Grief Support Specialist

Description

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.

Requirements

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