Baltimore County Department of Corrections (BCDC) is seeking a Volunteer Grief Support Counselor. This individual is a professional who provides compassionate, evidence-based support to Incarcerated Individuals (I/I’s) coping with loss, whether it’s the death of a loved one, a significant life change, or other forms of personal grief. The role focuses on helping Incarcerated Individuals (I/I’s) process emotions and reduce emotional distress, understand the grieving process, and develop healthy coping strategies to move toward healing and resilience, for daily life and community reintegration.
This role requires willingness to coordinate with the Facility Chaplain, Volunteer, and Shift, as needed. All potential volunteers will be subject to a background screening, security screening, facility orientation, and PREA training.
The responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:
· Offer individual sessions to I/I’s experiencing grief, tailoring support to their unique needs.
· Facilitate support groups for I/I’s dealing with similar losses and shared coping.
· Lead educational sessions on grief and loss that teach I/I’s about normal grief reactions and healthy coping mechanisms.
· Work with BCDC Staff, peers, and other professionals to ensure comprehensive care for I/I’s being served.
· Displaying a heightened level/skill of empathy, active listening, cultural sensitivity, and strong communication skills.
Qualifications, Skills, & Education: The following are recommended but may not be required. Master’s degree in Counseling, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field. Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) or equivalent certification. Certification/advanced training in grief counseling. Work experience in bereavement, grief support, and/or mental health settings.
