Bereavement/Grief Services Manager

Hospice of San Joaquin is the oldest not-for-profit hospice of 40 years.  We serve all of San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.  We are committed to continuing to be the leader in ensuring the quality of the journey, from serious illness through end of life, and to honor our mission by honoring life by ensuring patients and their Caregivers are the focus of everything we do.  We seek a Dynamic, self-motivated Bereavement Services Manager who thrives in a fast-paced environment and supports our mission.  This is a Full-Time position.

POSITION PURPOSE/SUMMARY:
Identifies the bereavement needs of Hospice families and community clients. Coordinates supervises, and makes provisions for bereavement services to such clients.

COORDINATION/DEVELOPMENT OF BEREAVEMENT SERVICES:
Ensures that the bereavement needs of Hospice families and community clients are being met. Ensure that the Bereavement Services is in accordance with Hospice of San Joaquin’s policies/procedures, Federal and State regulations, and current Hospice standards.
1. Develop and maintain Hospice policies and procedures for bereavement services.
2. Facilitates case presentations and assignments among bereavement team members providing bereavement care.
3. Plans, schedules, supervises, and/or facilitates regularly scheduled bereavement support groups.
4. Develops, conducts, and/or supervises bereavement quality improvement activities.
5. Provides consultation to health care staff and collaborates with community referral agencies/persons concerning bereavement and loss issues.
6. Supervises bereavement services provided by bereavement staff and volunteers, maintaining consistency with Hospice philosophy.

SUPPORTIVE COUNSELING SERVICES:
Provides supportive counseling and/or appropriate referrals to meet the client’s bereavement needs.
1. Assesses Hospice families and develops bereavement plan of care using assessment information 4-6 weeks after the death of the patient.
2. Assess community clients at the time of referral and develop a support plan.
3. Provides goal-directed supportive/counseling and/or appropriate referrals to bereaved clients.
4. Identifies and coordinates referral resources required to support bereavement plans for clients.
5. Makes independent decisions regarding psychosocial and bereavement issues.
 

EXPANSION OF COMMUNITY SERVICES:
1. Identifies and assesses needs in the area of grief and loss support.
2. Develop new programs to meet the needs of Hospice clients and the greater community.

EDUCATION:
Ensure continuity of bereavement services. Enhances community awareness of bereavement services and ensures that members of the IDT understand issues of grief and loss.
1. Coordinates provision of training and in-service for bereavement volunteers.
2. Provide the Chief Clinical Officer with feedback concerning timely topics for in-services, education, and discussion.
3. Acts as a community advocate for Hospice and Bereavement Services through ongoing speaking engagements in the Hospice service area.

INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAM COLLABORATION AND COMMUNICATION:
Stays apprised of ongoing family dynamics before the death of a patient and assists members of the IDT to understand issues of grief and loss.
Attends monthly bereavement team meetings and actively participates in all discussions related to patient/family care and grief and bereavement issues.

DOCUMENTATION:
Enhance professional knowledge, and attain job satisfaction, personal growth, and a sense of well-being by actively participating in a variety of professional educational activities.

PRE-EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS:
1. Background Check
2. Reference Check
3. Drug & physical; Screening

JOB QUALIFICATIONS
1. BA/BS degree in Social Work, Sociology, Counseling, or related field required; Master’s Degree preferred.
2. Knowledge and understanding of individual, child, and family development, human behavior, communication, and the influence of culture and values in grief counseling and psychotherapy.
3. Knowledge of group process and peer counseling with an ability to facilitate an IDT approach to clinical and administrative duties.
4. Skills in decision-making, program planning and development, and administration.
5. Skills and experience in working with persons engaged in traumatic life experiences.
6. Ability to supervise, train, and evaluate employees and volunteers.
7. Skill and ability to organize and prioritize activities of self, as well as activities of other IDT members.
8. Knowledge of child and elder abuse reporting requirements and other significant legislation and laws regulating Hospice practice.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS
1. The Bereavement Services Manager is a driver and needs to drive on Hospice of San Joaquin business, he/she must be willing to drive their own vehicle, have a valid California driver’s license, and have automobile insurance that meets State standards. 
2. Able to sit for long periods.
3. Able to maneuver throughout the community.
4. Visual / hearing ability sufficient to comprehend written / verbal communication.
5. Manual dexterity for computers, filing, and telephones.
6. Ability to carry and move training items and materials for workshops, and support groups.

We offer a great benefit package to our staff such as:

• Competitive hospice industry compensation
• Benefits package with multiple plan offerings 
• 401(k) Retirement plan with employer match
• AFLAC insurance plans
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Fitness Center membership discount
• Employee Assistance Programs (ESP)
• Supportive work culture which encourages work-life balance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Monthly mileage reimbursement
• Employee Referral Program

If you are interested in being part of a dynamic team and to help us continue to be the leader in ensuring quality of the journey, from serious illness through end of life and to honor our mission by honoring life by ensuring patients and their Caregivers are the focus of everything we do, we encourage you to apply.  To learn more about Hospice of San Joaquin, please visit our website at:  www.hospiceofsanjoaquin.org