General Responsibilities

Responsible for the coordination of bereavement services for hospice families; assuring the availability of volunteer services to support the bereavement program; promoting understanding of the hospice concept, bereavement services and services through public relations activities; coordinating work within the department, as well as with other departments; complying with operating policies and procedures and regulatory requirements; communicating with appropriate personnel; responding to inquiries or requests for information; maintaining appropriate records and providing assigned reports.

Key Performance Indicators

Home health and hospice likelihood to recommend in top 20%

All bereavement clients are contacted and provided bereavement services for at least 13 months

Essential Duties

1. Supports the mission of SpiriTrust Lutheran Home Care & Hospice, which is to answer Christ’s call by providing health care and related services to those who are striving to achieve their highest possible level of independence, quality of life, health and comfort. 

2. Supports the mission of SpiriTrust Lutheran, which is witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ, providing exceptional health, human and senior living services by supporting persons in achieving an optimal quality of life.

3. Coordinates bereavement services to hospice families as follows:

1. 1. Completes/Delegates bereavement assessments and reviews same for accuracy, appropriateness and follow-up.

1. 2. Makes pre-bereavement/bereavement visits and telephone contacts.

1. 1. 1. Travels to the client’s location in various weather conditions.
      2. Gains access to the client by available means which may include but is not limited to steps; uneven surfaces; wet, snow covered or icy surfaces; narrow entrances; etc.
      3. Assesses visual, tactile, auditory and emotional signs and needs for bereavement supports.
      4. Communicates with the bereaved to identify needs and coordinates contact plan.

1. 3. Assures ongoing assessment of all bereavement contacts and documentation.  Focus is on accuracy, appropriateness and follow-up.

1. 4. Assures that an individualized bereavement plan of care is developed for each bereaved client admitted to services.

1. 5. Acts as case manager for bereavement services at Interdisciplinary Group.

1. 6. Refers individuals to other community support groups and services, as appropriate.  Documents same.

1. 7. Evaluates the home situation, supportive relationships, financial resources and available family and community resources as appropriate.

1. 8. Coordinates and participates in hospice memorial services.

1. 1. Provides short term individual or family counseling to those in acute stages of grief.

1. 10. Coordinates and arranges for facilitators of support groups for hospice families and bereaved persons in the community.

1. 11. Completes discharge procedures.
   12. Provides bereavement services to LTC facilities staff as needed.

1. Assures availability of volunteer services to support the bereavement program as follows:
2. 1. Recruits and helps to interview candidates for bereavement volunteers.

1. 2. Organizes, implements and evaluates the bereavement volunteer training program.

1. 3. Places and supervises volunteers in projects or client cases.

1. 4. Evaluates volunteers through a variety of means.

1. 5. Recognizes ongoing needs for growth and development of volunteers and assists them in meeting their needs through planned volunteer activities and in-services.

5. Promotes understanding of the hospice concept and bereavement services through public relations activities as follows:

1. 1. Maintains resource library and materials regarding bereavement and loss.

1. 2. Provides agency approved written materials for publication as appropriate.

1. 3. Participates in public relations and development activities as assigned.

1. 4. Coordinates educational programs for various community groups regarding loss issues in cooperation with community relations staff.

6. Cooperates with, participates in and supports the adherence to all internal policies, procedures and practices, laws and regulatory requirements.

7. Works harmoniously with others.

8. Coordinates specific work tasks with other personnel within the department as well as with other departments in order to ensure the smooth and efficient flow of information.

9. Communicates with his/her supervisor, other supervisors and appropriate staff in order to integrate activities.

10. Responds to inquiries relating to his/her particular area, or to requests from other personnel, clients, etc. within given time frames and within established policy.

11. Maintains appropriate records and provides assigned reports.

12. Supports and advances the Lean philosophy in all endeavors.

Ancillary Duties

Performs tasks which are supportive in nature to the essential functions of the job, but which may be altered or re-designed depending upon individual circumstances.

Job Location

Assigned agency office(s) and various outside locations

Physical Requirements

            Visual and auditory skills

Equipment/Machines

1. Automobile
2. Computer and peripherals such as printers, scanners, etc.
3. Telephone/Cellphone/Mobile Devices
4. Various medical equipment and supplies
5. Various office equipment such as copiers, calculators, fax machines, laminators, postage meters, etc.