Family Support Counselor, Gift of Life

Posted by Gift of Life Donor Program on August 3, 2021

This is an excellent opportunity for a counseling or social work professional to participate in the after-care support services for families of organ and tissue donors after the death of their family member.  You will provide follow-up services, including bereavement and grief support and referrals to appropriate community organizations, primarily by phone.

You will represent the nation’s leading organ donor program, which coordinates more life-saving transplants than any program in the country. A non-profit, federally designated organ procurement organization, we partner with leading hospitals throughout our region to save lives and offer hope to thousands of families each year.

You will cultivate relationships with community, ethnic, civic and cultural groups to provide bereavement services throughout our service area.

Job duties and responsibilities include:

• Provide grief and bereavement outreach to donor families at scheduled intervals in the first year following their family member’s death. Be available to speak with donor families regarding their questions, concerns and requests during weekday hours.
• Fulfill daily requests for displays at the funeral of donors.
• Refer families, as needed, to appropriate community organizations and resources
• Review all correspondence between donor families and transplant recipients and facilitate direct communication when appropriate.
• Interact with other organ procurement organizations, local transplant centers, eye bank and tissue bank partners to obtain updates on recipients’ progress and to speak at transplant support groups on topics related to the donation and transplantation process.
• Develop relationships with community partners to schedule education/support events for donor families and the general public in Gift of Life’s region, with a special focus on multicultural communities.
• Host at least one Life and Legacy Celebration and coordinate planning with Community Relations colleagues.
• Engage families as advocates in Gift of Life programming and in supporting our mission

A Master’s Degree in social work, counseling psychology, or other related field

A minimum of one year working in a social work or counseling setting is required.  Social work or counseling license. Must possess excellent communication skills both in person and over the phone and a demonstrated ability to work with community organizations and diverse populations.

Preference for candidates with:

• Experience working with death and bereavement issues, families and grief counseling
• Understanding of and experience working in diverse communities, as well as strong multicultural community contacts
• Experience developing and presenting workshops programs

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint required. You must be able to work at least 40 hours a week over five days, including one week night.   Occasional local travel required.  Free parking is available, and the office is located within an easy walk to public transportation.

We offer an outstanding compensation and benefits package, including medical, prescription drug and dental/vision insurances; tuition assistance, and employer matched 403(b).

To apply, send resume to Ashley Lopata via e-mail  (alopata@donors1.org).