Bereavement Counselor-LSW, LCSW

Bereavement Counselor-LSW, LCSW

Location #1 Elkhart, Indiana | Full-Time | Monday–Friday, Day Shift

Location #2 Mishawaka, Indiana

Exempt

Looking for a different way to practice Social Work?

If you became a social worker because you wanted to make a lasting difference in people’s lives, hospice offers an opportunity to provide compassionate support when it matters most.

As a Bereavement Counselor (LSW, LCSW), you’ll walk alongside individuals and families as they navigate grief and loss, helping them find comfort, understanding, and healing. You’ll build meaningful relationships, provide individual and group bereavement support, and use your clinical skills to guide people through one of life’s most challenging experiences.

This role offers a different pace from many traditional clinical settings. You’ll have the opportunity to work independently, develop therapeutic connections with clients, and create meaningful interventions tailored to each person’s unique grief journey. At the same time, you’ll be supported by an interdisciplinary hospice team that values collaboration and compassionate care.

If you’re a clinically skilled, empathetic LSW or LCSW who values autonomy, meaningful relationships, and the opportunity to make a profound impact, a career in hospice bereavement counseling may be the change you’re looking for.

What You Can Expect

· Assesses bereavement needs of individuals experiencing grief and completes a risk assessment that includes evaluation of coping skills and support systems and then completes an assessment of the bereaved within 31 days of the death of the patient.

· For bereaved individuals who seek counseling, an initial plan of care is developed, and any changes to the goals and interventions are reflected in a revision to the care plan.

· Makes appropriate referrals to other resources for issues not related to grief.

· Provides bereavement counseling in the form of individual counseling, family counseling, group counseling, supportive phone contacts, etc.

· Assists hospice team members with understanding bereavement issues.

· Meets productivity expectations.

· Accurately records and reports pertinent information regarding all clients within 24 hours of contact.

· Communicates appropriate information to team members participating in the plan of care of the bereaved.

· Maintains documentation and files in an organized, clear and accessible manner.

· Participates in the planning, development and implementation of bereavement services.

· Assists with the development of outreach programs to the community.

· Serves as a liaison with counseling agencies used by the Agency.

· Participate in community education by giving presentations on topics related to grief and loss.

· Assists in the linkage between clients and volunteers.

· Assists with special community functions, i.e., Camp Evergreen, Memorial Services, etc.

· Committed to Agency resolution against fraud and abuse.

· Knowledgeable in hospice philosophy and state and federal rules and regulations.

· Arrives to work and meetings on time and ready to work.

· Respects confidentiality of patients/families and other Agency employees.

· Attends educational meetings/conferences for professional growth as required.

· Sees change as an opportunity and maintains a level of flexibility, which allows for adaptation to new ways of performing.

· Follows directions and policies that allow for an organizational commitment to working under pressures in time without sacrificing quality.

· Performs other duties that may be assigned.

Who Thrives in This Role?

We’re looking for more than clinical experience. The nurses who are likely to thrive in hospice are those who enjoy the independence, relationships and personal accountability that come with caring for patients in the community.

You may be a great fit if you:

• Build relationships easily. You take time to understand what’s important to patients and families and earn their trust.

• Are comfortable working independently. You enjoy having ownership of your work and know when to reach out for support.

• Bring strong clinical judgment. You’re confident assessing patients, recognizing changes and determining when action is needed.

• Stay organized. You’re comfortable managing a caseload, changing priorities and timely documentation.

• Take ownership. You follow through on commitments and communicate proactively.

• Adapt well. You can adjust when a patient’s condition, family needs or your schedule changes.

• Communicate with compassion. You’re comfortable helping patients and families through difficult conversations and decisions.

• Value teamwork. You enjoy independence but also recognize the value of physicians, social workers, aides, chaplains and other members of the care team working together.

What You’ll Bring

• Current Indiana LSW or LCSW license

• Michigan license is a plus

• Strong clinical assessment, communication and critical-thinking skills

• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with an interdisciplinary team

• Knowledge of hospice philosophy, applicable coverage requirements, and state and federal regulations is preferred

• Ability to meet applicable background screening, drug screening, TB testing and employment eligibility requirements

Hospice experience is valuable, but don’t let a lack of hospice experience keep you from considering the role. You’ll be supported by a structured onboarding program and an experienced hospice mentor as you transition into this specialty.

Benefits

Eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Medical, dental and vision insurance

• Health savings and flexible spending account options

• Retirement plan with employer contribution

• Employer-paid life and AD&D insurance

• Competitive paid time off

• Employee assistance program

• Wellness and healthy lifestyle benefits

• Employee peer recognition program

• Annual anniversary/retention bonus opportunities

Find a Different Kind of Nursing

Hospice Counseling isn’t about doing less. It’s an opportunity to focus differently. You’ll bring your clinical expertise to families during one of the most important times in their lives. You’ll have the independence to manage your patients, the opportunity to build meaningful relationships, and the support of a team committed to helping patients live with comfort and dignity.

If you’re ready for Social Work that feels more personal, connected and purposeful, we’d like to meet you.

Possess the following abilities:

· Speak in ordinary conversational tones utilizing the English/American language.

· Hear ordinary conversations.

· See with the visual acuity necessary to perform the Essential Functions listed in this Job Description.

· Have simultaneous use of hands, wrists, and fingers (example: writing, typing, data entry).

· Maintain a current driver’s license.