Bereavement Counselor

Position:         Bereavement Counselor                                                Department:   Support Services

Reports to:   Manager of Bereavement Services                              FLSA Status:   Exempt

Position Summary / Main Purpose

 Provides support/counseling services to patients/families/significant others in dying, death and grief related issues, as well as interfaces with volunteers to ensure the bereaved needs are being met.

Essential Functions

Bereavement Client Services:

·         Assesses bereavement needs of individuals experiencing grief and completes a risk assessment that includes evaluation of coping skills and support systems and then completes an assessment of the bereaved within 31 days of the death of the patient.

·         For bereaved individuals who seek counseling, an initial plan of care is developed, and any changes to the goals and interventions are reflected in a revision to the care plan.

·         Makes appropriate referrals to other resources for issues not related to grief.

·         Provides bereavement counseling in the form of individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, supportive phone contacts, etc.

·         Assists hospice team members with understanding bereavement issues.

·         Meets productivity expectations.

Documentation:

·         Accurately records and reports pertinent information regarding all clients within 24 hours of        contact.

·         Communicates appropriate information to team members participating in the plan of care of the       bereaved.

·         Maintains documentation and files in an organized, clear and accessible manner.

Education/Community Service:

·         Participates in the planning, development and implementation of bereavement services.

·         Assists with the development of outreach programs to the community.

·         Serves as a liaison with counseling agencies used by the Agency.

·         Participate in community education by giving presentations on topics related to grief and loss.

·         Assists in the linkage between clients and volunteers.

·         Assists with special community functions, i.e., Camp Evergreen, Memorial Services, etc.

Additional Functions:

·         Committed to Agency resolution against fraud and abuse.

·         Knowledgeable in hospice philosophy and state and federal rules and regulations.

·         Arrives to work and meetings on time and ready to work.

·         Respects confidentiality of patients/families and other Agency employees.

·         Attends educational meetings/conferences for professional growth as required.

·         Sees change as an opportunity and maintains a level of flexibility, which allows for adaptation to               new ways of performing.

·         Follows directions and policies that allow for an organizational commitment to working under   pressures in time without sacrificing quality.

·         Performs other duties that may be assigned.

Job Requirements

Possess the following abilities: 

·          Speak in ordinary conversational tones utilizing the English/American language.

·          Hear ordinary conversations.

·          See with the visual acuity necessary to perform the Essential Functions listed in this Job Description.

·          Have simultaneous use of hands, wrists, and fingers (example: writing, typing, data entry).

·          Maintain a current driver’s license.

Qualifications

·         Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field required.

·         Indiana licensure as an LSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMHCA required.

·         Previous training/experience in dealing with grief and loss required.

·         Good written and oral communication skills.

Position:         Bereavement Counselor                                                Department:   Support Services

Reports to:   Manager of Bereavement Services                              FLSA Status:   Exempt

Position Summary / Main Purpose

Provides support/counseling services to patients/families/significant others in dying, death and grief related issues, as well as interfaces with volunteers to ensure the bereaved needs are being met.

Essential Functions

Bereavement Client Services:

·         Assesses bereavement needs of individuals experiencing grief and completes a risk assessment that includes evaluation of coping skills and support systems and then completes an assessment of the bereaved within 31 days of the death of the patient.

·         For bereaved individuals who seek counseling, an initial plan of care is developed, and any changes to the goals and interventions are reflected in a revision to the care plan.

·         Makes appropriate referrals to other resources for issues not related to grief.

·         Provides bereavement counseling in the form of individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, supportive phone contacts, etc.

·         Assists hospice team members with understanding bereavement issues.

·         Meets productivity expectations.

Documentation:

·         Accurately records and reports pertinent information regarding all clients within 24 hours of        contact.

·         Communicates appropriate information to team members participating in the plan of care of the       bereaved.

·         Maintains documentation and files in an organized, clear and accessible manner.

Education/Community Service:

·         Participates in the planning, development and implementation of bereavement services.

·         Assists with the development of outreach programs to the community.

·         Serves as a liaison with counseling agencies used by the Agency.

·         Participate in community education by giving presentations on topics related to grief and loss.

·         Assists in the linkage between clients and volunteers.

·         Assists with special community functions, i.e., Camp Evergreen, Memorial Services, etc.

Additional Functions:

·         Committed to Agency resolution against fraud and abuse.

·         Knowledgeable in hospice philosophy and state and federal rules and regulations.

·         Arrives to work and meetings on time and ready to work.

·         Respects confidentiality of patients/families and other Agency employees.

·         Attends educational meetings/conferences for professional growth as required.

·         Sees change as an opportunity and maintains a level of flexibility, which allows for adaptation to               new ways of performing.

·         Follows directions and policies that allow for an organizational commitment to working under   pressures in time without sacrificing quality.

·         Performs other duties that may be assigned.

Job Requirements

Possess the following abilities: 

·          Speak in ordinary conversational tones utilizing the English/American language.

·          Hear ordinary conversations.

·          See with the visual acuity necessary to perform the Essential Functions listed in this Job Description.

·          Have simultaneous use of hands, wrists, and fingers (example: writing, typing, data entry).

·          Maintain a current driver’s license.

Qualifications

·         Master’s degree in counseling, social work, or a related field required.

·         Indiana licensure as an LSW, LCSW, LMHC, or LMHCA required.

·         Previous training/experience in dealing with grief and loss required.

·         Good written and oral communication skills.