Hwc - School-Based Bereavement Care Specialist

Location: Hagerstown, MD

Under general supervision, the School Based Bereavement Care Specialist serves as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team (IDT) and is responsible for providing bereavement support services to grieving children and their families by providing peer support group programs, ongoing staff support, educational resources and referral services. Provides education and volunteer opportunities to individuals, businesses and organizations in the communities served by the Soaring Dove Family Bereavement program under the Hospice of Washington County. Will provide education and consultation services to schools, community leaders, professionals, organizations and businesses who serve of work with children. Builds lasting partnerships increasing the opportunity for collaboration on initiated that impact the community. Raises awareness of the impact of death on children and their need for support. Responsible for providing bereavement support services to HWC families and the community and is responsible for provision of services consistent with the mission, vision, and goals of HWC, 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 children, adolescents, and families grieving a loss.

Experience in public speaking in a variety of settings with groups of varying size.

Experience in facilitating support groups.

3 years experience working in a counseling or related field preferred, particularly working with children

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, LCSW or Certified School Counselor preferred  

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Provides bereavement support and counseling services within appropriate time frames as indicated on bereavement care plan specifically for children, teens, and families (school aged population).
• Provides Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 level school-based bereavement care services to Hospice of Washington County families and community members who have experienced the death of a loved one. Services include individual and group bereavement services to children and teens in school, office, and/or community settings.
• Plans and implements group peer support sessions for grieving children and their families and school-based support groups for grieving students.
• 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 Hospice of Washington County and community members who have experienced the death of a loved one.
• Refers the family and community bereaved to appropriate community resources as needs are identified.
• 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.
• Provides grief education, training, and support to Washington County Public School (WCPS) staff, and community agencies in Washington County.
• Plans and implements specialized programs designed to raise awareness and provide additional support to participants of the Soaring Doves Family Bereavement Program peer support programs as well as to their extended families members.
• Plans and implements and supports an ongoing outreach and education strategy to generate family participants, volunteers and school partnerships, and community partnerships.
• Administrative tasks such as tracking all communication, mileage, services, as well as completion of detailed quality documentation in EMR. Documents all patient information according to HWC’s policies and procedures.
• Collaborates and reports to designated Official Authorized to Execute Contract, Program Officer, and Fiscal Contact established by Maryland Community Health Resources Commission Grant Agreement. Maintains records required per the grant program management and renewal process. Collects demographics of students and any needed statistics for the grant.
• Provides anticipatory grief support and counseling to HWC patients and families if deemed appropriate by IDT.
• 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 HWC policies and procedures, state, federal, and accrediting agency’s requirements.
• Provides notification of absence per HWC 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 HWC 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 HWC’s 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 in schools, inside the organization’s offices, in community settings, and virtually 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

Comprehensive background checks per grant and Washington County Public School regulations

All roles must demonstrate GBMC Values

GBMC Values

Value Description

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

$52,635.34 - $81,584.77

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

Equal Employment Opportunity

GBMC HealthCare 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.