Bereavement Coordinator

Bereavement Coordinator

The Bereavement Coordinator is responsible for modeling the Compassus values of Compassion, Integrity, Excellence, Teamwork, and Innovation and for promoting the Compassus philosophy, using the 6 Pillars of Success as the foundation. S/he is responsible for upholding the Code of Ethical Conduct and for promoting positive working relationships within the company, among all departments, and all external stakeholders. The Bereavement Coordinator is a hospice-trained interdisciplinary team member who oversees an organized program to ensure grief counseling for the bereaved. S/he is responsible to develop and deliver a program of bereavement support and counseling that is available to patients during their hospice care and to the bereaved family members of patients for at least 1 year after the death of the patient.

Position Specific Responsibilities:

• Participates as a member of the IDT, including development and implementation of the plan of care.
• Works with the hospice Social Worker in the completion and analysis of the pre-bereavement risk assessment and care plan development for the patient and the family.
• Promotes and supports assessment of bereavement risk factors at admission and throughout the hospice patient's care.
• Develops and implements the bereavement plan of care after the death of the patient.
• Identifies the needs of non-family caregivers, including staff and residents at nursing facilities where the patient may have resided, and ensures bereavement support for them.
• Assists in identifying the need for intervention of other IDT members.
• Effectively communicates patient and family needs to IDT.
• Provides education about bereavement services to members of the IDT.
• Prepares reports, in-services, and other documents to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of the bereavement program as requested.
• Delivers high quality bereavement support, either with internal resources or through outreach to community resources when needed.
• Develops, organizes and delivers grief support groups either independently or in association with other grief support resources in the community.
• Maintains a resource library of materials appropriate to various bereaved individuals, including those with high-risk or disenfranchised grief – provides materials as part of routine bereavement contacts and upon request.
• Works with Volunteer Coordinator to identify opportunities for volunteers to participate in bereavement support activities.
• Attends and participates in community events, promoting Compassus and the universal need for grief and bereavement support.
• Develops and performs public service announcements regarding grief and bereavement.
• Provides bereavement counseling and support, based on personal qualifications, when needed.
• Develops and delivers memorial services for program patients.
• Develops and supports delivery of memorial services for patients of nursing facilities served by the program.
• Participates in funeral or other memorial services if requested by family.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education And/or Experience:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's or higher degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Theology, Divinity, or equivalent field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the provision of grief, loss and/or bereavement support for individuals and families strongly preferred.
• An equivalent combination of specialized training, education, and experience will be considered.

Skills:

• Mathematical Skills: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage.
• Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from leaders, team members, investors, and external parties. Strong written and verbal communication.
• Other Skills and Abilities: Ability to understand, read, write, and speak English. Articulates and embraces hospice philosophy. Clinical experience or training related to death, dying, and bereavement. Strong organizational and time management skills. Must be able to work a flexible schedule to include nights and weekends.

State Specific Requirements:

• California: Evidence of experience and/or education in dealing with issues of grief and loss.
• Connecticut: Evidence of experience or education in counseling individuals dealing with issues of grief and loss.
• Georgia: Licensed professional counselor (LPC); or Licensed social worker (LMSW, LCSW); or education/experience specific to the counseling of individuals dealing with grief and loss.
• Mississippi: Bachelor's degree in psychology; or Bachelor's degree from a school of social work accredited by the Council on Social Work Education; or Bachelor's degree in counseling; or Evidence of equivalent of any of the above in education, plus training in the spiritual care of the dying and end of life issues.
• New Hampshire: Bachelor's degree in an applicable field such as theology of education, psychology, or counseling; AND Completed 8 additional hours in death, dying, grief, or bereavement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The demands of this role necessitate a team member to effectively perform essential functions. Adaptations can be made to accommodate team members with disabilities. Regular standing, walking, and manual dexterity are fundamental, along with the ability to lift and move objects up to 25 pounds. Visual acuity requirements include close and distance vision, color and peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

At Compassus, diversity, equity, and inclusion are fundamental to our Pillars of Success. We are committed to creating a fair work environment where our team members feel welcomed, highly valued, and respected. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Estimated salary range $18.94 - $33.88 / hour. Actual salary will vary by geographic location and experience.