Job Abstract

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Functions as a member of the Hospice Interdisciplinary Team, with responsibility for establishing, implementing and monitoring the plans of care for bereaved family members.
2. Assists with planning, organizing, carrying out and evaluating all bereavement functions, including but not limited to the following:

? Collecting and conducting of bereavement assessments in an efficient and timely manner.

? Creating record of discharged clients, including assessment of bereavement risks designated in IDT meeting.

? Developing, charting and monitoring of bereavement plan of care

? Developing bereavement materials.

? Coordinating bereavement education sessions.

? Coordinating bereavement support groups and activities.

? Coordinating bereavement training programs.

? Bereavement correspondence and closure letters.

? Bereavement evaluation instruments.

? Maintaining statistical data of Bereavement programs.

? Assessing bereavement risk and needs of bereaved as identified by IDG.

3. Assists with planning and development of educational programs related to grief and bereavement for VNS Staff and for programs offered to residents of the service area.
4. Networks and provides outreach to professionals and organizations in the area of grief and bereavement.
5. Facilitates and manages all facets of the Hospice House Memorial Garden in coordination with the Hospice Support Services Coordinator (tracking requests, placing orders, upholding deadlines, maintain all correspondence with families, staff & outside agencies and ensure proper placement of items) and Annual Memorial Garden Event.
6. Coordinates regular contact with family members during 13 month bereavement outreach program.
7. Assists in other Social Work program areas such as Hospice House coverage and all other activities assigned by the Social Work Supervisor.
8. Travels to homes of patient/family to conduct home visits and Hospice House visits as assigned.
9. Documents on electronic medical record within 24 hours of visits or telephone contacts with patient/family members.
10. Updates daily schedule 8:30am every morning to reflect current daily visit plan and synchronizes computer per agency policy.
11. Adheres to all applicable federal, state, local laws and regulations..
12. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree from a regionally accredited college or university or one recognized by the New York State Department of Education or equivalent experience in Social Work.
• Willingness to travel to homes of patient/family and to provide own transportation.
• Willingness to assist in other Social Work program areas such as Hospice House coverage and all other activities assigned by Social Work Supervisor.
• Documented training and/or experience in hospice services and specifically in bereavement services and programming.
• Ability to function professionally as part of an interdisciplinary team.
• Familiary with the hospice concept and its implementation.
• Thorough knowledge of dynamics of grief and bereavement.
• Good human relations and public relations skills.
• Management ability in the areas of planning, organization, coordination, supervision and motivation.
• Ability to understand and promote effective interaction among hospice team members.