Grief Support Counselor

Position Overview

The Grief Support Counselor provides Grief Support services to Hospice of Humboldt families and community members in a variety of settings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

1.Provides bereavement counseling to hospice patients, their families and community members, including, but not limited to the following:

• Develops and implements an individualized Grief Support Plan of Care for each bereaved family member of a Hospice of Humboldt patient, guided by the Hospice of Humboldt bereavement assessment and preferences of the bereaved.
• Develops, implements and evaluates a variety of support groups, classes, workshops and other programs to serve the bereavement needs of hospice families and the community.
• Refers hospice bereaved and community members to community resources, as appropriate.
• Documents all visits, contacts, and meetings on appropriate forms or in the electronic medical record for community bereaved, hospice bereaved and group support members.
• Participates in the caseload assignment process as requested.
• Participates in Grief Support Services team meetings and peer support discussions.
• May respond to community crisis debriefing requests.
• May participate on various committees or panels in the community representing hospice

2. Leadership and Supervision of Grief Support Volunteers:

• Trains, orients and evaluates Grief Support volunteers.
• Co-facilitates grief groups, as necessary.

Environmental Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Regularly requires sitting, standing, walking, talking, use of hands, listening, and observing.
• Regularly requires working at a computer station for 2-4 hours at a time.Regularly requires the use of the telephone.
• Occasionally requires reaching, stooping, bending, kneeling, and lifting items weighing 25 pounds or less.
• Occasionally providing own transportation to client’s place of residence.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master’s degree in counseling, social work or related field, or equivalent experience.
2. Ability to work independently with a minimum of supervision.
3. Ability to assess and respond to the emotional pain and bereavement needs of community members.
4. Ability to listen and respond non-judgmentally with respect to other’s beliefs.
5. Ability to communicate and collaborate with the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team.
6. Proficient in computer skills and electronic documentation of services.
7. Valid driver’s license, proof of acceptable automobile insurance coverage, and reliable transportation as specified by Hospice of Humboldt’s policies.
8. Reliable cell phone with plan that provides good local coverage.
9. Ability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Two (2) years of experience in providing grief and loss counseling to individuals, families, group settings and within community settings.