Hospice Bereavement Counselor - Gilchrist Inova

Boston Medical Center; United States; Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Mileage reimbursement

Learning opportunities

Competitive pay

Awesome benefits

Job summary

Gilchrist Inova is seeking a Bereavement Counselor to join the Interdisciplinary Team and deliver high-quality bereavement support to families and community members. The role emphasizes timely counseling, assessment, and collaboration within the IDT.

The position requires a Master’s in Social Work or related field, with licensure (LGSW/LMSW, LGPC) or higher preferred. Candidates should have crisis intervention experience and strong group facilitation skills.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field required.
• Clinical experience in assessing, intervening, and counseling grieving clients (anticipatory grief, caregiver stress).
• Licensure requirements include LGSW/LMSW, LGPC; LCSW/LCPC highly desired.

Responsibilities

• Provide bereavement support and counseling within care plan timeframes.
• Document ongoing therapeutic assessments of bereavement needs.
• Offer short-term crisis intervention for grief and loss.
• Refer families to appropriate community resources and support groups.
• Facilitate bereavement psycho-educational groups.

Skills

Bereavement knowledge

Public speaking

Group facilitation

Interpersonal skills

Time management

Documentation

Education

Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field

Licensure: LGSW/LMSW, LGPC; LCSW/LCPC desired

Job description

National leaders in care, Gilchrist and Inova have come together to form a new hospice organization offering services throughout Northern VA. Our team is full of kind, dedicated people who believe in making every moment matter – for those we have the privilege to serve. When you join us, you’ll receive competitive pay, awesome benefits, mileage reimbursement, lots of learning opportunities, and a workplace where collaboration and respect are part of the job description. If you’re looking for a career that fills your heart and fuels your purpose, come join the Gilchrist Inova family! Together, we make every day count.

Under general supervision of the Clinical Manager, Bereavement Counselor serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and is responsible for providing bereavement support services to families and the community and is responsible for provision of services consistent with our mission, vision, and goals, quality outcomes and regulatory standards.

Education Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling or related field Experience Clinical experience in assessing, intervening, and providing time limited counseling to clients grieving a loss which may include anticipatory grief and or caregiver stress. Experience in public speaking in a variety of settings with groups of varying size. Experience in facilitating support groups. 3-5 years experience working in a counseling or related field preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Mental health and bereavement knowledge and experience to ensure understanding of the basic issues of human development and behavior Analytical skills necessary to assess client needs, to establish a plan of care and to effect appropriate interventions Time management skills and discipline required to efficiently and effectively manage job duties Ability to read and write the English language in order to complete required professional documentation and correspondence. Interpersonal skills necessary to effectively engage clients, volunteers, interns and community members Licensures, Certifications LGSW/LMSW, LGPC required. LCSW or LCPC highly desired.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides bereavement support and counseling services within appropriate time frames as indicated on bereavement care plan.
• Conducts and documents ongoing therapeutic assessments of individual and family bereavement needs in accordance with the Bereavement Care Plan.
• Provides short-term crisis intervention, as well as individual or family counseling services focused on grief and loss to both families served under care of Gilchrist Inova and community members who have experienced the death of a loved one.
• Assists Bereavement Care Supervisor and Bereavement Care Team with community bereavement events and community outreach projects as requested.
• Seeks input from IDT members regarding the bereavement care plan to obtain additional knowledge and support.
• Refers the family and community bereaved to appropriate community resources as needs are identified.
• Facilitates various bereavement psycho educational support groups.
• Documents all patient information according to policies and procedures.
• Provides anticipatory grief support and counseling to patients and families if deemed appropriate by IDT.
• Provides psycho educational presentations to community groups on loss, grief and related topics.
• Maintains annual agency in services.
• Accurately identifies and corrects errors.
• Is careful, alert, and accurate, paying attention to the details of the job.
• Facilitates community outreach/initiatives in response to traumatic or permanent grief and loss needs.
• Exhibits professional demeanor and objectivity.
• Provides bereavement care support via various modalities including face-to-face/in-person, telephone, and virtual sessions.
• Models prompt and regular attendance.
• Exhibits cost effective use of time, mileage and supplies.
• Demonstrates familiarity with and adheres to policies and procedures, state, federal, and accrediting agency’s requirements.
• Provides notification of absence per policy.
• Promotes and maintains respect for rights, privacy, and confidentiality of others.
• Respects patient and staff confidentiality at all times.
• Participates in committees, task forces and events as requested.
• Attends staff meetings, mandatory in-services, and other meetings as appropriate or upon request.
• Assumes responsibility for own personal and professional growth including state licensing/certification requirements.
• Understands and exemplifies hospice philosophy, values, beliefs and team concepts in all job‑related roles.
• Wears identification/name badge during working hours according to policy.
• Other duties assigned.

