Bereavement Counselor

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY

The Bereavement Counselor is responsible for providing bereavement counseling and educational services for VNA Health clients as directed by the Hospice Director.  The Bereavement Counselor respects, represents, and promotes the mission, values and vision of VNA Health.

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent serves as the Bereavement specialist for VNA Health’s interdisciplinary Hospice team(s), and for Community clients as delegated by the Social Services Supervisor.  The incumbent:  

1.      Provides mail, phone, and in-person follow up to bereaved Hospice families as appropriate.

2.      Provides grief counseling (individual, family, and group) to Hospice and Community clients as appropriate. 

3.      Provides a clinical assessment and plan for bereaved clients, when appropriate.

4.      Provides information and referral for bereaved clients, when appropriate.

5.      Engages with clients in a timely and professional fashion.

6.      Completes appropriate and required documentation in a timely fashion.

7.      Handles and prioritizes multiple tasks simultaneously, while delivering Bereavement services in an efficient, professional, and compassionate manner. 

8.      Demonstrates a good understanding of customer service and quality management principles.

9.      Assists with Bereavement program planning and development as requested by the Social Services Supervisor.

10.   Functions independently, but seeks and accepts clinical supervision and program guidance from the Social Services Supervisor.

11.   Participates in hospice activities such as in-service education, hospice staff meetings, and relevant committees.

12.   Works collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary group and with members of the community. 

13.   Works with supervisor to attain knowledge of state, federal, local and accreditation regulations for the delivery of hospice services.

14.   Advances professional knowledge and skills. 

The above statements are only meant to be a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.  The incumbents may be requested to perform job related tasks other than those stated in this description. All clinical staff are expected to participate as needed in variable shifts, including weekend rotation per staffing needs and departmental holiday rotation.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS 

1.      Master's Degree in social work from a school accredited or approved by the Council on Social Work Education or equivalent training and experience with specialized knowledge of death and dying, bereavement issues and grief counseling, including individual, family, and group work.

2.      Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy.

3.      Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks, requests, and responsibilities.

4.      Demonstrates excellent verbal and written communication skills.

5.      Bicultural/Bilingual Spanish preferred, but not necessary.

6.      Licensed driver with insured automobile - in accordance with state and/or organization requirements.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

1.    Ability to lift 50 lbs.

2.    Ability to push/pull 50 lbs.

3.    Ability to stoop, bend, and squat.

4.    Ability to walk up one flight of stairs.

5.    Ability to walk one mile.

6.    Ability to sit for one hour, minimum.

7.    Visual and audio acuity.

STANDARD OF PERFORMANCE

VnA Health Evaluation Tool.