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Bereavement Support Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Facilitates support groups and assists in programs as assigned. Position Specific Responsibilities * Provide individual and family grief support and counseling. • Co-facilitates the bereavement ...

Administrative Support Volunteer

San Diego, CA · On-site

$37K - $49K/yr

Assisting with bereavement support through patient and caregiver mailings * Filing and maintaining important hospice records * Supporting general office operations to ensure smooth and efficient ...

Facilitates support groups and assists in programs as assigned. Position Specific Responsibilities * Provide individual and family grief support and counseling. Co-facilitates the bereavement program ...

Bereavement Counselor, Hospice

Saratoga, CA · On-site

$48.39 - $67.75/hr

Bereavement counseling is a required hospice service, provided for a period up to one year ... BLS- Basic Life Support Certification TYPICAL EXPERIENCE: * 2 years recent relevant experience ...

Bereavement Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$57K - $96K/yr

The Bereavement Services Manager provides expertise and skill in bereavement program management ... support your personal and professional growth. As a member of the VITAS team, you'll find ...

Bereavement Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$57K - $96K/yr

The Bereavement Services Manager provides expertise and skill in bereavement program management ... support your personal and professional growth. As a member of the VITAS team, you'll find ...

Social Worker, MSW

Stockton, CA · On-site

$40.55 - $42.19/hr

Provides psychosocial support, counseling, and bereavement support to patients, families, and caregivers, and identifies and coordinates community resource needs. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY ...

Social Worker, MSW

Stockton, CA · On-site

$40.55 - $42.19/hr

Provides psychosocial support, counseling, and bereavement support to patients, families, and caregivers, and identifies and coordinates community resource needs. AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY ...

Hospice Chaplain

Murrieta, CA · Hybrid

$35 - $40/hr

Provide bereavement support to family's post-death, including follow-up calls and visits. * Maintain accurate documentation of spiritual care interactions and outcomes. Qualifications: * Master of ...

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Bereavement Support information

See California salary details

$14

$25

$44

How much do bereavement support jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for bereavement support in California is $25.71, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.99 and $27.98 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is bereavement support?

Bereavement support refers to the assistance and care provided to individuals who are grieving the loss of a loved one. This support can include counseling, support groups, educational resources, and practical help to navigate the emotional, social, and psychological challenges of grief. Bereavement support aims to help people process their feelings, find healthy coping mechanisms, and adjust to life after loss. Services may be offered by trained professionals, volunteers, or community organizations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a bereavement support specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Bereavement Support Specialist, you need a background in counseling, social work, or psychology, often supported by relevant degrees or certifications in grief counseling. Familiarity with case management software, therapeutic frameworks, and crisis intervention protocols is common in this role. Compassion, active listening, and cultural sensitivity are essential soft skills for building trust and providing effective emotional support. These skills are crucial for helping individuals navigate loss and fostering resilience during challenging times.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in bereavement support roles, and how can they be managed effectively?

Bereavement support professionals often encounter emotionally intense situations, as they help individuals and families navigate grief and loss. A common challenge is managing personal emotional boundaries while providing compassionate support to clients. To address this, professionals rely on regular supervision, peer support, and self-care strategies to maintain their own wellbeing. Additionally, they collaborate closely with healthcare providers, counselors, and community organizations to ensure holistic support for those in mourning.

What is the difference between Bereavement Support vs Grief Counselor?

AspectBereavement SupportGrief Counselor
CredentialsOften requires training in grief support, counseling certification optionalRequires counseling or psychology degrees and licensure
Work EnvironmentHospitals, hospices, community centers, support groupsPrivate practice, mental health clinics, hospitals
Employer & IndustryHospitals, hospices, non-profits, community organizationsHealthcare facilities, private practices, mental health agencies

Bereavement Support focuses on providing emotional support and guidance to those experiencing loss, often through support groups or community services. Grief Counselors offer more in-depth psychological therapy, addressing complex grief issues with clinical techniques. While both roles assist individuals coping with loss, Bereavement Support is generally more accessible and less clinical, whereas Grief Counselors require specialized mental health training and licensure.

