applicable, and as required by law and regulation.
• Develops and maintain professional boundaries with all patients/family/caregivers.
• Maintains agreed upon work schedule and meets deadlines for completion of work, which may include working from home.
• Demonstrates the ability to function in a variety of care environments, including home settings, skilled nursing facilities, assisted living environment, etc.
• Serves as an ambassador for CareOregon and Housecall Providers at all times.
  
  

Organizational Responsibilities

• Perform work in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision and values.
• Support the organization’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by fostering a culture of open mindedness, cultural awareness, compassion and respect for all individuals.
• Strive to meet annual business goals in support of the organization’s strategic goals.
• Adhere to the organization’s policies, procedures and other relevant compliance needs.
• Perform other duties as needed.
  
  

Required

Experience and/or Education

• Masters degree in theology, divinity, religion, pastoral care, philosophy or health related field and
  
  

minimum 2 units clinical pastoral education (CPE)

• Minimum 2 years hospice experience as a hospice or palliative care spiritual counselor/chaplain, bereavement coordinator, grief counselor, hospital chaplain or similar setting
• CPR certification at hire or within 6 months in position
• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and automobile liability coverage or access to an insured vehicle
  
  

Preferred

• Minimum 4 or more units of clinical pastoral education (CPE)
• Board certification or board certification in process through the APC, NACC, NAJC, or SCA
• Experience with electronic medical records
  
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities Required

Knowledge

• Knowledge of Federal, State and Local regulations, Hospice Medicare Conditions of Participation, and HIPAA privacy rules and regulations
  
  

Skills And Abilities

• The following cognitive or mental requirements are necessary on a daily basis:
• Critical thinking
• Reading, writing, mathematics
• Drawing conclusions from written or computer-generated materials
• Implementing recommendations by coordinating people and/or other resources
• Developing plans, procedures, goals, strategies, or processes
• Clear verbal articulation
• Ability to tolerate and manage stress and grief
• Demonstrates ability in case management, social work or chaplaincy, and counseling in a hospice setting
• Excellent interpersonal and sensitivity skills
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
• Ability to work under pressure to meet deadlines
• Ability to take initiative and utilize innovative techniques and ingenuity
• Ability to interact with various departments throughout the organization
• Ability to work in an environment with diverse individuals and groups
• Ability to work flexible hours, if needed
• Ability to plan, prioritize and coordinate multiple projects or tasks
• Must have general computer skills and a working knowledge of Electronic Medical Records systems, MS office, Outlook, and the internet
• Ability to adhere to organizational standards, policies, and procedures
• Ability to work effectively with diverse individuals and groups
• Ability to learn, focus, understand, and evaluate information and determine appropriate actions
• Ability to accept direction and feedback, as well as tolerate and manage stress
• Ability to see, read, hear, and speak clearly for at least 6 hours/day
• Ability to lift, carry, push, pull, sit, and perform repetitive finger and wrist movement for at least 3-6 hours/day
• Ability to walk, bend, and/or pinch small objects for at least 3 hours/day
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle
  

Working Conditions

Work Environment(s): ☒ Indoor/Office ☒ Community ☐ Facilities/Security ☒ Outdoor Exposure

Member/Patient Facing: ☐ No ☒ Telephonic ☒ In Person

Hazards: May include, but not limited to, physical, ergonomic, and biological hazards.

Equipment: General office equipment and/or mobile technology

Travel: Requires travel outside of the workplace at least weekly; the employee’s personal vehicle may be used. Driving infractions will be monitored in accordance with organizational policy.

Schedule: This position may occasionally require more than 9 hours per day.

If you receive an offer of employment for this position, it is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a pre-employment background check, immunization review, and drug screen (including THC/Marijuana). CareOregon is a federal contractor and must comply with all federal laws.

We offer a strong Total Rewards Program. This includes competitive pay, bonus opportunity, and a comprehensive benefits package. Eligibility for bonuses and benefits is dependent on factors such as the position type and the number of scheduled weekly hours. Benefits-eligible employees qualify for benefits beginning on the first of the month on or after their start date. CareOregon offers medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, and disability insurance, as well as health savings account, flexible spending account(s), lifestyle spending account, employee assistance program, wellness program, discounts, and multiple supplemental benefits (e.g., voluntary life, critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity, identity theft protection, pre-tax parking, pet insurance, 529 College Savings, etc.). We also offer a strong retirement plan with employer contributions. Benefits-eligible employees accrue PTO and Paid State Sick Time based on hours worked/scheduled hours and the primary work state. Employees may also receive paid holidays, volunteer time, jury duty, bereavement leave, and more, depending on eligibility. Non-benefits eligible employees can enjoy 401(k) contributions, Paid State Sick Time, wellness and employee assistance program benefits, and other perks. Please contact your recruiter for more information.

We are an equal opportunity employer

CareOregon is an equal opportunity employer.  The organization selects the best individual for the job based upon job related qualifications, regardless of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, age, veteran status, ancestry, marital status or disability. The organization will make a reasonable accommodation to known physical or mental limitations of a qualified applicant or employee with a disability unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship on the operation of our organization.