Bereavement Specialist

This is a temporary full-time position until March 31, 2027.

Position Summary

The Bereavement Specialist works under the direction of the Director of Community Programs and coordinates programs that support bereaved individuals who are grieving the death of a significant human loved one, regardless of their age or cause of death.

The Bereavement Specialist is responsible for the intake and assessment for bereavement programs, training, budgets and overseeing volunteers to assist in the delivery of a variety of bereavement programs, evaluating program effectiveness, coordinating key bereavement events, and maintaining a client information database.

The Bereavement Specialist performs all duties in a safe and healthy manner, in accordance with Hospice Niagara’s policies and procedures, the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and all other applicable legislation.

 Key Responsibilities

• Providing intake and assessment for bereavement programs and services
• Providing referrals to bereaved individuals to community resources
• Coordinating bereavement support programs, with an emphasis on identifying and addressing resource needs through the utilization of skilled volunteers
• Coordinating bereavement volunteer training; monitoring and addressing bereavement volunteer performance including mentoring volunteers as required.
• Supervising volunteers in programs and at special events (i.e. Teen2Teen retreats)
• Performing administrative duties specific to files and case documentation for clients and groups
• Producing program evaluations, statistical reports and budgets and grant proposals
• Accountability for ensuring the client information database is updated and maintained
• Overseeing the content of bereavement and outreach materials and coordinating events, in collaboration with other teams
• Researching industry trends, ensuring best practices and standards are integrated into bereavement programs and services
• Participating on internal committees
• Coordinating the promotion of bereavement education and community networks (i.e. GNN)
• Performing other job-related duties, as assigned
• Ensuring goals and objectives are developed and executed in alignment with the vision, mission, values and strategic priorities of Hospice Niagara

Skills & Attributes

• Strong active listening, critical thinking, time management, prioritization, and event planning skills
• Highly developed compassion, empathy, confidentiality and integrity
• Highly developed inter-personal, problem solving and conflict management skills
• Experience delivering training and information in one-on-one and small group settings
• Experience developing and evaluating client services and programs
• High degree of self-direction and self-motivation
• Ability to accurately document information, develop and analyze reports
• Strong verbal and written communication skills in English (proficiency in French and other languages considered an asset) including presentations and public relations
• Strong dedication to the vision, mission and values of Hospice Niagara
• Proficiency in computer skills including Outlook, Microsoft Word and databases
• Occasional flexibility to work varying shifts, including days, nights, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client, training and event needs
• Exhibit a professional, compassionate and caring approach
• Demonstrate strong active listening and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to develop relationships based on trust, compassion and empathy
• Effectively set appropriate boundaries and understand the limitations of volunteers in client care
• Demonstrate a high degree of self-direction and self-motivation
• Demonstrate a healthy adjustment to loss and exercise ongoing self-care

Academic, Training, Knowledge & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Social Science, Anthropology or related field
• Master’s Degree in Social Work or Psychology considered an asset
• Certificate in Thanatology considered an asset
• Demonstrated clinical experience (assessment, intake and support) with individuals of all ages
• Expert knowledge in case management, program development and delivery based on client needs
• Strong ability to mentor, train and support adult learners (volunteers) to maximize and leverage individual skills, while retaining them within targeted roles
• Sound knowledge of community resources related to death, dying, grief and loss
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check (favourable, within past 12 months)
• Fundamentals of Palliative Care (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
• First Aid/CPR (preferred, must be taken within 12 months of hire)
• Mask Fit (preferred, must be completed within 12 months of hire)
• Must hold a valid G licence  and  have access to a reliable vehicle for travel within the Niagara Region as required 

Evaluation

• Ongoing observation and feedback
• Annual performance assessment and discussion; individual development planning