OVERVIEW

Bethell Hospice has received funding for a new, temporary, 18-month Grief and Bereavement Counsellor position focused on supporting clients in North Brampton from October, 2025 to March 31, 2027

POSITION SUMMARY

The Supportive Care Program at Bethell Hospice is available to all clients, caregivers and families (of all ages) in the Dufferin/Caledon area both before and following a client’s death. This role provides Grief and bereavement support in North Brampton in a variety of ways to meet the individual and unique needs of each bereavement client including the following:
· One to one (in home, in hospice office, by telephone, or virtually through Microsoft Teams)
· Group support and educational workshops (internally and externally)
· Monthly mailing of bereavement support educational materials
· Referral source for other community resources
The Grief and Bereavement Counsellor is focused on the psychological, emotional, spiritual and mental well-being of persons who have experienced a death, loss and/or those who are experiencing an anticipatory loss, and their partners and family members, as they deal with issues of self-esteem, identity, adaptation to illness and its consequences, social functioning and relationships, communication and spiritual suffering.
Location: - this is a hybrid position as Bereavement support is offered in the hospice office, private home, long-term care home, retirement home, hospital, and occasionally at community partner offices. This position will be based out of the Bethell Hospice South (Inglewood) location while working in both the North Brampton community and remotely from home. When working in the community, travel and mileage expenses will be paid in accordance with Bethell Hospice’s Business Travel policy.
Hours of Work: 37.5 hours based on
· needs of clients and support service volunteers
· attendance at planning, development and training sessions
· Providing coverage as needed, within the Hospice Residence program
· Some flexibility is required in order to meet client needs/scheduling.

EDUCATION/QUALIFICATIONS

· Master’s Degree in Social Work required
· Minimum of three to five years of recent work experience as a Social Worker.
· Current registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers as a Social Worker
· An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
· Must provide proof of annual registration with professional college.
· Group facilitation skills and experience are required.
· Experience working with volunteers and diverse groups of people.
· Knowledge of community resources.
· Experience in bereavement support, and/or hospice palliative care.
· Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
· Excellent time management skills.
· Experience in program development would be beneficial.
· Basic computer skills with working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

ABILITIES

· Strong interpersonal skills.
· Ability to work harmoniously with others both internally and externally.
· Ability to maintain confidentiality is an essential component of working in this role.
· Must have a car, valid driver’s license and appropriate insurance.
· Must provide proof of annual professional membership.
· Detail oriented, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of information.
· Self-starter who thrives in an environment where s/he can be equally successful working independently as well as collaboratively in a team environment.
· Problem-solving, negotiation and conflict management skills.
· Experienced in working successfully with a diverse client group

LEADERSHIP/DECISION MAKING REQUIREMENTS

· This position is responsible for the coordination and delivery of grief and bereavement care within the North Brampton area, working in an interdisciplinary team environment.
· The Grief and Bereavement Counsellor will assess for spiritual distress and collaboratively develop an inter-professional care plan with appropriate interventions, evaluations and adjustments.
· In order to enhance the quality of client care and advance evidence-based practice in palliative spiritual care, they will advise clients & families of the spiritual and bereavement resources available based on the needs of the client and family and how they may be best accessed.
· They will actively engage with staff/colleagues/volunteers across the continuum of care.
· As an employee of a hospice, the Grief and Bereavement Counsellor will work collaboratively with all the local hospices, Ontario Health at Home, hospitals, community health care agencies, physicians, other spiritual care providers, and volunteers.
· The Grief and Bereavement Counsellor has attributes of honesty, integrity, trustworthiness, compassion, understanding, patience, self-awareness, and excellent ethical standards. They will practice with a high level of autonomy and will also require flexibility to be able to work with clients/families and the inter-professional team. They are client-focused, accessible, inspire trust and are respectful. They demonstrate excellent organizational ability, critical thinking and decision-making skills, and a commitment to inclusion, equity and diversity.

· Liaises with the Supportive Care Program Manager on a regular basis to ensure the ongoing transmission of information regarding client services.
· Works in a professional, supportive manner abiding by the Bethell Hospice policies and procedures.
· Supports other employee functions as may be required and upon request.
· Attends employee meetings, annual general meetings and agency functions as required/requested.
· Participates in ongoing professional education opportunities.
· Commits to accreditation standards and process.
· Adheres to all standards, practices, policies and procedures regarding privacy and confidentiality of information, and ethical practice as set forth by the employer.
· Acts as a primary resource and consultant for collegial agencies, team members and community on issues related to bereavement and spiritual care.
· Maintains comprehensive data and a knowledge base of community services and resources.
· Implements outcome measurement strategies and meets targets and standards for the program.
· Submits monthly reports and statistical data to their Manager.
· Network on program-related activities.
· Participates in the development of quality assurance plans. Participates on committees and/or attends meetings at community organizations/groups where appropriate or at the request of their Manager.
· Participates in community multi-disciplinary rounds when needed/requested.
· Supports community visiting volunteers who work with clients of the Grief and Bereavement Counsellor.
· Completes other tasks that may be assigned by their Manager.