Good Shepherd Centres·Hamilton, Ontario
The clinician provides individual, family, and group grief and bereavement counselling while integrating spiritual and psychosocial support within an interdisciplinary team. They conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments and contribute to coordinated care planning, research, and education initiatives.
At Good Shepherd, we are committed to providing hope and enhancing dignity and self-determination for individuals and families. To learn more about Good Shepherd, visit our website at www.goodshepherdcentres.ca This opportunity is with our Good Shepherd – Hospice & Palliative Care Program. How You Will Make an Impact Reporting to the Clinical Manager, Hospice & Palliative Care, the Spiritual Care – Psychosocial Grief & Bereavement Clinician enhances the dignity and quality of life of clients, families, caregivers, and staff through the provision of compassionate, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed care. This role integrates spiritual care, psychosocial support, and clinical grief counselling within an interdisciplinary model of care. The clinician supports individuals and families experiencing grief, loss, and bereavement across diverse belief systems and worldviews, addressing emotional, spiritual, existential, and relational dimensions of care. As a key member of the interdisciplinary team, you will provide evidence-based clinical interventions for individuals and groups experiencing complex grief and bereavement. You will collaborate with internal and external partners, contribute to coordinated care planning, and support quality improvement, research, and education initiatives. All services are delivered in alignment with Ontario-regulated scopes of practice and professional standards, including those set by regulatory bodies such as OCSWSSW, CRPO, or CPO, as well as the Canadian Association for Spiritual Care (CASC/ACSS). The role requires adherence to Good Shepherd's Mission, Vision, and Values, while applying anti-racist, anti-oppressive, and culturally safe frameworks. Key Responsibilities Provide individual, family, and group grief and bereavement counselling Conduct comprehensive biopsychosocial-spiritual assessments, including risk, consent, and complexity of grief Address anticipatory, traumatic, complicated, and ambiguous grief Integrate spiritual care, meaning making, and ritual in a culturally safe and non-impositional manner Provide crisis intervention and time-limited counselling supports Collaborate with physicians, nurses, social workers, and allied professionals Participate in interdisciplinary rounds, case conferences, and coordinated care planning Provide consultation and education on grief, bereavement, and spiritual care to staff and learners Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation in compliance with PHIPA and regulatory standards Practice in accordance with professional Codes of Ethics and Standards of Practice Engage in reflective practice, supervision, and continuous quality improvement initiatives Deliver services in a dignified, respectful, and culturally competent manner aligned with Good Shepherd values Work in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Good Shepherd policies Ensure a safe working environment for clients, staff, and visitors Report hazards, incidents, or safety concerns as required Support program development, evaluation, and reporting initiatives Participate in community engagement and stakeholder collaboration Perform other duties as assigned to support the Hospice & Palliative Care Program What You'll Bring to Our Team Theology/Divinity with clinical spiritual care training along with any of the following: – Master's degree in social work (MSW), – Psychotherapy, Counselling Psychology, Clinical Psychology, or – Completion of Clinical Pastoral Education (CPE/SPE) or equivalent (minimum 2–4 units) – Specialized training in grief, bereavement, trauma-informed care, and palliative care Active registration in good standing with one of the following: – Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) – College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO) – College of Psychologists of Ontario (CPO) Certification or eligibility with CASC/ACSS considered an asset Minimum 5+ years of clinical experience in grief, bereavement, palliative care, or mental health settings Experience supporting individuals and families through death, dying, trauma, and complex loss Experience working within healthcare, hospice, or community-based systems Strong clinical assessment and therapeutic counselling skills (individual, family, and group) Ability to apply trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally safe practices Excellent interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills Strong ethical judgment, professional boundaries, and reflective practice Ability to work effectively within an interdisciplinary team Strong organizational and documentation skills High emotional intelligence and resilience in emotionally sensitive environments Ability to work effectively in a primarily office-based environment with hybrid flexibility Occasional evening or weekend work may be required Comfort working in fast-paced settings with competing priorities and emotional demands Experience supporting individuals in grief, trauma, and end-of-life contexts Police clearance required in accordance with organizational policies Ability to communicate in a language in addition to English is an asset
Be a part of a caring TEAM THAT SUPPORTS OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY Support for continuing EDUCATION AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Staff recognition programs and access to EMPLOYEE & FAMILY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (EAP) POSITIVE and ENCOURAGING workplace culture Opportunity to make a meaningful impact and provide HOPE Join our team and be part of a group that values compassion, professionalism, and the importance of maintaining dignity and respect for all. Good Shepherd, a ministry of the Hospitaller Order of St. John of God, is an equal opportunity employer operating within an anti-racist and anti-oppression framework. We strive to create inclusive workplaces that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Good Shepherd welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available upon request throughout the recruitment process. If you require accommodation, please contact Human Resources at 905-528-5877.
Candidates must hold a Master's degree in social work, psychotherapy, or related fields, or have completed clinical pastoral education. A minimum of 5 years of clinical experience in grief, bereavement, or palliative care and active registration with a relevant Ontario regulatory college are required.
Market context
Ontario nursing roles are often driven by ongoing staffing needs across hospitals, long-term care, community care, and emergency settings. Competition is usually strongest for candidates who already hold the required registration, have at least 18 months of experience, and bring current CPR/BLS, with ACLS and CTAS adding value for emergency postings. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits on this page to save research time, then confirm your credentials and tailor your application to the specific unit or setting.