Bereavement Counselor Resume Guide

Bereavement counselors help people who are grieving. They provide support and guidance to help people cope with their loss. Bereavement counselors also offer resources and referrals to other services, as needed.

Your passion for helping others through difficult times would make you an excellent bereavement counselor. However, hiring managers are unaware of your counseling skills and experience. To let them know what a great fit you’d be for the role, you must write a resume that demonstrates your ability to counsel grieving individuals.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

Bereavement Counselor Resume

Table of Contents

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Bereavement Counselor Resume Sample

Richie Dibbert
Bereavement Counselor

[email protected]
951-446-9725
linkedin.com/in/richie-dibbert

Summary

Accomplished bereavement counselor with more than 5 years experience helping individuals and families cope with the death of a loved one. I have provided counseling services to clients in person, over the phone, and online. In my previous role at XYZ Hospice, I helped countless clients through some of the most difficult times in their lives. I am now seeking a position where I can continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Experience

Bereavement Counselor, Employer A
Kent, Jan 2018 – Present

  • Accurately recorded and managed client data, scheduling arrangements and case notes on a daily basis.
  • Prepared for and conducted initial intake counseling sessions with over 100 new clients per year.
  • Guided clients through the grieving process by providing support, empathy and practical advice; helped them to identify healthy coping mechanisms & develop positive coping strategies.
  • Achieved successful grief resolution outcomes in 80% of cases within the 6-month counseling period.
  • Introduced new group bereavement counseling program which achieved a 75% satisfaction rate amongst participants.

Bereavement Counselor, Employer B
Palmdale, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

  • Investigated the cause of death in over 200 cases and provided counseling to grieving families.
  • Trained new bereavement counselors on proper techniques for investigating the cause of death and providing counseling to grieving families.
  • Participated in monthly meetings with the bereavement team to discuss case load and best practices.
  • Proficiently completed all paperwork associated with each case within 24 hours of receiving it.
  • Reorganized the bereavement department’s filing system, which resulted in a decrease in the amount of time spent looking for files by 25%.

Skills

  • Active Listening
  • Empathy
  • Patience
  • Strong Communication
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Problem Solving
  • Organizational
  • Time Management
  • Stress Management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Certified Grief Counseling Professional
American Grief Counseling Association
May 2017

1. Summary / Objective

A resume summary/objective is a chance to sell oneself to the reader. This is where you would mention your years of experience providing counseling services, your certification in grief counseling, and how you have helped people through some of the most difficult times in their lives. If written correctly, the resume summary/objective should give the reader a good sense of who you are as a professional and why you would be an excellent bereavement counselor.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Amicable and experienced bereavement counselor with a passion for helping people through one of the most difficult times in their lives. 10+ years of experience in grief counseling, supporting individuals and families as they move through the grieving process. In previous roles increased client satisfaction rates by 46% due to excellent bedside manner and genuine ability to empathize with those experiencing loss.

Determined and compassionate bereavement counselor with more than seven years of experience supporting individuals and families through the grieving process. In previous roles, provided one-on-one counseling sessions, created and facilitated support groups, and developed community outreach programs. Seeking to join XYZ to continue providing high quality care to those who are grieving.

Dependable bereavement counselor with 10 years of experience helping individuals and families cope with grief. In-depth knowledge of the stages of grief, as well as effective counseling techniques. Adept at providing one-on-one counseling, leading support groups, and giving presentations on grief and loss. Committed to helping people work through their grief in a healthy way.

Passionate and experienced bereavement counselor with 5+ years of experience providing support to individuals and families experiencing grief and loss. Expertise in one-on-one counseling, group facilitation, crisis intervention, and community outreach. Seeking to join the team at ABC Hospice as a bereavement counselor to provide much-needed support during difficult times.

Talented bereavement counselor with experience in grief counseling, individual and family therapy, and crisis intervention. Dedicated to providing support to those who have lost a loved one. Proven ability to help people work through their grief in a healthy way. Successfully helped 100+ clients move forward after the death of a loved one.