Physical Requirements

Ability to drive in rural, suburban and urban areas to provide grief counseling and support services. Ability to walk and climb stairs as appropriate. Ability to access partner facilities, schools and offices in the community.

Working Conditions

Work is performed virtually, inside the organization’s offices, and in community settings in all types of weather conditions Able to work flexible schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.

Conditions of Employment

• Valid driver’s license and automobile insurance
• Successful VA State background investigation

All roles must demonstrate Gilchrist Inova Values

Respect I will treat everyone with courtesy. I will foster a healing environment. Treats others with fairness, kindness, and respect for personal dignity and privacy Listens and responds appropriately to others’ needs, feelings, and capabilities

Excellence I will strive for superior performance in every aspect of my work. I will recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others. Meets and/or exceeds customer expectations Actively pursues learning and self-development Pays attention to detail; follows through

Accountability I will be professional in the way I act, look and speak. I will take ownership to solve problems. Sets a positive, professional example for others Takes ownership of problems and does what is needed to solve them Appropriately plans and utilizes required resources for various job duties Reports to work regularly and on time

Teamwork I will be engaged and collaborative. I will keep people informed. Works cooperatively and collaboratively with others for the success of the team Addresses and resolves conflict in a positive way Seeks out the ideas of others to reach the best solutions Acknowledges and celebrates the contribution of others

Ethical Behavior I will always act with honesty and integrity. I will protect the patient. Demonstrates honesty, integrity and good judgment Respects the cultural, psychosocial, and spiritual needs of patients/families/coworkers

Results I will set goals and measure outcomes that support organizational goals. I will give and accept help to achieve goals. Embraces change and improvement in the work environment Continuously seeks to improve the quality of products/services Displays flexibility in dealing with new situations or obstacles Achieves results on time by focusing on priorities and manages time efficiently

Pay Range

Final salary offer will be based on the candidate's qualifications, education, experience and alignment with our organizational needs.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Gilchrist Inova and its affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, national origin, mental or physical disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local law.

Facing a serious illness can be overwhelming. Hospice care is specialized support designed to provide comfort, dignity, and quality of life for patients and their families during this challenging time. At Gilchrist Hospice, in collaboration with Inova, we offer seamless compassionate care that focuses on pain and symptom management, emotional and spiritual support, and guidance for patients and their families every step of the way.

About Gilchrist Hospice

Gilchrist is a nationally recognized nonprofit leader in serious illness and end-of-life care, serving patients and families with compassion and expertise for more than 30 years. With a mission to provide the highest quality care across all stages of serious illness, Gilchrist offers a broad range of services designed to support patients and their loved ones during some of life’s most challenging moments. As the aging population continues to grow, Gilchrist has strategically aligned with leading health systems across the region to better serve our communities. This approach enables seamless transitions from serious illness to end-of-life care across all settings.

“For me, it’s about meeting the needs of our patients and their families, right where they are; Providing compassionate and dignified care through life’s final journey." Catherine Zimmerman, Case Manager