Bereavement Counselor

Position : Bereavement Counselor Department : Support Services

Reports to : Manager of Bereavement Services FLSA Status : Exempt

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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

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.

· 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

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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

· 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.

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.

· 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.