Driven bereavement counselor with 5+ years of experience in providing grief counseling services to individuals and families. Proven ability to work with clients from a variety of backgrounds and establish trust quickly. Committed to helping clients move through their grief in a healthy way and develop coping mechanisms for the future.

Well-rounded bereavement counselor with 5+ years of experience supporting grieving individuals and families. Key strengths include active listening, emotional intelligence, and providing comfort in difficult times. In previous roles, helped more than 200 clients work through the stages of grief to achieve a healthy level of closure.

Energetic and compassionate bereavement counselor with 10 years of experience providing support to individuals and families experiencing grief. Seeking to help XYZ clients heal after the loss of a loved one. At ABC, developed and implemented new counseling program that helped reduce client dropout rates by 50%.

2. Experience / Employment

The work history/experience section is next, and it should be written in reverse chronological order. This means your most recent job will be listed at the top.

Use bullet points throughout this section to make it easier for the reader to take in the information you want to provide. When writing out the bullet points, focus on what you did and any quantifiable results you were able to achieve.

For example, instead of saying “Provided counseling services,” you could say, “Successfully provided grief counseling services to 20+ individuals per week on average, helping them to come to terms with their loss and start moving forward.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

  • Counseled
  • Guided
  • Supported
  • Listened
  • Encouraged
  • Facilitated
  • Mediated
  • Investigated
  • Researched
  • Analyzed
  • Reported
  • Presented
  • Trained
  • Coordinated
  • Supervised

Other general verbs you can use are:

  • Achieved
  • Advised
  • Assessed
  • Compiled
  • Demonstrated
  • Developed
  • Expedited
  • Formulated
  • Improved
  • Introduced
  • Mentored
  • Optimized
  • Participated
  • Prepared
  • Reduced
  • Reorganized
  • Represented
  • Revised
  • Spearheaded
  • Streamlined
  • Structured
  • Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

  • Optimized the bereavement counseling program to better serve the needs of grieving individuals and families, resulting in a 15% increase in satisfaction ratings.
  • Researched and compiled a database of over 100 local resources for grief support, which was used by counselors to provide customized assistance to clients.
  • Supported clients through one-on-one counseling sessions and group therapy sessions, averaging 30 hours of direct client contact per week.
  • Developed a new training program for volunteer bereavement counselors that increased retention rates by 25%.
  • Reliably provided emotional support and practical advice to clients dealing with loss, helping them to navigate the mourning process in a healthy way.
  • Expedited the grieving process for over 100 clients by providing them with emotional support and practical advice on how to cope with the death of a loved one.
  • Structured weekly counseling sessions, guided meditation exercises and journaling activities to help clients work through their grief in a healthy way.
  • Advised clients on funeral planning, estate matters and other legal issues that need to be addressed after the death of a family member or friend.
  • Effectively communicated with client’s families to update them on the progress being made and provided resources for additional support when necessary.
  • Demonstrated excellent listening skills and empathy towards clients which helped build trust and create a safe space for open communication about sensitive topics.
  • Competently provided bereavement counseling to individuals, families and groups who are grieving the death of a loved one.
  • Improved coping skills in 80% of clients by teaching them effective stress management techniques and how to deal with complicated grief emotions.
  • Spearheaded the development of a new support group for young widows aged 18-35 which met weekly for 6 months; 10 women attended regularly and reported feeling less isolated afterwards.
  • Encouraged constructive communication between family members who were struggling to cope with their shared loss; helped reduce conflict by 50%.
  • Supervised 2 junior counselors and provided guidance when necessary; also evaluated client progress reports and updated treatment plans accordingly every 3 months on average.
  • Mediated between grieving individuals and their families, providing emotional support and helping to resolve conflicts.
  • Analyzed individual grief reactions and provided personalized counseling services accordingly.
  • Facilitated weekly group bereavement counseling sessions for up to 12 participants.
  • Presented educational seminars on topics related to grief and loss for community organizations.
  • Efficiently managed a caseload of 30+ clients at any given time.
  • Coordinated grief counseling services for families of the deceased, helping them to cope with their loss and make arrangements for funerals and memorials.
  • Represented the bereavement counseling program at community outreach events, promoting its services to those who had lost a loved one.
  • Streamlined grief counseling intake process by developing a new system for tracking referrals and client information.
  • Revised Bereavement Counseling Program curriculum to better meet the needs of grieving families; increased satisfaction ratings by 5%.
  • Consistently provided support and guidance to grieving families, helping them to navigate the bereavement process in a healthy way.
  • Mentored grieving individuals and families, providing support and guidance through the bereavement process.
  • Utilized active listening skills to build rapport with clients and gain a deep understanding of their unique needs.
  • Reported progress updates to next-of-kin on a regular basis, maintaining open communication channels at all times.
  • Listened attentively to client stories, normalizing grief reactions and helping them to feel heard & understood.
  • Confidently navigated complex emotional terrain, diffusing tense situations and resolving conflict where necessary.