What are popular job titles related to Bereavement Support jobs in California?

For Bereavement Support jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Bereavement Support jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Bereavement Support jobs in California are:

Infographic showing various Bereavement Support job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 2% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,470 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Bereavement Manager

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Pathways Home Health and Hospice
Health Care and Social Assistance • 51 - 200 employees

$89K - $122K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

For over 45 years Pathways has been a Bay Area pioneer, leader, and innovator in Hospice, Home Health and Palliative Care. We provide care at home or in settings such as assisted living, a nursing home, or the hospital. We have offices in Sunnyvale, South San Francisco, and Oakland. Patients and their families know us for our personalized, high-quality care, delivered with empathy, kindness, and respect.
TITLE: Bereavement Manager
OFFICE LOCATION: Sunnyvale
SCHEDULE: Full Time
SHIFT: M-F 8:30am - 5pm
The posted compensation range of $89,045.00 - $122,625.00 (annual salary) is a reasonable estimate that extends from the lowest to the highest pay Pathways Home Health & Hospice in good faith believes it might pay for this particular job, based on the circumstances at the time of posting. Pathways Home Health & Hospice may ultimately pay more or less than the posted range as permitted by law.
Pathways is seeking a dedicated professional with deep expertise in managing the client and family experience following the loss of a loved one. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a strong background in providing bereavement support to adults, families, and children, while also possessing proven experience in supervising and mentoring graduate trainees, post-graduate interns, and volunteer therapists.
POSITION SUMMARY: The Bereavement Manager, working collaboratively with the Director of Hospice, is responsible for the development, coordination, and implementation of a broad range of grief support and education programs. The role includes training and supporting volunteers, graduate trainees, and post-graduate interns for assigned branch offices, as well as supporting community relations for outreach and education.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
  • Finalize survivor bereavement risk assessments and facilitate the development of bereavement plans of care in collaboration with the hospice multidisciplinary team.
  • Assess community bereavement support needs; develop, coordinate, and supervise agency-sponsored support groups both on-site and in the community.
  • Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator to recruit bereavement volunteers, trainees, and interns.
  • Assist with screening, training, and supporting bereavement volunteers to provide program support, with primary supervision of Bereavement Phone Call and Visit volunteers.
  • Assist the Volunteer Coordinator with maintaining and collecting appropriate bereavement volunteer documentation.
  • Collaborate with volunteers to generate data for bereavement outreach correspondence.
  • Analyze bereavement intern contact entries and report findings to hospice administration.
  • Participate in agency-wide volunteer training initiatives.
  • Develop and conduct grief support training and workshops for the agency and community in collaboration with the Director of Hospice and Branch Office Managers. Provide or coordinate referrals for individual and family grief counseling for Pathways clients and the community.
  • Support Spiritual Care and Social Services in providing staff grief support programs and individual support as requested.
  • Collaborate with the Volunteer Coordinator and Director of Hospice to develop programs for memorial events.
  • Maintain records of bereavement contacts and statistical data regarding service utilization and event attendance.
  • Perform other duties consistent with professional training and the mission of the agency.

QUALIFICATIONS:
  • LCSW required.
  • Meets the BBS Supervisory training requirements.
  • Maintains LCSW license.
  • Experience in group facilitation and individual counseling.
  • Experience working with people facing issues related to terminal illness, death and dying, grief and loss individually or in a group setting.
  • Experience with program development, training and public speaking.
  • Experience and demonstrated competence and comfort working with families in crisis, the frail elderly, the disabled and/or the terminally ill.
  • Able to work cooperatively as part of an interdisciplinary team in a multi-cultural environment with all levels of management and staff.
  • Ability and willingness to work a flexible work schedule including evenings and weekends as needed.
  • A valid California Driver's license and current automobile insurance.
  • Proficient computer skills, including Google Workspace applications.