MSW Bereavement

The information described in this job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of the work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

Other information:

Job Summary
Provides emotional, psychosocial, spiritual and grief support to assist the primary bereaved with issues related to grief, loss and adjustment. In collaboration with leadership ensures the bereavement program is in compliance with agency policy, CMS regulations and accrediting agencies. Works effectively and cooperatively in the workplace. Location/Department specific task and competencies may apply.

Essential Functions
Completes biopsychosocial assessments that guide practice and are repeated throughout the episode of care per policy. Provide counseling, brief therapies, mediation and psychoeducation to primary and community bereaved. Document social work activities in the clinical record per Hospice standards. Develop and maintain ongoing relationships with grief resources in the communities served by Hospice of the Northwest (HNW). Collaborate with Community Outreach to provide bereavement and grief education with community organizations, facility staff and the general community. Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings, staff meetings, ethics consultations and other meetings as requested. Participate in taking on-call responsibilities as necessary including weekends and evenings. Prepare and provide analysis of program compliance and effectiveness quarterly and as requested. Train and coordinate Counseling/MSW interns collaboratively with leadership. Participates in general orientation of new staff and volunteers. In coordination with the Volunteer Supervisor, trains and coordinates bereavement volunteers. Participate in providing support to staff and volunteers in coping with compassion fatigue. Demonstrate understanding and adherence to professional Codes of Ethics and related organizational policies. Attend and actively participate in all department, team and/or committee meetings. Actively contribute to quality improvement activities, both internally and nationally, to promote quality in the hospice industry. Performs all duties as assigned by the Manager or Designee. Complies with all SRH and Hospice of the Northwest departmental Policy and Procedures.

Education
Master’s degree in social work required.

Experience/Training
Minimum of two (2) years’ experience counseling individuals coping with loss and grief.

License/Certifications
LICSW required within two (2) years of hire into position. Certification in Grief Recovery Method preferred. Current Washington Driver’s License and automobile insurance required.

Other Skills
Effective verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills required. Must be able to effectively utilize Microsoft Office and department specific application to perform work. Well-developed problem solving skills required. Knowledge of and experience in the areas of suffering and loss, the bereavement process, family therapy and group process development and facilitation. Knowledge of and sensitivity to a wide variety of spiritual, lifestyle, cultural, belief and value system. Ability to coordinate work schedule with requirement of position (may include overtime and weekend work).

Physical Demands and Work Environment
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit for long periods of time; when working in office. Repetitive tasks such as typing, sitting, answering phones, and interacting with computers and computer systems most of the day is a function of the position. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to focus. This position requires working in an indoor, environmentally controlled environment when in the office. The employee may occasionally be required to lift, transport or move objects and patients weighing over 50 pounds This position may require driving and working in various outdoor venues and locations such as hospitals, clinics, and patient homes for which there is little control over environmental conditions.

Skagit Regional Health offers a comprehensive benefit package including medical, dental, vision, 457b/401a (retirement), long term disability, and paid time off to all employees holding an FTE of 20 or more hours per week. Eligible employees also receive sick time pay.