3. Skills

Skills relevant to bereavement counseling will vary depending on the employer. Some may prefer candidates with experience in a hospice setting, while others might give preference to those with a background in psychology or social work.

It is crucial to customize your skills section according to the job you are applying for because many employers now use applicant tracking systems (ATS). These computer programs scan resumes for specific keywords before passing them on to humans.

Therefore, if the skills required by the employer aren’t listed prominently on your resume, there’s a chance it won’t even make it past the ATS stage. In addition to listing skills here, be sure to discuss them further in other sections of your resume such as the summary or experience section.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

  • Active Listening
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Empathy
  • Organizational
  • Patience
  • People Skills
  • Problem Solving
  • Stress Management
  • Strong Communication
  • Time Management

4. Education

Mentioning your education on your resume is important if you are a recent graduate or do not have much experience in the field. However, if you have been working as a bereavement counselor for several years and have plenty of experience to showcase, you can omit the education section altogether.

If including an education section, list relevant courses and subjects related to the bereavement counselor role you are applying for. For example “Courses included Grief & Loss, Death & Dying, and Trauma Counseling.”

Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications show potential employers that you have the necessary skills and knowledge for the job. They are also evidence that you have taken the time to invest in your professional development.

If you are certified in anything related to bereavement counseling, be sure to list it here. This could include certifications in grief counseling, thanatology, or psychology.

Certified Grief Counseling Professional
American Grief Counseling Association
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Richie Dibbert, this would be Richie-Dibbert-resume.pdf or Richie-Dibbert-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Including a cover letter with your job application is a great way to show employers who you are and why you would be the perfect fit for the role.

Cover letters are usually made up of 2 to 4 paragraphs, and each one should address a different point that makes you qualified for the job. For example, in the first paragraph, you might want to mention your relevant work experience. In the second paragraph, you could talk about your education and any relevant skills or qualifications that make you ideal for the role. Finally, in the third paragraph, it’s a good idea to thank the employer for their time and express your interest in hearing back from them soon.

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Arne,

I am writing in response to your posting for a Bereavement Counselor. With my Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and three years of experience working as a grief counselor, I am confident I would make an excellent addition to your team.

In my previous role at [company name], I provided individual counseling and support groups for grieving individuals and families. I have experience helping people work through their grief using various techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and Solution-Focused Brief Therapy. In addition, I have also conducted research on the efficacy of different types of therapy for treating grief and published my findings in several peer-reviewed journals.

I believe that my skills and experiences will enable me to provide high-quality bereavement counseling services to the clients of [company name]. I am committed to helping people through one of the most difficult times in their lives, and I would be honored to do so as part of your team. If you have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity further, please do not hesitate to contact me at [phone number] or by email at [email address]. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Richie

Bereavement Counselor Resume Templates

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