MANAGER, GRIEF SUPPORT SERVICES Samaritans, Inc https://samaritanshope.org/

Samaritans, Inc. is the leading suicide prevention organization in Massachusetts, providing lifesaving services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Samaritans' purpose is to alleviate despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among individuals in our community; to educate the public about suicide prevention; and to support those impacted by a suicide loss. For nearly 50 years, Samaritans volunteers - selected, trained and supported by a dedicated professional staff - have provided compassionate and non-judgmental support, free of charge, to callers through its Helpline, and now to texters as well. This growing organization provides prevention, intervention, and postvention services that make our communities healthier and happier, and reduces the stigma associated with suicide and mental health concerns. We provide a working environment that celebrates the positive lifesaving work that occurs here each and every day.

ABOUT THE POSITION: One of Samaritans' core program areas is our Grief Support Services (GSS). To support survivors in their grieving, Samaritans offers suicide loss survivors nonjudgmental listening and peer support through the following services:

• SafePlace Support Groups - virtual and in-person (when Covid restrictions are lifted) support groups for suicide loss survivors
• Survivor-to-Survivor Visits - Peer led visits for loss survivors virtually or in-person
• Virtual or on-site presentations to help people understand what to expect in the grieving process and to provide information on how to cope with traumatic loss
• The Annual Memorial - A non-denominational service for loss survivors to remember and memorialize their loved ones

The Manager's role is to provide oversight and support to GSS and LOSS team volunteers, as well as to manage the service offerings that support those bereaved by suicide.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Key responsibilities of this role, in collaboration with the Senior Director of Grief Support Services, are to:

Grief Support

• Work with people seeking grief support services in a non-judgmental manner to support survivors and their families
• Have knowledge of trauma informed service delivery
• Have knowledge of the grief process and the impact of grief on family systems
• Have knowledge of the field of suicide and suicide prevention a plus

Volunteers

• Provide support to volunteer peer facilitators and LOSS team volunteers
• Implement volunteer peer facilitator and LOSS Team recruitment and retention strategies
• Coordinate all volunteer peer facilitator and LOSS Team schedules
• Assist with the coordination and delivery of volunteer trainings

Programs

• Assist in establishing new SafePlace locations
• Assist with establishing and maintaining LOSS team community partnerships.
• Help evaluate LOSS team efficacy
• Respond to suicide loss survivors' queries for support and services
• Plan and execute the Annual Memorial event including coordinating location, invitations, and volunteer speakers

WORK SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday, Hybrid (2 days in the office and 3 days remote)

REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Grief Support Services

KEY QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum 3 years of professional experience in human services
• Strong communication skills, including the ability to make effective and persuasive presentations
• Adept at interacting with others in person, over the phone, on zoom, or via email
• Ability to work with sensitive information and maintain confidentiality
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to maximize teamwork across the organization
• Must be able to evaluate problems accurately and resolve conflict displaying good, sound judgment

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Attend 5K Event, organize materials and recruit volunteers to work at the event
• Maintain accurate and updated records in our Salesforce database ensuring all meetings and contacts are tracked appropriately
• Assist with communication and public awareness campaigns to support survivor services
• Collaborate internally and participate in cross-functional programing when appropriate
• Use technology to evaluate programs and to reach more people with Grief Support Services
• Represent GSS at other organization-wide events as necessary
• Participate in meetings with stakeholders
• Prepare GSS packets for mailings to survivors and to partner organizations

STARTING SALARY & BENEFITS:

• Minimum starting salary is $54,000 and will be set based on experience and skill set
• Employer matched 401(k) Plan
• Short and Long-Term Disability coverage as well as Life Insurance
• Health (Samaritans covers 85% of premium), Dental (Samaritans covers 90% of premium) and Vision insurance
• Healthcare and Childcare FSA, Commuter Benefits and Employee Assistance Program
• Generous Vacation (New hires start with 10 days), Sick (8 days) and Personal Time Off (5 days)
• Paid Family Medical Leave benefits
• 14 paid holidays
• Direct deposit payroll

  **Out of state applicants will be required to relocate to Massachusetts within six months of employment and also work the same hybrid schedule as all employees.

Samaritans' employees must be vaccinated against COVID-19 or obtain an approved medical or religious exemption. An offer is contingent upon proof that the candidate is fully vaccinated or qualifies for an exemption. Currently our office is re-open on a hybrid schedule with an average of 2 days per week in office, after a period of onboarding for new hires. Samaritans is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to hiring staff who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. Candidates of color, bilingual, and bicultural candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. Equity, Justice and Inclusion - We value the full diverse community which our organization serves. As such we endeavor to make our organization reflective and representative, striving to enable access to our services regardless of identity, beliefs, or circumstances. We aspire to embrace change and to encourage growth.