Palliative Care/Bereavement Specialist

St. Mary's Healthcare System For Children • New Hyde Park, NY

289d • $60

About The Position

Through home visits, the Palliative Care/Bereavement Specialist provides counseling and support to children and their families who are enrolled in the Home and Community Based (HCBS) Waiver to help them cope with the stress and grief related to the patient's chronic condition and end-of-life experience. Supports agency's mission to provide the highest quality care by complying with regulatory guidelines, meeting agency standards, and obtaining appropriate certification.

Requirements

• Master's Degree in Social Work and current licensure as a Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW) or as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) by the New York State Education Department.
• OR Psychologist licensed by the New York State Education Department.
• OR A Mental Health Counselor licensed by the New York State Education Department (LMHC).
• Minimum of one year working with the medically fragile population.
• At least one year of clinical experience with the pediatric population, preferably involving end of life care.

Responsibilities

• Assesses patient's social, emotional and safety factors related to his/her illness, taking into consideration the environment and present support system.
• Provides education to patient/families regarding palliative and end-of-life care.
• Provides bereavement and anticipatory grief work counseling to family members which may include individual, family or group counseling modalities.
• Provides age-appropriate bereavement counseling/support to siblings and other children in the home as needed.
• Assesses family's risk for complicated/disenfranchised grief reactions.
• Educates/instructs family members in the importance of self-care during the grieving process.
• Assesses patient/family spiritual preferences and links patient/family to appropriate spiritual/religious services.
• Establishes a bereavement plan of care with patient/family.
• Acts as the patient's advocate.
• Refers alleged patient abuse and/or neglect concerns or unsafe situations to proper authorities timely.
• Completes all documentation in a timely manner.
• Maintains current knowledge of resources available.
• Coordinates care with inter-disciplinary team.
• Reports patient problems or changes in patient status to Palliative Care Program Manager as needed.
• Participates in case conferences as scheduled.
• Communicates with patients, significant others and interdisciplinary team members in a positive, respectful and caring manner.
• Other duties, as assigned.

What This Job Offers

• Education Level: Master's degree