Bereavement Specialist

Arkansas Hospice, Inc.•Searcy, AR

About The Position

The Bereavement Specialist conducts bereavement assessments following the patient’s death, develops and administers bereavement plan of care, visits patient/family prior to death as needed, and provides bereavement counseling and/or referral to community resources as appropriate. The Bereavement Specialist also assists in improving and expanding existing services, develops new services, provides education to staff and community groups, and participates in outreach activities. The Bereavement Specialist serves as an active member of the interdisciplinary team.

Requirements

Education: Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or related field; RN or chaplain with bereavement certification, or paid bereavement experience required. Master’s degree preferred.
Experience: Minimum of three years clinical work experience, preferably in a healthcare or hospice setting.
Licensure: Valid Arkansas licensure if applicable.
Additional Requirements: Reliable transportation, valid Arkansas driver’s license, car insurance.
Knowledge and acceptance of hospice philosophy and principles of care.
Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
Ability to accurately assess bereavement needs of patients/families.
Ability to provide counseling to individuals and groups.
Ability to recognize both positive and negative aspects of death and grief.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing with co-workers and other customers.
Ability to follow basic safety policies and procedures.
Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.
Ability to work as a team player.
Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience and dedication.
Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.

Responsibilities

Reviews or completes initial bereavement assessment; contacts caregiver/families as indicated.
Following established guidelines, performs bereavement risk assessment with families following patient’s death; develops bereavement plan of care based on assessment.
Makes personal visits to patient’s home as required.
Performs short-term crisis intervention and individual/family bereavement counseling following patient’s death as indicated.
Refers patients to appropriate community agencies and services when providing hospice-based services is not appropriate. Develops and maintains contact with community agencies and services to facilitate referrals and promote interagency cooperation.
Develops and maintains library of education materials related to grief /loss for use by families and staff.
Participates in community outreach and education.
Uses creativity and expertise to enhance bereavement services within the agency and the community.
Participates as active member of interdisciplinary team.
Collaborates and communicates effectively with team members.
Participates actively in performance improvement activities.
Maintains strict confidentiality at all times.
Utilizes and models excellent customer service skills at all times; seeks opportunities to assist patients, families and co-workers; demonstrates teamwork and cooperation.
Accepts direction and follows instructions from supervisor; seeks additional information as needed; works with minimal supervision.
Adheres to all organizational and departmental policies and procedures.
Continually meets organizational standards for attendance and punctuality; notifies supervisor in a timely manner when employee will be absent or late for work.
Attends all required meetings and in-services; seeks opportunities for additional professional development activities as appropriate.
Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
Company paid life insurance policy up to $15,000
FSA and FSA Dependent care
Supplemental Insurance such as Short-term disability, Long-Term disability, etc.
401(k) retirement plan with company match
Paid time off (PTO) program to total up to 208 hours a year
Tuition and certification reimbursement for qualified employees
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Free parking at all locations.
Mileage reimbursement for company travel.