Bereavement Counselor

Thank you for considering a career at Mercy Health

Summary of Primary Function/General Purpose of Position (2-3 sentences)

The Bereavement Facilitator is responsible for following a caseload of families/caregiver from Hospice of the Valley and the community for twelve months following the death of the patient. The facilitator will also assist in planning, implementing and maintaining a bereavement program that meets the standards/requirements outlined by NHPCO and CMS.

Coordinates the assessment and delivery of grief counseling and supportive services (one-to-one, groups, and ongoing follow-up) to ensure timely and appropriate services are provided to family/caregivers.  Services are provided either in our offices or in the home of the family/caregiver.

Assists with bereavement program development, expansion and refinement through ongoing evaluation of these services.

Responsible for the documentation of clinical information in accordance with Agency standards for clinical documentation.

Provides bereavement and supportive services to hospice personnel coping with work related or personal grief through one-to-one support, groups or referrals to community resources.

Provides bereavement information and referral services to callers from the community as well as referrals to other hospices for non-local family members.

Assists as needed in evaluating and planning support events to meet the need of hospice personnel.

Able to function independently but seeks and accepts guidance using routine staffing meetings, interdisciplinary team input and community resources.

Participates in hospice activities such as in-service education, staff meetings, and committees.

Advances professional knowledge and skills, while keeping licensure current.

Accepts and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.

Provide educational/supportive presentations and in-services to area nursing homes, schools, hospitals, and businesses regarding death, dying, grief and loss.

Working flexible hours that include some evening and occasional weekend work.

This document is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, duties, requirements, or working conditions associated with the job. Employees may be required to perform other job related duties as required by their supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodation.

Patient Population

The following must be included in all position descriptions that involve direct or indirect patient care.  This is a Joint Commission requirement.  Also, select the age of the patient population served:

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Demonstrates the knowledge and skills necessary to provide care appropriate to the age of the patients served on his or her assigned unit.  

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Demonstrates knowledge of the principles of growth and development of the life span and possesses the ability to assess data reflective of the patient's status and interprets the appropriate information needed to identify each patient's requirements relative to his or her age, specific needs and to provide the care needed as described in departmental policies and procedures.

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Neonates (0-4 weeks)

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Adolescents (13-17 years)

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Infant (1-12 months)

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Adults (18-64 years).

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Pediatrics (1-12 years)

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Geriatrics (65 years and older)

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Not applicable to this position.

Employment Qualifications

Education Qualifications - List the minimum education, training, and experience required to perform the essential functions of the position. 

Required Minimum Education:

4 year/ Bachelors Degree

 Social Work

from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.

Preferred Education

Graduate Degree (Masters)

Social Work

from a program accredited by the Council of Social Work Education.

Licensing/ Certification - If registration, certification or licensure is required, include the name of the accrediting or licensing body.

Licensure/Certification Required

Licensed Social Worker by State Board of Social Work (LSW)

Licensure/Certification Preferred

Licensed Independent Social Worker (LISW)

Minimum Qualifications

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

Minimum of one year of experience in clinical grief counseling and facilitating grief support groups preferred.  Experience with patients, families and caregivers through the death and dying process. Obtain advanced training/certification in grief and bereavement at the discretion of the Manager of Psychosocial Services.   Ability to work as a member of the hospice interdisciplinary.

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

Has a valid driver’s license and is insured in accordance with state and/or organizational requirements

Other Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Preferred

Has excellent oral and written communication skills and possesses good organizational skills.  Knowledge and commitment to hospice philosophy.  Ability to work as a member of the hospice interdisciplinary.

☐ Combination of post-secondary education and experience in lieu of a degree.

Working Conditions

This section addresses the physical environment in which the employee will perform the work.

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Periods of high stress and fluctuating workloads may occur.

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Long-distance or air travel as needed- not to exceed 10% travel.

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General office environment.

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May be exposed to high noise levels and bright lights.

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May be exposed to physical altercations and verbal abuse.

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May be exposed to limited hazardous substances or body fluids.*

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May be required to use physical restraints.

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May be exposed to human blood and other potentially infectious materials.* 

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May be exposed to adverse weather conditions; cold, hot, dust, wind, etc.

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May have periods of constant interruptions.

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Required to car travel to off-site locations, occasionally in adverse weather conditions.

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Prolonged periods of working alone.

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Other: Click or tap here to enter text.

* Individuals in this position are required to exercise universal precautions, use personal protective equipment and devices, and learn the policies concerning infection control.

V.Physical Requirements

Physical Demands

Frequency

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1-33%

34-66%

67-100%

Lifting/ Carrying (0-50 lbs.)

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Lifting/ Carrying (50-100 lbs.)

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Push/ Pull (0-50 lbs.)

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Push/ Pull (50-100 lbs.)

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Stoop, Kneel

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Crawling

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Climbing

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Balance

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Bending

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Work Position

Sitting

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Walking

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Standing

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VI.Additional Physical Requirements/ Hazards

Physical Requirements

Hazards

Select if a physical requirement for this job.

Select if a potential hazard for this job.

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Manual dexterity (eye/hand coordination)

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Depth perception

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Perform shift work

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Use of Latex Gloves

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Maneuver weight of patients

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Exposure to toxic/caustic/chemicals/detergents

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Hear alarms/telephone/tape recorder

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Exposure to moving mechanical parts

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Reach above shoulder

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Exposure to dust/fumes

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Repetitive arm/hand movements

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Exposure to potential electrical shock

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Finger Dexterity

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Exposure to x ray/electromagnetic energy

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Color Vision

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Exposure to high pitched noises

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Acuity – far

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Gaseous risk exposure

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Acuity – near

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Other: Click or tap here to enter text.

Mercy Health is an equal opportunity employer.

We’ll also reward your hard work with:

• Comprehensive, affordable medical, dental and vision plans
• Prescription drug coverage
• Flexible spending accounts
• Life insurance w/AD&D
• An employer-matched 403(b) for those who qualify.
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance
• And much more

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

Work Shift:

Department:

All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, or protected veteran status, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability. If you’d like to view a copy of the affirmative action plan or policy statement for  Mercy Health – Youngstown, Ohio or Bon Secours – Franklin, Virginia; Petersburg, Virginia; and Emporia, Virginia, which are Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employer, please email recruitment@mercy.com. If you are an individual with a disability and would like to request a reasonable accommodation as part of the employment selection process, please contact The Talent Acquisition Team at recruitment@mercy.com