Hospice Services Counselor

The culture of High Peaks Hospice is mission-driven and community-oriented. From our board of directors, staff, volunteers, and donors, the High Peaks Hospice community is filled with compassionate and dedicated individuals committed to providing comfort, peace, and dignity to the families we serve, at a time when it’s needed most.

We help individuals achieve a peaceful life closure, aligned with their values, wishes, choice, and needs, while fully supporting their caregivers and loved ones along the way.

Summary

The Hospice Services Counselor ensures patients and their family receive all services available from High Peaks Hospice. The incumbent participates, as a part of the Interdisciplinary Team, in the development of the patient/family care plan and, when appropriate, the bereavement care plan. The areas the Hospice Services Counselor focuses on include Spiritual Care, Volunteer Support, and Bereavement Care.

Spiritual Care provides counseling and emotional support to patient and family members of all denominations; addressing those areas which give purpose and meaning to life. Volunteer Support connects hospice trained volunteers who are interested in helping meet the unique, non-medical needs of patients and their families. Bereavement Care meets the needs of grieving family and community members through individualized care plans that compassionately guide them through their grief journey.

Job Requirements

• Spiritual Counseling Services: Provide services related to the spiritual aspects of the plan of care including direct provision of service, support and monitoring of the progress of spiritual care referred to other local clergy.

• Bereavement Counseling Services: Provide individual and group counseling sessions to people coping with grief and loss due to the death of a loved one. Create a supportive and empathetic environment for clients to explore their feelings, process their grief, and develop coping strategies.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’/clients' emotional, psychological, and social needs related to spiritual care as well as grief and loss. Develop personalized care plans based on patients’/clients' strengths, preferences, and goals.

• Work with the Bereavement Coordinator to organize remembrance events and memorial services to honor the lives of patients who have passed away under the care of our hospice. Collaborate with hospice staff, volunteers, and community members to create meaningful and culturally sensitive events that provide comfort and support to grieving families.

• Collaborate closely with interdisciplinary team members, including social workers, chaplains, nurses, and volunteers, to ensure holistic care and support for patients and families. Participate in team meetings, case conferences, and care planning sessions to coordinate care and address patients’/clients' needs.

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of counseling sessions, assessments, treatment plans, and client progress using our hospice's electronic health record system. Ensure compliance with regulatory standards and organizational policies regarding documentation and record-keeping.

• Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness of bereavement services and resources available through our hospice. Represent the hospice at community events, workshops, and support groups to promote our mission and services.

• Coordinate services with local clergy, making every effort to have the same pastoral care person delivering care to the patient/family.

• Participate in community outreach efforts to raise awareness of spiritual care and bereavement services and resources available through our hospice. Represent the hospice at community events, workshops, and support groups to promote our mission and services.

• Participate in IDT meetings.

• Provide in-service education to staff and volunteers.

• Oversee assignment and supervision of volunteers supplementing pastoral and bereavement services.

• Acquire on-going education and training through conferences, meetings, and current literature.

• Elicit and listen to story of patient, family and friends encouraging life review.

• Attend death of patient when needed, offering prayer and ritual as appropriate.

• Plan and conduct wakes, funeral and patient memorial services as circumstances warrant.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

· Requires a Bachelor's degree in counseling, psychology, social work, or a related field.

· Previous experience in spiritual counseling, grief counseling, bereavement support, or hospice care preferred.

· Clinical skills and knowledge of therapeutic techniques for addressing the individual needs of patients/clients.

· Knowledge regarding family dynamics, issues of death and dying.

· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to establish rapport with clients and provide compassionate support.

· Cultural competence and sensitivity to the diverse needs and backgrounds of clients in a rural community setting.

· Ability to perform public speaking engagements, and lead memorial services, often during weekend or evening hours.

· Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.

· Commitment to the mission and values of the hospice, with a passion for providing quality end-of-life care and support.

· Strong communication skills and the ability to interact professionally and compassionately with clients and team members.

· Must have a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $23.00 - $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Work Location: On the road

Salary : $23 - $30