What are the responsibilities and job description for the Bereavement Counselor position at Empath Health?
Tidewell Hospice, a member of Empath Health is currently seeking a Bereavement Counselor to provide support and healing during life’s toughest moments to join our team.
The Bereavement Counselor provides bereavement counseling and assessment for those affected by the loss of an Empath Health patient. An individualized bereavement plan of care is developed by the IDT and updated by the bereavement counselor as indicated. Family members, friends and caregivers of a Hospice patient may receive ongoing bereavement follow-up for a minimum of 13 months following the death of the patient as requested. The bereavement counselor, working in collaboration with the IDT, is responsible for assisting the bereaved clients in the grief process and integrating the loss into their life.
JOB DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Maintains an accurate system for identifying bereavement cases needing services and a tracking system for monitoring planned follow-up, adhering to the bereavement standards for timeliness of client contact.
- Performs a comprehensive bereavement assessment in collaboration with the IDT and develops a plan of care for those Hospice family or friends who are in need of bereavement services.
- Performs assessments of client bereavement needs, level of coping, and performs clinical interventions as needed when making visits or calls.
- Makes appropriate referrals to internal resources and/or external community resources.
- Educates team and counselors about bereavement standards of practice and documentation in the area of bereavement and serves as an educational and training resource within the agency for staff on the subject of grief and loss.
- Assumes management of clinical caseloads of team counselors who resign, as requested by Director of Social Work.
- Provides support and ongoing education of bereavement volunteers including training, orientation, assigning and monitoring of assignments and documentation. Collaborates with designated bereavement volunteer coordinator as needed.
- Attends meetings such as the Bereavement Care Committee, all psychosocial staff meetings, and bereavement department and agency staff meetings.
- Seeks professional development through education programs and maintains education for licensure.
- Conducts bereavement support groups at a minimum of twice a year for the community.
- Participates in after hours on duty rotation.
- Participates in quality initiatives to maintain the highest standards of care which may include committees, surveys, and chart reviews.
- Documents in the electronic medical record and follows guidelines for completing documentation according to documentation standards.
- Educates the community regarding Hospice Care philosophy and concept through a case-by-case consultation with persons in the community or educational in service or seminar.
- Performs other duties as assigned by leadership.
POSITION QUALIFICATIONS/REQUIREMENTS:
- Education and/or Experience: Master’s degree (MSW, M.A. or MDiv) or equivalent; or four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience Or
- Graduate theological education from an accredited institution of higher learning or accepted equivalency from certifying body
- Minimum of 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education, 4 units preferred
- Board Certification from one of the established accrediting bodies for professional chaplaincy such as APC, NACC, NAJC and SCA preferred. Will consider Board
- Certified eligible with a commitment to complete the certification process within two years of employment.
- Licensure:
- LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or licensed eligible and actively seeking Florida licensure
- Valid Florida State Driver’s License
- Continuing Education: As required for licensure.
- Two (2) years paid experience in Social Work/Counseling position with an emphasis on bereavement preferred.
- Must have excellent skills in assessment, communication, organizational ability, self-motivation and technology.
- For field-based positions, employees must have reliable transportation which will enable them to perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely and appropriate fashion. Must provide proof of valid automobile insurance, a copy of which will be placed in the employee’s HR file.
Empath Health values diversity as it strengthens our community and care. We embrace the diversity of cultures, thoughts, beliefs and traditions of our employees, volunteers and people we are honored to serve across our network. Our diverse staff reflects our community and each day, we work to be respectful, sensitive and competent with each other and those in our care. In every journey, we are dedicated to achieving comfort, dignity and exceptional care. Those of all backgrounds are welcome and encouraged to apply with us or seek our care and services.
Our commitment to patient, client, staff and volunteer safety is a cornerstone of a High Reliability Organization with a focus on zero harm. Participation in the seasonal influenza program is a condition of employment and a requirement for all Empath Health employees.
Providing compassionate, full life care is an honor we take seriously at Empath Health. Join our team and make a positive impact in the community!
