Bereavement & Volunteer Coordinator

Job Summary

The Bereavement and Volunteer Coordinator is responsible is responsible for developing, coordinating, and overseeing the hospice bereavement program and volunteer services in compliance with hospice regulations and organizational standards. This role ensures compassionate bereavement support for patients’ families before and after death and recruits, trains, and supervises hospice volunteers to support patients, families, and hospice staff.

Key Responsibilities:

Bereavement Services:

• Develop, implement, and manage a comprehensive bereavement program for families and caregivers for at least 13 months following a patient’s death.
• Conduct psychosocial assessments to identify bereavement risk and develop individualized bereavement care plans.
• Provide grief support through individual contact, phone calls, visits, support groups, memorial services, and educational materials.
• Serve as a resource to hospice staff regarding grief, loss, and bereavement issues.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of bereavement services in the medical record.
• Coordinate and facilitate bereavement support groups, workshops, and remembrance events.
• Ensure bereavement services comply with Medicare Conditions of Participation and hospice policies.

Volunteer Services:

• Recruit, screen, train, orient, and supervise hospice volunteers in accordance with regulatory requirements.
• Match volunteers with appropriate patient, family, and organizational needs.
• Provide ongoing support, education, and performance evaluation for volunteers.
• Maintain volunteer records, including training hours, competencies, and service documentation.
• Schedule volunteers and monitor volunteer utilization to meet hospice requirements.
• Recognize and retain volunteers through appreciation activities and engagement efforts.

Collaboration and Administration:

• Participate as a member of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), contributing to patient and family care planning.
• Collaborate with clinical and administrative staff to ensure coordinated, patient-centered care.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with HIPAA and hospice policies.
• Collect and report data related to bereavement outcomes and volunteer services as requested.
• Assist with quality improvement initiatives related to bereavement and volunteer programs.

Community Engagement:

• Collaborate with marketing and outreach to increase visibility and promote volunteer opportunities through media, presentations, and participation in community events.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with local organizations, churches, civic groups, and schools to expand volunteer outreach.
• Coordinate volunteers to support fundraising and educational activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, EHR systems, and volunteer management software.
• Demonstrated leadership, organizational, and time-management skills.
• Strong verbal and written communication required.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Occasional lifting, standing, walking, and desk-based work.

Education and Other Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, Theology, Divinity, or equivalent field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in the provision of grief, loss and/or bereavement support for individuals and families strongly preferred.
• Experience in Social Services, Human Services, Resource Management or related field is helpful.
• Prior experience managing volunteer services or non-profit organization is a plus.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance with acceptable driving history is required.

Core Values:

• Integrity: We build trust through responsible actions and honest relationships.
• Respect: We value the potential in each individual and treat all with dignity and compassion.
• Teamwork: We work together without barriers and encourage creativity through empowerment.
• Appreciation: We foster a culture that recognizes and rewards the contributions of each employee.

Additional Information:

• REQUIRED CLEARANCES: The following are required at time of hire: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse Clearance and FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Positions providing direct patient care will also be required every 5 years after date of hire.
• The job description is only a summary of the typical functions of the job, not an exhaustive or comprehensive list of all possible job responsibilities, tasks, and duties. The responsibilities, tasks, and duties of the jobholder might differ from those outlined in the job description and other duties as assigned might be part of the job.
• This job description does not constitute an employment contract; the employment relationship between VNA of Hanover and Spring Grove and the employee is an at-will relationship.
• This position is considered a safety sensitive position, which means the employee’s job performance can affect the safety of the employee and others. Job performance under the influence of alcohol or drugs could lead to physical injury or death to the employee, other employees, or members of the public at large. Therefore, employees must be able to perform the job responsibilities without causing a threat to co-workers, to the workplace, or to the public at large.
• We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, disability, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, protected veteran status, hair type, texture, and protective hairstyles like locs, braids, and twists, or any other status or any other characteristic protected by law.