Job Description Summary

The Per Diem Bi-lingual Bereavement Counselor is responsible for providing clerical, organizational, and clinical support to the Bereavement Program as needed, especially with our primarily or exclusively Spanish-speaking clients and families.  The Per Diem Bi-lingual Bereavement Counselor respects, represents, and promotes the mission, values and vision of VNHC.
 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS / RESPONSIBILITIES

The incumbent provides assistance to the Bereavement Program for Hospice and Community clients, as delegated by the Bereavement Coordinator.  The incumbent serves as the Bereavement specialist to our Hospice and Community clients who are primarily or exclusively Spanish-speaking, and their families.  The incumbent:

• Provides mail, phone, and in-person follow-up to Spanish-speaking bereaved Hospice families as appropriate and as directed by the Bereavement Coordinator.  
• Provides grief counseling (individual, family, and group) to Spanish-speaking Hospice and Community clients as appropriate and as directed by the Bereavement Coordinator. 
• Provides a clinical assessment and plan for bereaved clients, when appropriate. 

• Provides information and referral for bereaved clients, when appropriate. 
• Engages with clients in a timely and professional fashion.

• Completes appropriate and required documentation in a timely fashion. 

• Handles and prioritizes multiple tasks simultaneously, while delivering Bereavement services in an efficient, professional, and compassionate manner. 

• Demonstrates a good understanding of customer service and quality management principles. 
• Assists with Bereavement program planning and development as requested by the Bereavement Coordinator. 
• Participates in hospice activities such as in-service education, hospice staff meetings, and relevant committees, as time and schedule permit. 
• Functions independently, but seeks and accepts clinical supervision and program guidance from the Bereavement Coordinator. 
• Works collaboratively with other members of the interdisciplinary group and with members of the community.  
• Works with supervisor to attain knowledge of state, federal, local and accreditation (CHAP) regulations for the delivery of hospice services. 
• Advances professional knowledge and skills.
• Accepts and performs other related duties and responsibilities as required.
  

• Master's degree in Social Work with specialized knowledge of death and dying, bereavement issues and grief counseling, including individual, family, and group work. 
• Spanish-language proficiency and cultural competency with regard to multi-cultural Hispanic Bereaved. 
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks, requests, and responsibilities. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to the changing needs of the Hospice Bereavement Program and of a per diem position.
• Knowledge of and commitment to hospice philosophy.
   

• Ability to walk up one flight of stairs without assistance of another. 
• Ability to walk one mile whether all at once or throughout the day.
• Ability to sit for one hour.
• Ability to drive and meet with clients in their homes as needed.
• Visual Acuity.
• Audio Acuity.
• Verbal acuity.