Counselor/Social Worker Sr - Grief Services Coordinator

As a nationally accredited program with a strong educational mission within the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, the Office of the Medical Investigator (OMI) investigates any death occurring in New Mexico that is sudden, violent, untimely, unexpected, or where a person is found deceased and the cause of death is unknown. As a special program within the Department of Pathology, OMI determines the cause and manner of death in these cases and provides formal death certification.

OMI is seeking a Counselor / Social Worker Sr to serve as the OMI Grief Services Coordinator. This senior-level position combines direct clinical service delivery, program leadership, training and supervision, and grant-funded program coordination in a high-trauma, multidisciplinary environment.

The Grief Services Program provides counseling, information, referrals, advocacy, and emotional support to individuals and families experiencing the sudden death of a loved one. Services include short-term counseling and referrals to community-based grief support groups or longer-term counseling options, provided at no cost to families.

As part of the School of Medicine, OMI is a teaching facility that integrates interns into its programs. This position plays a key role in training, mentoring, and supervising interns, as well as growing and sustaining the Grief Services Program through community engagement, stakeholder collaboration, and funding development.

Key Responsibilities

Clinical Services

• Provide short-term, solution-focused, trauma-informed counseling to individuals and families affected by sudden, violent, or unexpected deaths.
• Support families during highly sensitive processes, including photo viewings and family meetings with pathologists and investigative staff.
• Provide counseling specific to trauma, PTSD, grief, and loss, including work with children and families.
• Assess needs and coordinate referrals to appropriate community agencies and longer-term support services.
• Participate in peer consultation and case review.

Program Coordination & Grant Management

• Coordinate and oversee the Grief Services Program, including management of approximately $350,000 in grant funding.
• Ensure compliance with all grant requirements, reporting obligations, and deliverables.
• Monitor program outcomes, prepare reports, and support continuous quality improvement.
• Identify and pursue additional funding sources to support program growth and sustainability.

Supervision, Training & Education

• Supervise program staff, interns, and contractors, providing clinical oversight and professional development.
• Develop, implement, and deliver structured training curriculum for first- and second-year interns.
• Provide leadership and guidance within a teaching environment that supports learning, resilience, and ethical practice.
• Contribute to educational activities consistent with OMI's academic mission.

Community Engagement & Collaboration

• Build and maintain effective relationships with community partners, including law enforcement, medical providers, schools, and social service agencies.
• Present program information and outcomes to stakeholders, funders, and community groups.
• Serve as a liaison between OMI, families, and external partners.

Wellness & Organizational Support

• Lead and oversee wellness initiatives that support the mental health and resilience of OMI staff exposed to secondary trauma.
• Contribute to organizational efforts addressing compassion fatigue, burnout prevention, and trauma-informed workplace practices.
• Adapt program services and strategies in response to evolving needs and organizational change.

Scholarship & Professional Contribution

• Prepare written materials for publication and present at conferences, academic settings, or professional meetings as appropriate.
• Maintain professional licensure, continuing education, and ethical standards.

To learn more about the OMI Grief Services Program, visit: https://hsc.unm.edu/omi/services/

See the Position Description for additional information.

• Successful candidate must submit to post-offer, pre-employment physical examination and medical history check when working in a child classroom setting.
• CPR and Basic First Aid Certificate may be a requirement for some positions in this classification.
• Must pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
• If located at the UNM Children's Campus, successful candidate must pass a comprehensive post-offer, pre-employment criminal and New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department (CYFD) fingerprint background check, and a continued successful status will be verified by periodic future background checks.
• Must be employment eligible as verified by the U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) and the Government Services Administration (GSA).
• May be subject to credentialing process; must maintain credentialed status, if applicable.
• Must maintain certification status.
• Employees who provide services or work in patient care or clinical areas are required to be in compliance with the University's influenza vaccination requirement.

Master's degree in Counseling, Social Work, or an equivalent field; at least 3 years of experience directly related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure: Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC) or equivalent OR Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) or equivalent OR licensure pending, as documented by temporary license.

Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.

• Experience coordinating or managing grant-funded programs.
• Experience overseeing program budgets and compliance requirements.
• Background in solution-focused or brief therapy models, EMDR, sand tray, art therapy or working with children.
• Experience working in medical, forensic, public health, or medicolegal settings.
• Experience developing and delivering training curricula.
• Experience writing for publication or presenting at conferences or academic forums.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with death-related content and images.
• High level of emotional resilience and professionalism in high-trauma environments.
• Clear, concise, and effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time-management, and program coordination skills.
• Ability to adapt to change and work collaboratively across disciplines.
• Commitment to culturally responsive, ethical, and compassionate care.

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Positions posted with a Staff Type of Regular or Term are eligible for the Veteran Preference Program. See the Veteran Preference Program webpage for additional details.

The University of New Mexico is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.

The University of New Mexico requires all regular staff positions successfully pass a pre-employment background check. This may include, but is not limited to, a criminal history background check, New Mexico Department of Health fingerprint screening, New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department fingerprint screening, verification of education credentials, and/or verification of prior employment. For more information about background checks, visit https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3280.html. Refer to https://policy.unm.edu/university-policies/3000/3200.html for a definition of Regular Staff.