Bereavement Counselor - Per Diem

Lowell, MA, USA|

Job Overview

Compensation

Hourly

Range $24.65 - $30.82

Benefits

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Professional Development

Employee assistance program

Flexible spending account

Community Involvement Opportunities

Job Description

Tufts Medicine is a renowned healthcare organization dedicated to delivering comprehensive and compassionate care to patients and families throughout their healthcare journey. As a leading player in the medical services sector, Tufts Medicine is committed to advancing health outcomes by employing a multidisciplinary approach that integrates medical expertise, innovative treatments, and community resources. Tufts Medicine's extensive network encompasses hospitals, outpatient centers, and specialized care programs that focus on patient-centered care, ensuring that each patient's physical, emotional, and social needs are addressed holistically. Tufts Medicine values collaboration, diversity, and professional growth, offering an environment where healthcare professionals can thrive and make a meaningful impact. The organization is known for its commitment to clinical excellence, patient safety, and continuous quality improvement, providing employees with robust support systems and opportunities for career advancement.

This role is designed to provide critical medical and clinical support services focused on behavioral health and bereavement support for patients and their families. The position caters to helping families and individuals cope with grief following the loss of a loved one treated at Tufts Medicine. The professional in this role will utilize their advanced knowledge in social work or counseling to deliver specialized behavioral evaluations and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral issues associated with grief and loss. This senior-level position entails managing complex cases independently, coaching junior professionals, collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, and improving existing programs to ensure effective bereavement care. The professional must possess the skills and sensitivity to provide empathetic support, education, and guidance to grieving families, clinical staff, and community members.

The role demands proficiency in bereavement theories, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a healthcare setting that often involves emotionally charged situations. Responsibilities include providing direct bereavement support and counseling, managing support groups, preparing documentation and care plans, and engaging community resources for comprehensive support. The position emphasizes continuous improvement, compliance with regulatory standards, and coordination with volunteers and interdisciplinary teams. This job is crucial in helping those affected by loss adjust and maintain coping, reinforcing Tufts Medicine’s commitment to holistic patient and family care.

Tufts Medicine offers a competitive salary range for this role, from $24.65 to $30.82 per hour, reflecting the qualified candidate’s experience, education, skills, and internal equity considerations. Beyond the base pay, the organization provides a comprehensive Total Rewards package to support employee health, financial security, and career development, affirming its dedication to employee wellbeing and professional growth. Individuals passionate about making a positive impact on families undergoing loss and equipped with advanced social work or counseling credentials will find this role fulfilling and impactful within Tufts Medicine’s vibrant healthcare community.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work or counseling
Relevant experience with dealing with loss and the bereavement process
Ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally
Empathy and sensitivity to the grieving process
Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team
Strong organizational skills
Compliance with regulatory requirements and professional standards

Job Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social work or counseling
Relevant experience with dealing with loss and the bereavement process
Master’s degree in social work or counseling preferred
Experience in a health care setting or working with end-of-life care preferred

Job Duties

Utilizes bereavement theories and research findings to provide current standards of practice in bereavement support
Provides input and gathers information at interdisciplinary team meetings that will assist with bereavement services
Follows assigned families after the patient’s death according to plan of care
Works with bereavement volunteers
Provides bereavement support and education to clinical staff
Completes documentation for all family contacts and counseling sessions including plans of care
Keeps volunteer/bereavement coordinator informed of issues
Conducts support groups as assigned by volunteer/bereavement coordinator
Develops a general plan for each support group
Maintains documentation of support group attendees
Gives bereavement presentations to community
Participates in bereavement activities
Assists in orientation to bereavement services for new staff
Mentors students as requested
Works with volunteer/bereavement coordinator to identify opportunities for improvement in performance and works to address them
May assist in community hospice education and promoting hospice care in the community and with other healthcare professionals
Reports corporate compliance concerns to the supervisor or director of quality improvement when applicable
Ensures compliance within guidelines set forth by regulatory agencies and demonstrates compliance with Home Health Foundation policies and procedures