What are the responsibilities and job description for the Counselor/Social Worker Sr - Grief Services Coordinator position at unm?
As a nationally accredited program with a strong educational mission within the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) investigates any death occurring in New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected, or where a person is found deceased and the cause of death is unknown. As a special program within the Department of Pathology, OMI determines the cause and manner of death in these cases and provides formal death certification.
OMI is seeking a Counselor / Social Worker Sr to serve as the OMI Grief Services Coordinator. This senior-level position combines direct clinical service delivery, program leadership, training and supervision, and grant-funded program coordination in a high-trauma, multidisciplinary environment.
The Grief Services Program provides counseling, information, referrals, advocacy, and emotional support to individuals and families experiencing the sudden death of a loved one. Services include short-term counseling and referrals to community-based grief support groups or longer-term counseling options, provided at no cost to families.
As part of the School of Medicine, OMI is a teaching facility that integrates interns into its programs. This position plays a key role in training, mentoring, and supervising interns, as well as growing and sustaining the Grief Services Program through community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and funding development.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Services
- Provide short-term, solution-focused, trauma-informed counseling to individuals and families affected by sudden, violent, or unexpected deaths.
- Support families during highly sensitive processes, including photo viewings and family meetings with pathologists and investigative staff.
- Provide counseling specific to trauma, PTSD, grief, and loss, including work with children and families.
- Assess needs and coordinate referrals to appropriate community agencies and longer-term support services.
- Participate in peer consultation and case review.
Program Coordination & Grant Management
- Coordinate and oversee the Grief Services Program, including management of approximately $350,000 in grant funding.
- Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, reporting obligations, and deliverables.
- Monitor program outcomes, prepare reports, and support continuous quality improvement.
- Identify and pursue additional funding sources to support program growth and sustainability.
Supervision, Training & Education
- Supervise program staff, interns, and contractors, providing clinical oversight and professional development.
- Develop, implement, and deliver structured training curriculum for first- and second-year interns.
- Provide leadership and guidance within a teaching environment that supports learning, resilience, and ethical practice.
- Contribute to educational activities consistent with OMI’s academic mission.
Community Engagement & Collaboration
- Build and maintain effective relationships with community partners, including law enforcement, medical providers, schools, and social service agencies.
- Present program information and outcomes to stakeholders, funders, and community groups.
- Serve as a liaison between OMI, families, and external partners.
Wellness & Organizational Support
- Lead and oversee wellness initiatives that support the mental health and resilience of OMI staff exposed to secondary trauma.
- Contribute to organizational efforts addressing compassion fatigue, burnout prevention, and trauma-informed workplace practices.
- Adapt program services and strategies in response to evolving needs and organizational change.
Scholarship & Professional Contribution
- Prepare written materials for publication and present at conferences, academic settings, or professional meetings as appropriate.
- Maintain professional licensure, continuing education, and ethical standards.
To learn more about the OMI Grief Services Program, visit:
https://hsc.unm.edu/omi/services/
Salary : $350,000