Bereavement Counselor

Empath Health; Ocala (FL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Retirement with company match

Tuition reimbursement

5+ weeks paid time off

Job summary

Empath Health is looking for a Bereavement Counselor to support individuals and families dealing with loss. This position includes responsibilities such as conducting assessments, maintain tracking systems for bereavement support, and providing education to team members on bereavement standards.

The ideal candidate will have a Master’s degree in a related field, experience in Social Work, and a commitment to supporting bereaved clients. Benefits include competitive pay, 5+ weeks of PTO, and opportunities for professional growth.

Qualifications

• Two years paid experience in Social Work/Counseling with emphasis on bereavement preferred.
• Minimum of 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education required.
• Board certification from an accrediting body preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide bereavement counseling and assessment for those affected by loss.
• Maintain accurate system for identifying bereavement cases and monitoring follow-up.
• Conduct bereavement support groups for the community.

Skills

Assessment skills

Communication skills

Organizational ability

Self-motivation

Technology proficiency

Education

Master’s degree (MSW, M.A. or M.Div)

Graduate theological education

Job description

Overview

Hospice of Marion, a part of Empath Health, is seeking a Bereavement Counselor. If you are passionate about supporting individuals and families through their most challenging times, you are invited to consider a rewarding career as a Bereavement Counselor with Hospice of Marion.

The Bereavement Counselor provides bereavement counseling and assessment for those affected by the loss of an Empath Health patient. An individualized bereavement plan of care is developed by the IDT and updated by the bereavement counselor as indicated. Family members, friends and caregivers of a Hospice patient may receive ongoing bereavement follow-up for a minimum of 13 months following the death of the patient as requested. The bereavement counselor, working in collaboration with the IDT, is responsible for assisting the bereaved clients in the grief process and integrating the loss into their life.

Since 1983, Hospice of Marion County has been honored to serve families across Ocala and Marion County with compassionate, expert end-of-life care. As part of Empath Health, we help neighbors with advanced illness live as comfortably and meaningfully as possible, while supporting their families and caregivers with respect, guidance, and dignity.

What You’ll Do

• Maintains an accurate system for identifying bereavement cases needing services and a tracking system for monitoring planned follow-up, adhering to the bereavement standards for timeliness of client contact.
• Performs a comprehensive bereavement assessment in collaboration with the IDT and develops a plan of care for those Hospice family or friends who are in need of bereavement services.
• Educates team and counselors about bereavement standards of practice and documentation in the area of bereavement and serves as an educational and training resource within the agency for staff on the subject of grief and loss.
• Provides support and ongoing education of bereavement volunteers including training, orientation, assigning and monitoring of assignments and documentation. Collaborates with designated bereavement volunteer coordinator as needed.
• Conducts bereavement support groups at a minimum of twice a year for the community.

Why Join Empath Health?

• Earn Competitive Pay: Your skills and contributions are recognized and rewarded.
• Benefits & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement with company match, plus wellness programs to support your mind and body.
• Industry-Leading PTO: 5+ weeks to rest, recharge, and live your Full Life.
• Grow Your Career: CEU support, tuition reimbursement, and advancement opportunities.
• Make a Difference: Join a mission-driven team dedicated to kindness, compassion, and Full Life Care for All.

What You’ll Need

• Master’s degree (MSW, M.A. or M.Div) or equivalent; or four to ten years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Graduate theological education from an accredited institution of higher learning or accepted equivalency from certifying body.
• Minimum of 2 units of Clinical Pastoral Education, 4 units preferred.
• Board Certification from one of the established accrediting bodies for professional chaplaincy such as APC, NACC, NAJC and SCA preferred.
• Certified eligible with a commitment to complete the certification process within two years of employment.
• Licensure: LCSW, LMHC, LMFT, or licensed eligible and actively seeking Florida licensure
• Valid Florida State Driver’s License
• Continuing Education: As required for licensure.
• Two (2) years paid experience in Social Work/Counseling position with an emphasis on bereavement preferred.
• Must have excellent skills in assessment, communication, organizational ability, self-motivation and technology.
• For field-based positions, employees must have reliable transportation which will enable them to perform tasks and responsibilities in a timely and appropriate fashion. Must provide proof of valid automobile insurance, a copy of which will be placed in the employee’s HR file.

What You’ll Find At Empath Health

Unified in empathy, we serve our communities through extraordinary Full Life Care for All. Empath Health is a not-for-profit healthcare organization providing Full Life Care through a connected network of services across Florida, including hospice, home health, grief care, geriatric primary care, elder care (PACE), HIV and sexual health (EPIC), and dementia support. Full Life Care means caring for the whole person, body, mind, and spirit, with empathy and dignity. Our care goes beyond medicine to help people feel seen, supported, and valued at every stage of life. At Empath Health, you’ll find purpose, partnership, and possibility in a culture where compassion drives excellence and every team member helps make life’s journey more meaningful.