Grief Support Specialist

Description

The purpose of the Grief Support Specialist (GSS) role is to provide  grief support to hospice patients, family members of hospice patients,  and community members that have sustained the death of a loved one or  close friend. Grief support is provided through individualized plans of  care including grief focused mailings, periodic support phone calls,  monthly calls, grief support sessions, individual counseling, grief  support groups, and social support grief events. The GSS also provides  grief education and grief focused crisis response in the community as  requested/needed.   

Requirements

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: 

· Maintaining IBA and Monthly To Do report contacts, and plan of care updates, according to the plan of care 

· Complete initial bereavement assessment contact within 4-6 weeks  

· Provide grief counseling and support services to hospice served individuals and community members 

· Promote upcoming bereavement events within the community  

· Attend IDG 

· Provide grief education and presentations in the community, as needed 

· Facilitate adult, adolescent, and child grief support groups, as assigned 

· Assist with planning Good Mourning Children’s Grief Camp, leading activities, as assigned 

· Attend and/or facilitate Good Grief Meal once per month, providing fellowship and grief support to attendees 

· Collaborate with school personnel to provide grief education and grief support to students and faculty, as assigned  

·  Network with community school counselors, social workers, local  non-profits, senior centers, churches, and child-related agencies  regarding grief support needs   

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:  

· Knowledge of grief and loss, grief education, grief counseling techniques and therapeutic modalities  

· Ability to complete timely and accurate documentation 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

Education:  

§ Master’s degree in social work, psychology, or human service degree.   

Experience:  

§ Experience in bereavement preferred 

Licensures & Certifications: (if applicable):  

§ LCSWA/LCSW 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

§ Visual acuity to read written documentation and computer tasks 

§ Speech and hearing skills necessary for telephone interaction and face to face contact 

§ Ability to sit as required to perform duties  

§ Ability to stand, bend and lift an average of 30 pounds 

§ Manual dexterity with the ability to manipulate office equipment and complete written documentation 

§ Ability to walk, squat, kneel, climb and balance 

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:  

§ Must have an automobile with required insurance coverage and state driver’s license