Although it can work well in hospices with a rather small census, ideally with a good number of deaths it is far better to have 1 FTE devoted to bereavement. Otherwise the patient/family needs (given the urgency) always trump bereavement and far less time, energy and focus can be devoted to being available to run groups, make visits and provide programs in bereavement.
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In terms of the qualifications for a bereavement coordinator, most bereavement programs employ social workers, chaplains or mental health counselors because they've had the clinical skill / counseling training that best fits the role. "Knowledge abour risk assessment and the delivery of effective bereavvement services has increased. The educational training and competency of bereavement professionals has become increasingl important as hospices develop programs to meet the grief and loss needs of their communities" (see NHPCO's Guidelines for Bereavement Care in Hospice, Item # 82002 in Marketplace). The Guidelines explain in more detail why mental health and bereavemetn expertise is important.