Iowa City Hospice is seeking a Bereavement Counselor to join our interdisciplinary team of professionals. This position works independently with persons of all ages experiencing grief and loss to assess support needs of grieving individuals and effectively assist them to find meaningful coping strategies through one on one counseling, group sessions and providing appropriate educational materials.

Skills necessary to be successful in this position include:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Ability to maintain positive working relationships and courteous interaction with staff and the general public
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (a few evening and weekend shift availability through out the year)
• Ability to hear client communication
• Ability to exercise sound judgement and decision making
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite or related software
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment

Responsibilities include:

• Facilitate support groups and programs (virtual meetings)
• Provides one on one grief support (phone and/or in person)
• Serves as an educational support and resource to staff, Care Partners and community.

Essential Job Functions (including but not limited to):

Facilitate support groups and programs for ICH bereaved and the community.

Oversee bereavement volunteer activities.

Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team in the development of the patient’s plan of care.

Provide clinical bereavement visits to ICH bereaved during their 13 months of bereavement care.

Receive initial community contacts and, when appropriate, refer them to community resources.

Respond to requests for educational programs and in-services.

Communicate with school counselors and related community agencies about Iowa City Hospice bereavement services for youth.

Ensure effective use of resources.

Serves as an educational support and resource to staff, Care Partners and community.

Ensure implementation of strategic goals.

Demonstrates exceptional written and verbal communication standards to advance cooperative working relationships with Iowa City Hospice staff, management and care partners.

Adhere to the practice of confidentiality regarding patients, families, staff and the organization.

Participate in Iowa City Hospice’s success by ensuring access to our exceptional care.

Support and promote Iowa City Hospice’s mission to lead in providing exceptional patient-centered end-of-life care and grief support to anyone affected by a terminal illness.

Participate in the organization’s quality assessment and performance improvement program.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Iowa City Hospice requires 100% of clinical staff, employed at 50% FTE or greater, obtain an applicable certification in hospice and palliative care, by the 3rd year of employment.

Licensure: None required; MSW must have state licensure

Education: Masters Degree in Social Work, counseling or equivalent.

Experience: Working with youth and adults, preferably end-of-life and/or bereavement issues.

Schedule: 70% time, varies according to programmatic needs, including some evenings.

Driving: Proof of current license and insurance coverage.