Hospice Bereavement Counselor - Gilchrist Inova

About the role

Under general supervision of the Clinical Manager, the Bereavement Counselor serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and is responsible for providing bereavement support services to families and the community. This role ensures provision of services consistent with our mission, vision, and goals, quality outcomes, and regulatory standards.

Our team is full of kind, dedicated people who believe in making every moment matter—for those we have the privilege to serve. When you join us, you’ll receive competitive pay, awesome benefits, mileage reimbursement, lots of learning opportunities, and a workplace where collaboration and respect are part of the job description.

Responsibilities

• Provides bereavement support and counseling services within appropriate time frames as indicated on the bereavement care plan.
• Conducts and documents ongoing therapeutic assessments of individual and family bereavement needs in accordance with the Bereavement Care Plan.
• Provides short-term crisis intervention, as well as individual or family counseling services focused on grief and loss to both families served under care of Gilchrist Inova and community members who have experienced the death of a loved one.
• Assists Bereavement Care Supervisor and Bereavement Care Team with community bereavement events and community outreach projects as requested.
• Seeks input from IDT members regarding the bereavement care plan to obtain additional knowledge and support.
• Refers the family and community bereaved to appropriate community resources as needs are identified.
• Facilitates various bereavement psychoeducational support groups.
• Documents all patient information according to policies and procedures.
• Provides anticipatory grief support and counseling to patients and families if deemed appropriate by IDT.
• Provides psychoeducational presentations to community groups on loss, grief, and related topics.
• Maintains annual agency in-services.
• Accurately identifies and corrects errors. Is careful, alert, and accurate, paying attention to the details of the job.
• Facilitates community outreach/initiatives in response to traumatic or permanent grief and loss needs.
• Exhibits professional demeanor and objectivity.
• Provides bereavement care support via various modalities including face-to-face/in-person, telephone, and virtual sessions.
• Models prompt and regular attendance.
• Exhibits cost-effective use of time, mileage, and supplies.
• Demonstrates familiarity with and adheres to policies and procedures, state, federal, and accrediting agency’s requirements.
• Provides notification of absence per policy.
• Promotes and maintains respect for rights, privacy, and confidentiality of others.
• Respects patient and staff confidentiality at all times.
• Participates in committees, task forces, and events as requested.
• Attends staff meetings, mandatory in-services, and other meetings as appropriate or upon request.
• Assumes responsibility for own personal and professional growth including state licensing/certification requirements.
• Understands and exemplifies hospice philosophy, values, beliefs, and team concepts in all job-related roles.
• Wears identification/name badge during working hours according to policy.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, or related field.
• Clinical experience in assessing, intervening, and providing time-limited counseling to clients grieving a loss, which may include anticipatory grief and/or caregiver stress.
• Experience in public speaking in a variety of settings with groups of varying size.
• Experience in facilitating support groups.
• 3-5 years of experience working in a counseling or related field preferred.
• Mental health and bereavement knowledge and experience to ensure understanding of the basic issues of human development and behavior.
• Analytical skills necessary to assess client needs, establish a plan of care, and effect appropriate interventions.
• Time management skills and discipline required to efficiently and effectively manage job duties.
• Ability to read and write the English language in order to complete required professional documentation and correspondence.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively engage clients, volunteers, interns, and community members.
• LGSW/LMSW or LGPC required; LCSW or LCPC highly desired.
• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance.
• Successful VA State background investigation.

Skills

• Mental health and bereavement expertise.
• Analytical and time management skills.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Professional demeanor and objectivity.
• Ability to work in rural, suburban, and urban areas.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to drive in rural, suburban, and urban areas to provide grief counseling and support services.
• Ability to walk and climb stairs as appropriate.
• Ability to access partner facilities, schools, and offices in the community.

Working Conditions

• Work is performed virtually, inside the organization’s offices, and in community settings in all types of weather conditions.
• Able to work a flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.

Benefits

• Competitive pay.
• Awesome benefits package.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Lots of learning opportunities.

Pay

Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience, and alignment with our organizational needs.

Values

• Respect: Treats everyone with courtesy. Fosters a healing environment. Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy. Listens and responds appropriately to others’ needs, feelings, and capabilities.
• Excellence: Strives for superior performance in every aspect of work. Recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of others. Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations. Actively pursues learning and self-development. Pays attention to detail and follows through.
• Accountability: Takes ownership to solve problems. Sets a positive, professional example for others. Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them. Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties. Reports to work regularly and on time.
• Teamwork: Engages and collaborates with others. Keeps people informed. Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team. Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way. Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions. Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others.
• Ethical Behavior: Acts with honesty and integrity. Protects the patient. Demonstrates honesty, integrity, and good judgment. Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients, families, and coworkers.
• Results: Sets goals and measures outcomes that support organizational goals. Gives and accepts help to achieve goals. Embraces change and improvement in the work environment. Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services. Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles. Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently.