Psychosocial Bereavement Counsellor

Hospice Niagara is currently seeking a permanent full-time Psychosocial Bereavement Counselor, to join the team.

A palliative care approach acknowledges that advanced illness and death are significant events in people’s lives for which psychosocial, spiritual and bereavement supports are necessary. In complex situations arising from social, psychological or physical circumstances, these interventions are best delivered by psychosocial-spiritual professionals who have the knowledge, skill and judgement to apply evidence informed interventions in collaboration with the larger health care team.

The Psychosocial/Bereavement Counsellor is concerned with the psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being of people who are dying, their partners and their families, as they deal with multiple issues across the psychosocial spiritual continuum, including but not limited to: adaptation to the illness and its consequences, social functioning and relationships, communication, grieving and spiritual suffering. Often, there is also a need for support with the necessary practical aspects of end-of-life decision making. The Psychosocial/Bereavement Counsellor provides a wide range of interventions including individual, couple and family counselling/support, advocacy, education, access to community supports, and spiritual companioning. The Psychosocial/Bereavement Counsellor also provides bereavement support and care for family caregivers whose loved one has died.

Hospice Niagara offers:

Hybrid work environment for this position

Paid vacation and personal time

Access to Telus Health employee assistance program

Training and development opportunities

35 hours per week

Successful candidates will be:

Experienced in grief and anticipatory grief counselling

Master’s Degree (preferred) in Social Work, Educational or Counselling Psychology, Nursing, Theology or other academic preparation as assessed by the hiring team; Current registration with applicable college

Training and experience specializing in mental health (preferred)

Minimum two years of related experience with expert knowledge in hospice palliative care, end-of-life care, and oncology with supervision of clinical practice (preferred) and experience working across health care settings

Strong consultation skills with expert knowledge of models of consultation and their application with individual, team and community service providers

Hours of work are typically Monday to Friday 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM but due vary depending on program offering so flexibility is required.

Must have a valid drivers license, own transportation and be able to commute within the Niagara Region