Grief counselors have the hard job of consoling people suffering from grief and the pain of losing a loved one. It is their job to help people understand why a tragic event has occurred. They must be good listeners and be able to help that person through their difficult time.
There are many skills required to become a successful grief counselor, but before a person can become a grief counselor, they must earn a college degree first. They should also have the ability to earn certification from the American Academy of Grief Counseling (AAGC).
Earning a Degree
A person studying social work, psychology, counseling or social services in college can work towards becoming a grief counselor. After a person has obtained their Bachelor's degree, they may continue their education into a Master's program to gain more knowledge and expertise in their field. This can help them to get a job as a counselor.
There are grief counselors who are licensed and those that are not. In order to become licensed, applicants should contact their state to find out what requirements are needed. Non licensed counselors can work as hospice volunteers, in funeral homes or as religious leaders.
Earning Certification
The American Academy of Grief Counseling has a certification program for grief counselors. It is voluntary, but can help increase salary or show qualification as a grief counselor. Some employers look for this certification before hiring their employees. Applicants must be a registered nurse currently licensed to practice nursing, a licensed social worker, a health care licensed professional, a professional counselor, a licensed psychologist, an ordained minister, a licensed funeral director, a pastoral counselor in active ministry, a licensed physician or a school counselor.
Applicants can apply if they have a graduate degree in educational counseling or have a college degree in human services, psychology, or human behavior. Once a person is certified, they may enter a specialty field through the AAGC.