Grief Support Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY:

Provide support and counseling to hospice patients, bereaved families and community bereaved. Promote and coordinate presentations in the local school system by collaborating with school personnel. Assist in presenting grief/loss educational programs, serving as a resource to schools, community agencies, workplace, long-term care facilities, and other community groups, as needed.

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Master's degree in social work, psychology, or human service degree.

Two years' professional experience required

Experience in bereavement preferred

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

Knowledge of and commitment to the hospice philosophy of care

Ability to work on an interdisciplinary team

Ability to work a flexible schedule

Willingness to work with patients/families regardless of race, color, creed, age or sexual orientation. Must respect their beliefs and philosophy with an attitude of openness and receptiveness

TRAINING-INITIAL AND ONGOING:

Complete Hospice volunteer/staff training program

Complete Hospice orientation program

Obtain 12 hours of continuing education per year, including mandatory safety in-service

Attend minimum of six staff meetings per year

Attend assigned team meetings every two weeks

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate in quality improvement program

Adhere to strict confidentiality

Adhere to safety policy and practices

Complete employee time record accurately on a timely basis

Cooperate with all government agencies and outside auditors

Assist with updating policies and procedures as appropriate

Complete annual TB screening

Assure all license, certifications, continuing education information and any other required documentation are submitted to human resources and kept current

Maintain up-to-date documentation required and specified in Hospice policy and procedure

Perform other duties assigned by supervisor

Assess the bereavement needs of assigned bereaved family members on ongoing basis

Complete initial bereavement assessment contact 4-6 weeks following patient's death by home visit, if applicable

Develop appropriate bereavement plan of care and update at least quarterly

Coordinate annual Children's Grief Camp

Collaborate with school personnel to provide grief education and grief support to students

Network with community school counselors/social workers

Serve as a resource to community individuals/groups about bereavement services

Coordinate grief/loss presentations in schools.

Assist in grief education to schools, community agencies, workplace, long-term care facilities, and other groups in the community, as directed by supervisor

Serve palliative care patients as directed by supervisor

Provide support and education to children/families served by Hospice

Attend the visitation/or funeral, as directed by supervisor

Provide support to Kirkwood and Forlines patients and families

Maintain Hospice bereavement family caseload providing counseling, as needed

Facilitate bereavement support groups and presentations, as needed, or directed by supervisor

Provide grief counseling services to community individuals/families as assigned by supervisor

Complete suicide assessment as requested by a supervisor and develop a safe plan

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS:

Visual acuity to read written documentation and computer tasks

Speech and hearing skills necessary for telephone interaction and face to face contact

Ability to sit as required to perform duties

Ability to stand, bend and lift an average of 30 pounds

Manual dexterity with the ability to manipulate office equipment and complete written documentation

Ability to walk, squat, kneel, climb and balance

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must have an automobile with required insurance coverage and state driver's license

PI19907c41f5-