Grief Counsellor

Grief Counsellor 

 

The Opportunity:

 

We are currently seeking an applicant for a full time (1.o FTE) Grief Counsellor position who will work with our counselling program that supports children, youth and families living with terminal illness and grief. Please note that this position is a 6 month contract, with the possibility of extension. This individual cooperates with The Dr. Jay Children’s Grief Centre team to inform, support, and guide patients and families through the process of bereavement before, at the time of, and after the death of a loved one; educate, train, and support individuals in their professional roles as a Grief Counsellor; and anticipate and respond to community education and supportive needs related to bereavement. In this role, you will carry a caseload, deliver group programming, and support program and service delivery. 


Responsibilities: 

  • Provides responsive and coordinated clinical support to children, youth and families facing terminal illness and grief.
  • Maintains a busy clinical caseload utilizing the specialized skills and knowledge base of a Social Worker, Psychologist, Psychotherapist, Child Life Specialist, Expressive Arts Therapist with direct experience in Bereavement and EOL care.
  • In conjunction with clinical team and volunteers, designs, coordinates and delivers innovative group and camp programs for children and families living with grief. Co-facilitation of groups, family nights and special events for children and families 
  • Consult, liaise with other medical and mental health professionals and others involved in the patient/family care to support dying or grieving clients.
  • Provides psychoeducation to parents/caregivers support communicating accurate and developmentally appropriate information to children related to illness and EOL issues.
  • Develop and present bereavement related programming on request to community agencies and other key stakeholders.
  • Champions the organization’s values and mission, and creates an environment that promotes teamwork and client satisfaction.
  • Support, instruct and educate the client, family, health providers and community at large.
  • Maintains a high level of professional competence by participating in peer supervision, professional and program development opportunities and team training as assigned.
  • Maintain written case records/documentation; maintain statistical records and reports; engage in statistical reporting and evaluation activities; write reports and prepare presentations as required


Position Qualifications: 

  • Minimum level of education required for this position include a graduate degree (MSW, MEd) in a field related to Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or equivalent experience as a Child Life Specialist. Registration with the relevant accrediting professional body is required.
  • Minimum of 5 years related experience post graduate degree in children's mental health, hospice/hospital or EOL care.
  • Minimum of 3 years experience in group facilitation.
  • Previous experience working in grief, loss, bereavement support, and/or trauma; experience working within palliative/EOL care and grief support strongly preferred
  • Demonstrated experience and commitment to integrative anti-racist, anti-oppressive practice
  • Highly developed assessment and counselling skills that are attachment and trauma informed approach.
  • Experience in delivering brief models of therapy, family therapy and group facilitation.
  • Knowledge of relevant health, privacy and child protection legislation, and best practices
  • Proficiency with computer programs, including Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Powerpoint, Excel); Video conferencing platforms (GoToMeeting, Zoom)
  • This position will require that the successful candidate provides accessible clinical services where needed to families. This will require a valid Ontario Drivers License and access to the use of reliable vehicle.
  • Some evenings and weekends will be required


In addition, the following are considered as assets: 

  • Current CPR/First Aid training.
  • The ability to speak any second language is valued

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to work in an environment with a moderate noise level
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in an office, hospital or community-based setting; in an outdoor setting; and virtually from home or other locations in the GTA.

How to Apply:

 The Dr. Jay Children's Grief Centre views diversity, inclusion, and cultural competence as vital guiding principles in all of our work with clients and communities.  We welcome and encourage applications from black, Indigenous, racialized persons; members of the LGBTQ2S+ community, persons with disabilities and others who may contribute to the diversity of the Centre and reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. 

If you require any accommodations due to disability please reach out to Human Resources and we will work with you in strictest confidence to make appropriate arrangements, via email (hr@griefcentre.org) or by phone (416-360-1111 ext 208)