Grief Support Counselor, 2A

Big Bend Hospice; Panama City, Blountstown (FL, FL); On-site; USD 56,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Comprehensive benefits package

Professional development opportunities

Employee recognition programs

Job summary

Big Bend Hospice is seeking a compassionate Bereavement Counselor to support youth, families, and adults in a community-based setting in Panama City, FL. The role emphasizes grief counseling, school-based programs, and outreach across homes, schools, and community venues.

You will join an interdisciplinary team, provide crisis support, and facilitate bereavement groups while maintaining professional licensure and documentation standards.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree required in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or related field.
• Experience providing counseling or therapeutic support to youth.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical counseling experience.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide grief counseling, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and referrals to individuals and families before and after a hospice patient’s death.
• Conduct bereavement risk assessments and provide follow-up services.
• Offer short-term counseling and ongoing grief support to hospice families and community members.
• Provide counseling in-person and via telephone.

Skills

Counseling

Interpersonal communication

Time management

Independent work

Empathy

Education

Master’s degree in Social Work / Mental Health Counseling / Music Therapy / Art Therapy

Tools

EMR systems

Microsoft Office

Job description

Job Details

• Job Location: Panama City, FL 32401
• Position Type: Full Time
• Education Level: 4 Year Degree
• Salary Range: $56,000.00 - $57,000.00 Salary/year
• Travel Percentage: Road Warrior
• Job Shift: Any
• Job Category: Clinical

Why Join Big Bend Hospice

• Support children, teens, adults, and families throughout the grieving process.
• Facilitate meaningful support groups, workshops, and community programs.
• Work in a dynamic, community-focused role across homes, schools, offices, and community settings.
• Collaborate with an interdisciplinary team of compassionate healthcare professionals.
• Help strengthen bereavement services that provide hope, healing, and connection.
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of individuals and families experiencing loss.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a compassionate, energetic, and relationship-focused professional who has a genuine passion for helping others navigate grief and loss. The ideal candidate is comfortable working in a flexible, community-based environment and connecting with individuals from a variety of backgrounds and life experiences. You’ll bring strong clinical skills, experience supporting both youth and adults, and a commitment to providing compassionate care while honoring the dignity, beliefs, and unique needs of every individual and family served.

Key Responsibilities

Counseling & Bereavement Support

• Provide grief counseling, crisis intervention, psychoeducation, and referrals to individuals and families before and after a hospice patient’s death.
• Conduct bereavement risk assessments and provide appropriate follow-up services according to organizational guidelines.
• Offer short-term counseling and ongoing grief support to hospice families and community members.
• Provide compassionate support through both in-person and telephone counseling.

Youth & Family Programs

• Facilitate school-based grief support groups and youth bereavement programs.
• Support children’s grief camps, remembrance events, and holiday programs.
• Help children, teens, and families develop healthy coping strategies and build resilience following loss.

Group Facilitation & Community Outreach

• Plan and facilitate grief support groups, workshops, and bereavement events.
• Deliver educational presentations to hospice staff, schools, community organizations, and healthcare partners.
• Serve as a trusted community resource and liaison for grief and bereavement services.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Participate in care planning and Interdisciplinary Group (IDG) meetings.
• Provide clinical insight and guidance related to grief, bereavement, and family coping.
• Support hospice staff and volunteers through education, consultation, and grief-related resources.

Professional Practice

• Maintain timely, accurate, and professional documentation.
• Participate in meetings, training programs, workshops, and clinical supervision.
• Contribute to quality-improvement initiatives and committee activities.
• Maintain required professional licensure and continuing education requirements.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Music Therapy, Art Therapy, or a related field.
• Required: Experience providing counseling or therapeutic support to youth.
• Minimum of two (2) years of clinical counseling experience.
• Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) preferred.

Skills & Abilities

• Strong clinical counseling and assessment skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to build trust and meaningful rapport with children, teens, adults, and families.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of applicable professional standards, ethics, and regulatory requirements.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic medical record (EMR) systems.
• Demonstrates compassion, professionalism, integrity, and confidentiality in all interactions.

Schedule & Travel

Schedule

• Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required to support programs, events, and community needs.

Travel

• This is an in-person, community-based position.
• Approximately 25%-50% travel throughout Bay County and surrounding communities.
• Must have reliable transportation, a valid driver’s license, and current auto insurance.

Total Rewards

• Competitive salary.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Professional development and continuing learning opportunities.
• Employee recognition programs.
• Meaningful, mission-driven work that makes a difference in the lives of others.
• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) for most positions.

Big Bend Hospice is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all.