Grief & Bereavement Program Specialist

Position:
Grief & Bereavement Program Specialist

ABOUT THE HOSPICE OF WINDSOR AND ESSEX COUNTY

Founded to provide compassionate, clinical, end-of-life care, The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. (Hospice) have been caring for our community since 1979. Hospice believes in equitable access to care for all. We provide specialized wrap-around services to adults, children, and their caregivers, in the setting of their choice - whether it be in our Residences or in their home.

With only partial government funding, it has been through the generous support of our volunteers and our community that we have continued to provide memorable care, meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of patients and their loved ones.

Please ensure your application is submitted prior to 9:00am on December 8, 2025.

JOIN OUR TEAM:

This role will appeal to a dynamic and experienced professional who values hospice palliative care and who is eager to support a growing organization and an energetic team. Reporting to the Manager of Psychosocial Services you will work collaboratively with all team members working in our organization towards the achievement of identified Hospice strategic goals.

The Grief and Bereavement Program Specialist will aid the Manager of Psychosocial Services by providing comprehensive grief and bereavement support services across both the Windsor and Erie Shores campuses. Key duties will include the development, implementation, and ongoing facilitation of grief, bereavement, and wellness-focused recreational programming. The Specialist will participate in legacy work initiatives collaborating closely with interdisciplinary teams to ensure high-quality, compassionate, and person-centered care.

The role includes administrative responsibilities related to group program operations, data management, and communication with bereaved caregivers and families to offer services. This position plays a key role in strengthening Hospice's bereavement services and enhancing continuity of care following the death of a loved one.

The position will support both the Windsor and Erie Shores campuses, as needed. This is a part time position three (3) days per week (21hours) with flexibility based on operational needs.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Development and Facilitation

• Develop, implement, and regularly facilitate grief and bereavement wellness programs, including recreational group activities.
• Evaluate programming effectiveness and adapt sessions to meet diverse needs of participants.
• Support legacy-building initiatives for families and caregivers as appropriate.

Administrative

• Document all interactions in accordance with Hospice standards and PHIPA guidelines.
• Support for Bereavement Services
• Manage administrative aspects of bereavement groups, including attendance calls, program reminders, and follow-up communication.
• Maintain data sheets, group statistics, and outcome tracking.
• Provide logistical support to staff in the planning, organizing, and execution of grief groups and related programming.

Bereavement Call Lists

• Support the completion of bereavement follow-up call lists for both the Windsor and Erie Shores campuses.
• Monitor progress in groups, escalate concerns to clinical staff when needed, and ensure documentation is thorough and timely.
• Shadow and participate in current grief groups should support be needed.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with an interdisciplinary team including Social Workers, Spiritual Care, Supportive Care, Clinical Managers, and community partners.
• Participate in team discussions related to bereavement risk assessment, family needs, and continuity of care.
• Attend Psychosocial Team meetings and other organizational meetings as required.

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain professional competence through ongoing bereavement-related education and training.
• Support additional tasks and organizational projects as assigned to meet evolving program needs.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS & INTERACTIONS

• Manager of Psychosocial and Support Services
• Psychosocial Team - Social Workers, Spiritual Care Providers, Supportive Care Staff
• Clinical Managers - Hospice Residences, Palliative Medicine Program
• Community Partners and Referral Agencies
• Coordinator of Volunteers - Hospice Volunteers

ACCOUNTABILITIES

• Accountable to the Manager of Psychosocial Services
• Accountable to the Director of Psychosocial and Support Services
• Accountable to uphold Hospice Mission, Vision, Values, and Employee Commitments
• Accountable for maintaining Hospice policies, confidentiality, and professional conduct
• Accountable for continuing education and maintaining competence in bereavement care

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Technical Requirements

• Ability to work weekends when needed
• Access to vehicle to attend Windsor and Erie Shores
• Strong organizational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs
• Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills
• Comfortable facilitating groups and presenting to diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
• Understanding of grief processes, bereavement needs, and the emotional/spiritual dynamics of individuals facing loss
• High degree of empathy, emotional intelligence, and professional boundaries
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with PHIPA
• Bilingual (French/English) considered an asset

Experience

• Minimum 3-5 years experience in grief, bereavement, palliative care, mental health, social work, counselling, or related fields preferred
• Experience with group facilitation and psychosocial assessments an asset

Education

• Training in grief and bereavement (e.g., certificate programs, hospice/palliative modules)
• Completion of Fundamentals of Palliative Care, or commitment to complete within one year of hire
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion training

The Hospice of Windsor and Essex County Inc. are an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005, upon request, accommodation will be provided by Hospice throughout the recruitment, selection, and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities.

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as assigned to support the ongoing needs of the organization.