Bereavement counsellor
Also known as: bereavement social counsellor, family bereavement counsellor, bereavement support worker, bereavement officer, community bereavement support officer, bereavement service coordinator
About this occupation
Bereavement counsellors support and guide patients and their families to better cope with the death of the loved ones by assisting them in emergent situations, at the hospices and at the memorial services. They train other professionals and communities anticipating the supportive needs of bereavement and responding to the education requirements.
A specialisation of social counsellor.
Essential skills and knowledge
- promote social change
- encourage counselled clients to examine themselves
- promote inclusion
- demonstrate leadership in social service cases
- apply socially just working principles
- apply quality standards in social services
- deliver social services in diverse cultural communities
- undertake continuous professional development in social work
- client-centred counselling
- behavioural therapy
- listen actively
- legal requirements in the social sector
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Morticians, Undertakers, and Funeral Arrangers (O*NET 39-4031.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Oversee the preparation and care of the remains of people who have died.
- Obtain information needed to complete legal documents, such as death certificates or burial permits.
- Perform embalming duties, as necessary.
- Consult with families or friends of the deceased to arrange funeral details, such as obituary notice wording, casket selection, or plans for services.
- Remove deceased remains from place of death.
- Contact cemeteries to schedule the opening and closing of graves.
- Typical education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Conventional, Enterprising, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Service Orientation, Speaking, Coordination, Time Management
US median pay: US$55,010 a year (2025), 25,100 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (3.8)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementVery important (3.6)
- PsychologyO*NET: PsychologyImportant (3.4)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
- BiologyO*NET: BiologyImportant (3.1)
- Divinity or PhilosophyO*NET: Philosophy and TheologyImportant (3.1)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Funeral Attendants
- Funeral Home Managers
- Embalmers
- Crematory Operators
- Home Health Aides
- Coroners
- Personal Care Aides
- First-Line Supervisors of Personal Service Workers
- Nursing Assistants
- Patient Representatives
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.