Description

 Position Summary

The Grief Counselor has responsibility for providing grief counseling, education, memorializing and group facilitation to families and caregivers of Unity patients, residents and staff of contracted facilities, community partners (including schools and workplaces) and bereaved community clients. 

Reports to

Grief Services Director

Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work required.
2. Current license or certification for the State of Wisconsin.
3. Previous experience working in the field of grief, loss and end-of-life preferred.

Employment Status

Non-exempt 

Key Job Duties

1. Provide grief counseling to Unity patients/families and community clients ranging in age from 4-100.

a. Responds to counseling needs as per the plan of care. Documents all interactions with bereaved clients.

b. Identifies grief-related issues and makes bereaved clients aware of available resources.

c. Develops bereavement plans of care in collaboration with patient care staff 

2. Facilitate grief groups. 

a. Maintains program format consistent with the needs of the group.

b. Maintains records for the program.

c. Identifies needs not appropriate to be met by the group and refers to appropriate resources.

3. Provide information on Unity programs and education related to grief and loss.

a. Provides public speaking as requested and approved by supervisor.

b. Explains bereavement program to potential clients/families as requested by supervisor.

4. Make referrals to community resources based upon client needs.

5. Participate in the planning and provision of memorial programs and other Grief Service events.

6. Comply with all applicable local, state and federal laws and regulations as well as policies and procedures of Unity.

7. Satisfy mandatory training requirements regarding local, state and federal regulations and/or Unity’s policies and procedures.

8. Consistently and concisely document activity according to department protocols and standards

9. Promote and maintain confidentiality.

10. Maintain personal and professional boundaries.

11. Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

12. Maintain regular and reliable attendance.

13. Share in providing coverage for evening and weekend bereavement programs and requests.

Customer Service 

Strives for superior service to the extent we exceed our customers' expectations/needs.

1. Recognize the needs and expectations of internal and external customers.

2. Respond to identified needs and expectations, producing positive customer outcomes.

3. Treat customers (internal/external) with respect and dignity.

Team

Demonstrate support for the key organizational values relative to people.

1. Treat other members of the team with respect and integrity.

2. Demonstrate partnership which works towards common team goals.

a. Demonstrate flexibility and/or willingness to adjust work schedule to assure adequate staff levels.

b. Anticipate and respond to needs.

3. Apply effective interpersonal communication skills.

4. Respond to people and issues with knowledge/facts.

5. Recognize contributions of team members and provide support/feedback.

Continuous Improvement

Supports organizations efforts focused on continuous improvement.

1. Identify issues as they relate to the process improvement and customer satisfaction.

2. Maintain ongoing involvement with system improvement.

3. Follow through with system improvement changes.

Physical and Environmental Requirements

Essential Physical/Environmental/Technical Skills:

Employees must have the ability to; operate computers, telephones, and other office equipment, communicate both verbally and in writing, sit for prolonged periods of time as required by position, walk, bend and lift up to 35 pounds on occasion, organize and prioritize tasks. 

Exposure to Hazards:

In the course of duties there may be a risk of “occupational exposure”. An occupational exposure defined by OSHA is “reasonable anticipated skin, eye, mucous membrane, nonimpact skin, or parental contact with blood and other potentially infectious material that may result from the performance of an employee’s duties.” This may also include other potentially hazardous materials.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE):

PPE is one measure available to all employees to help reduce the risk of contracting blood borne illnesses and other diseases. It is the employee’s duty to assess the need for PPE’s and the appropriate kind to be used. Furthermore, it is the employee’s responsibility to wear and use the PPE that has been made available.

Accountabilities for Mission

Support and maintain the mission, vision and values of Unity. 

HIPAA Access

Protected Health Information (PHI) may only be accessed as needed to complete assigned job duties. 

Requirements

Qualifications

Master’s degree in Counseling or Social Work required.

Current license or certification for the State of Wisconsin

Previous experience working in the field of grief, loss and end-of-life preferred.

Essential Physical/Environmental/Technical Skills:

Employees must have the ability to; operate computers, telephones, and other office equipment, communicate both verbally and in writing, sit for prolonged periods of time as required by position, walk, bend and lift up to 35 pounds on occasion, organize and prioritize tasks.