Bereavement Counselor

POSITION SUMMARY

The Bereavement Counselor provides clinical bereavement services to hospice patients, family members and members of the community at large.  When services are rendered to hospice clients, such care is coordinated and communicated with other members of the interdisciplinary team. In addition, the Bereavement Counselor assists in program development in the areas of grief and loss for hospice and community families.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

 Provides supportive counseling, grief therapy and/or crisis intervention for adults, children and families in a manner consistent with Maryland licensure and Hospice of the Chesapeake (HOC) standards of care.

• Supports careful assessment of bereavement needs of hospice families through engagement in the IDT process, including attendance at selected IDT meetings, creating bereavement plans of care, carrying out interventions as appropriate and documenting accordingly.
• Formulates and implements diagnostically appropriate treatment plans of care for clients receiving counseling.
• Ensures client sessions are documented and client records are maintained in accordance with Maryland licensure and HOC policy.
• Facilitates/co-facilitates grief support groups for clients as needed.
• Contributes to the wider community through program development and provision of both community educational programs and professional Continuing Education..
• Assists with orientation and training of new volunteers and student interns to Chesapeake Life Center programs and services.
• Is knowledgeable about, and locates, appropriate community resources to meet needs of clients.
• Reports client/family incidents according to HOC policy. Ensures documentation of events is accurate and complete.
• Maintains open and professional communications with all staff. Intercedes as necessary to promote positive, constructive interactions between staff members/departments/others.  Reports issues to appropriate supervisor.
• Maintains required skills, licensure, regulatory requirements and credentials needed to perform assigned duties.