School-Based Bereavement Care Lead and Liaison

The School Based Bereavement Care Lead and Liaison is responsible for the management and oversight of all children, adolescent, and school-related grief support programs and services provided by Hospice of Washington County. The School Based Bereavement Care Lead and Liaison serves as a point of contact, and Program Officer role established by Maryland Community Health Resources Commission Grant Agreement. The School Based Bereavement Care Lead and Liaison collaborates with the Bereavement Care team, provides bereavement and grief education and support services, as well as promotes communication and partnership with Washington County Public Schools (WCPS). The School Based Bereavement Care Lead and Liaison is responsible for provision of services consistent with the mission, vision, and goals of HWC, as well as quality outcomes and regulatory standards.

School Based Bereavement Care Lead and Liaison supports grieving children and their families by leading peer support group programs, individual support services, ongoing staff support, educational resources, and referral services. Provides education and volunteer opportunities to individuals, businesses and organizations in the communities served by Hospice of Washington County. Provides education and consultation services to schools, community leaders, professionals, organizations, and businesses who serve or work with children. Builds lasting partnerships increasing the opportunity for collaboration on initiatives that impact the community. Raises awareness of the impact of death on children and their need for support. This role requires occasional weeknight and weekend responsibilities.

Education

Required Bachelor’s Degree from accredited institution in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Counseling, or a related field.

Preferred completed or in-progress Masters Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Education, or behavioral health related field

Experience

• Minimum 3 years of experience in coordinating programs in an educational, non-profit, or human services setting.
• Minimum 2 years work related experience in providing grief/loss support, or certified in Thanatology-related program.
• Experience with grant writing, reporting, and monitoring
• Experience connecting and supporting youth and families to community resources
• Clinical experience in assessing, intervening, and providing time limited grief support to clients grieving a loss which includes anticipatory grief and bereavement.
• Experience in public speaking in a variety of settings with groups of varying size.
• Experience in facilitating support groups.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Skill in effective problem-solving; ability to manage projects; skill in exercising initiative, develop and maintain collaborative relationships, and balancing multiple priorities while being flexible to react to changing needs.
• Interpersonal skills necessary in order to communicate effectively and courteously with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders. Ability to maintain a pleasant, customer-centered demeanor and professional image under a variety of challenging situations.
• Ability to organize, manage and direct work-flow of volunteer and paid staff.
• Skill in using computer applications applicable to the department as well as database, spreadsheet and word processing tools.
• General knowledge of data analysis and interpretation
• Analytical skills to interpret and communicate policies and procedures, and to identify and initiate appropriate corrective action to resolve problems.
• Working knowledge and understanding of various computer programs. Ability to learn new programs and act as application administrator.
• Knowledge of grant funding sources, proposal development, regulations, compliance, financial management, and reporting requirements
• Mental health and bereavement knowledge and experience to ensure understanding of the basic issues of human development and behavior

Licensures, Certifications

Not required. Preferred LGSW/LMSW, LGPC, LCSW or Certified School Counselor.    

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Must adhere to all grant contracts and responsibilities as outlined by Maryland Community Health Resources Commission for the Maryland Consortium on Coordinated Community Supports Partnerships Grant.
• Maintains and manages data for key metrics and assists with reporting information on behalf of the program internally and externally. Must collect, maintain, analyze and submit fiscal reports and participant data per regulations per Maryland Community Health Resources Commission.
• Serve as appointed Grantee Project Officer contact and manage all grant management