Support Group Leader

A Support Group Leader at Camp Good Mourning! is a licensed or master's-level mental health professional who facilitates small-group grief support sessions for children ages 7–17 who have experienced the death of a parent or sibling. Working alongside other Support Group leaders and in partnership with the Clinical Director and Executive Director, create a safe, compassionate, and developmentally appropriate space where campers can express their grief, connect with peers, and build emotional resilience.

This role is central to CGM!’s mission of helping children feel less alone in their grief and learn that their thoughts and feelings are normal and okay.

Core Responsibilities:

• • Facilitate Grief Support Groups:
  • Lead or co-lead 3–4 structured support group sessions over the course of the weekend for an assigned age group.
  • Use CGM!’s curriculum and resources to guide activities and discussions that support healthy grief expression and peer connection.
  • Adapt content and tone to meet the developmental and emotional needs of campers.
  • Create a Safe and Inclusive Environment:
  • Foster a warm, respectful, and emotionally safe space where campers feel seen, heard, and supported.
  • Gently encourage participation while honoring each camper’s unique grief journey and pace.
  • Observe and Assess:
  • Monitor campers for signs of emotional distress, trauma reactions, or potential safety concerns.
  • Communicate any observations or concerns promptly to the Clinical Director or Executive Director.
  • Collaborate with Camp Staff and Volunteers:
  • Partner with assigned Big Buddies, LITs, and other team members to provide consistent support for campers in and outside of group time.
  • Offer guidance to non-clinical staff on how to sensitively support grieving children during recreational and social activities.
  • Model Healthy Grief Expression:
  • Demonstrate and encourage open, age-appropriate conversations about loss, memory, and feelings.
  • Share appropriate reflections that normalize the grieving process and validate children’s experiences.
  • Participate in Camp Life:
  • Join in selected camp activities, meals, and rituals to help build rapport and community with campers and volunteers.
  • Serve as a clinical presence throughout the weekend in partnership with other members of the Clinical Team.
  • Maintain Confidentiality and Professional Ethics:
  • Follow all Camp Good Mourning! policies, confidentiality standards, and ethical guidelines related to working with minors and grieving families.

Ideal Qualifications:

• • Licensed mental health professional (LCSW, LMSW, LMHC, LMFT, Psychologist), master’s level mental health professional or grief specialist.
  • Experience facilitating groups for children or teens (grief-related preferred)
  • Strong understanding of childhood grief, trauma, and emotional development
  • Warm, empathetic, non-judgmental presence
  • Ability to work collaboratively and remain calm in emotionally charged settings
  • Committed to Camp Good Mourning!’s mission and values