Counselor/Social Worker Sr - Grief Services Coordinator

University of New Mexico • Albuquerque, NM

4d • Onsite

About The Position

As a nationally accredited program with a strong educational mission within the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) investigates any death occurring in New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected, or where a person is found deceased and the cause of death is unknown. As a special program within the Department of Pathology, OMI determines the cause and manner of death in these cases and provides formal death certification.
OMI is seeking a Counselor / Social Worker Sr to serve as the OMI Grief Services Coordinator. This senior-level position combines direct clinical service delivery, program leadership, training and supervision, and grant-funded program coordination in a high-trauma, multidisciplinary environment.
The Grief Services Program provides counseling, information, referrals, advocacy, and emotional support to individuals and families experiencing the sudden death of a loved one. Services include short-term counseling and referrals to community-based grief support groups or longer-term counseling options, provided at no cost to families.
As part of the School of Medicine, OMI is a teaching facility that integrates interns into its programs. This position plays a key role in training, mentoring, and supervising interns, as well as growing and sustaining the Grief Services Program through community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and funding development.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or an equivalent field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified.
• Certification/Licensure: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or equivalent OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent OR licensure pending, as documented by temporary license.
• Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

Nice To Haves

• Experience coordinating or managing grant-funded programs.
• Experience overseeing program budgets and compliance requirements.
• Background in solution-focused or brief therapy models, EMDR, sand tray, art therapy or working with children.
• Experience working in medical, forensic, public health, or medicolegal settings.
• Experience developing and delivering training curricula.
• Experience writing for publication or presenting at conferences or academic forums.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with death-related content and images.
• High level of emotional resilience and professionalism in high-trauma environments.
• Clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and program coordination skills.
• Ability to adapt to change and work collaboratively across disciplines.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, ethical, and compassionate care.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term, solution-focused, trauma-informed counseling to individuals and families affected by sudden, violent, or unexpected deaths.
• Support families during highly sensitive processes, including photo viewings and family meetings with pathologists and investigative staff.
• Provide counseling specific to trauma, PTSD, grief, and loss, including work with children and families.
• Assess needs and coordinate referrals to appropriate community agencies and longer-term support services.
• Participate in peer consultation and case review.
• Coordinate and oversee the Grief Services Program, including management of approximately $350,000 in grant funding.
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, reporting obligations, and deliverables.
• Monitor program outcomes, prepare reports, and support continuous quality improvement.
• Identify and pursue additional funding sources to support program growth and sustainability.
• Supervise program staff, interns, and contractors, providing clinical oversight and professional development.
• Develop, implement, and deliver structured training curriculum for first- and second-year interns.
• Provide leadership and guidance within a teaching environment that supports learning, resilience, and ethical practice.
• Contribute to educational activities consistent with OMI’s academic mission.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with community partners, including law enforcement, medical providers, schools, and social service agencies.
• Present program information and outcomes to stakeholders, funders, and community groups.
• Serve as a liaison between OMI, families, and external partners.
• Lead and oversee wellness initiatives that support the mental health and resilience of OMI staff exposed to secondary trauma.
• Contribute to organizational efforts addressing compassion fatigue, burnout prevention, and trauma-informed workplace practices.
• Adapt program services and strategies in response to evolving needs and organizational change.
• Prepare written materials for publication and present at conferences, academic settings, or professional meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain professional licensure, continuing education, and ethical standards.

Benefits

• The University of New Mexico provides a comprehensive package of benefits including medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
• In addition, UNM offers educational benefits through the tuition remission and dependent education programs.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level