JOB POSTING
Bereavement Counsellor
Contract Opportunity
Hospice Halifax is seeking a supportive individual to join our multidisciplinary team in a contract capacity, playing a vital role in helping individuals navigate the complex emotional and practical challenges associated with grief, death and bereavement. We are committed to improving the well-being of our community and ensuring that individuals facing bereavement receive the support they need to cope with loss. This position offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact by providing support, counselling, and resources to those in grief.
About Us:
Hospice Halifax is a compassionate community of staff members, volunteers and donors dedicated to making dying and living as comfortable and meaningful as possible at the end of life. Our hospice residence is an inclusive space where individuals and their families receive personalized and dignified end-of-life care and community members can access bereavement counselling.
Hospice Halifax continues to take action against racism and discrimination the workplace and to identify and address systemic barriers to full and equal participation. As such, all members of the team must be committed to fostering a safe working environment where all members experience an authentic sense of inclusion and belonging.
About the PositionWorking under the supervision of the Social Work and Programs Manager, this position is responsible for providing individual counselling to bereaved individuals, with option for participating in group counselling initiatives, supporting individuals and families dealing with the death of a loved one.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provides short-term individual grief counselling (in-person, via phone or video link) for interested community members (residents of Nova Scotia who have experienced a death, not necessarily hospice-related)
- Acts as an alternative provider of licensed counselling to patients of Hospice Halifax and their families upon request/referral
- Creates and maintains confidential records according to both Hospice Halifax policy and regulations outlined by appropriate licensing body
- Schedules follow-up appointments with counselling clients as needed
- Attends and contributes to supervision meetings and quarterly team meetings on an as needed basis
- Occasional opportunities to provide back-up coverage in bereavement group facilitation and bereavement follow-up call responsibilities
- Occasional opportunities to facilitate psycho-educational sessions on grief for the greater public upon request/invitation
Qualifications and Experience
Education and professional experience:
- Master of Education in Counselling, Master of Social Work, or equivalent
- Minimum of 2 years general counselling experience (grief specialization preferred)
- Registered or eligible for registration with the NSCSW
- Holding, or willingness to hold, individual personal liability insurance
- Extensive knowledge of issues related to grief, trauma, and death
- Experience with providing counselling to children/youth considered an asset
- Experience with pregnancy, miscarriage, and infant loss considered an asset
Skills and Abilities:
- Tact and discretion in dealing with and handling confidential information
- Excellent interpersonal and dispute resolution skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong administrative skills and comfort with Google Workspace
- Ability to chart client notes within an Electronic Medical Record system
- Ability to set and maintain personal and professional boundaries
- Proven ability to work well under pressure and use good judgment in assessing difficult situations; Willing to seek supervisor and/or team consultation as needed
- Strong customer service orientation
Compensation:
- $43.71 Hourly, 8 hours per week, contract until March 31, 2027.
Work Conditions:
- Ability to work weekdays and evenings and/ or weekends.
- Majority of hours worked at primary work location, possibility for some remote hours
- Sitting for long periods of time
- Comfort with in person, phone, and virtual appointment formats based on client preference
How to Apply
Please forward a cover letter and resume to [email protected] and reference “Counsellor2026” in the subject line of the email.
Hospice Halifax is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work culture. We welcome and
encourage applicants who are BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+ and persons with (dis)abilities.
Join our team and make a difference in the lives of those experiencing grief and loss. We look forward to reviewing your application. We thank all applicants for their interest in working with Hospice Halifax but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
working with Hospice Halifax but only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $43.71 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Education:
- Master's Degree (required)
Experience:
- General counselling: 2 years (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Licensing, certification and membership with regulatory body (required)
Work Location: In person
