Dementia Resource Consultant

Do you have a passion for working with older adults, including people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their care partners? We are seeking a new member of our Dementia Resource Consultant (DRC) team. This position will work in the Emergency Department (ED) of Woodstock Hospital as part of the Integrated Dementia Resource Team (DREAM Team). They will provide support connecting persons living with dementia and/or care partners to programs and services within the Alzheimer Society (such as behavioural support outreach, counselling, respite) and other community resources.

The DRC follows client journeys through service coordination and collaboration with other staff of Alzheimer Society and community partner organizations. The DRC also educates/models for the ED team members behavioural strategies to mitigate the risk or necessity for restraints in the ED through the use of Montessori activities and GPA strategies.

About This Position:

• Immediate Supervisor: Manager of Community Clinical Services
• Direct Reports: None
• Job Status: Part-time, 12-month contract, 17.5 hours per week
• Location: Woodstock Hospital, Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners, Oxford (Woodstock location)

Summary:

Under the direction of the Manager of Community Clinical Services, this position serves as the initial point of contact for hospital Emergency Department (ED) and Home and Community Care Support Services staff and people living with dementia and their care partners who enter the hospital Emergency Department. These individuals may become clients of Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners (AlzSWP), including persons living with dementia and/or care partners.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Speaks with clients on the phone or in person (walk-in), acting as an initial point of contact for potential clients who present in the ED.
• Screens and assesses potential care partner clients based on standard criteria for the services of the AlzSWP, specifically Counselling, BSO, and Respite.
• Prioritises assistance with ED patients who are expressing responsive behaviour and provides intervention activities when needed.
• Educate, coach and role model for ED team members and staff on behavioural strategies through the use of Montessori and GPA techniques and tools to mitigate the risk or necessity for restraints.
• Provides families with relevant information for other community agencies and programs when appropriate, or if they require additional community services ex. legal counsel or financial planning.
• Liaises with other community agencies to facilitate referrals and coordinate client services as required.
• Participates in coordinated care planning to ensure smooth transition out of ED back into the community as needed.
• Liaise with primary care providers to support stabilization in the community of PLWD.
• Gather statistical data as defined for this OHWest program.
• Coordinate respite services for AlzSWP clients in collaboration with the HCCSS team and the Manager of Community Clinical Services.
• Maintains an inventory of both internal and external resources.
• Attends AlzSWP staff and department meetings, and other internal and external committees as required.
• Represents the Alzheimer Society professionally in the community treating all internal and external clients with respect and dignity.
• Participates in organizational committees and task forces as requested.
• Complies with organizational policies and procedures.
• Complies with the duties imposed by law or contract and the policies and procedures for performing the job in a safe and healthy manner.
• Takes an active role in promoting and protecting personal health and safety and the health and safety of others.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Participates in quarterly performance management meetings and annual performance review with supervisor.

The above tasks are representative but not all-inclusive.

Requirements / Experience and Qualifications:

• A university degree in social sciences, nursing or other related health care discipline, or comparable education (e.g. - behavioural sciences, therapeutic recreation, occupational therapy), along with knowledge and understanding of community resources and services is required.
• 3 to 5 years client service experience in the health and/or social service sectors.
• Registered (or eligibility for registration) with health professional designation such as the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) or Registered Nurses of Ontario (RNO) considered an asset.
• Demonstrated experience performing assessments, screening and triaging is required.
• Demonstrated experience working with persons living with dementia is required along with an in-depth knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias including behavioural strategies and GPA techniques.
• Must have excellent written and oral communication skills; the ability to communicate fluently in French or other language(s) is an asset.
• Must have the ability to work independently in a professional, self-directed, and collaborative manner.
• Experience working in interprofessional team is an asset.
• Case management experience is an asset.
• Membership in a Professional College is preferred.
• Must have proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite applications.
• A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.

Working Conditions:

Hospital Setting. Office setting. General office duties, typing, filing, occasional lifting / carrying 25lbs, reaching, bending, walking, sitting, and standing. Freedom of movement throughout the day. Some travel required.

About Us:

The Alzheimer Society actively supports families and individuals affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. We advocate for and provide support services, education, and funding for research for those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.

Our Vision: No one impacted by dementia goes unsupported.

Our Mission: We provide community and person-centered support and education to those impacted by dementia.

Our Values: Collaboration, Excellence, Respect, Compassion and Belonging.

Interested applicants will submit a complete application package including cover letter and resume in .pdf format to: HR@alzswp.ca (with the job title listed in the subject line). Please indicate locations of interest with your application. All applicants will be screened based on receiving a complete application package and according to the qualifications listed in the posting. We thank all applicants for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment: The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners (AlzSWP) recognises the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions.

Our values (collaboration, excellence, respect, compassion and belonging) are the guideposts we use for decision-making of all kinds. We believe that this will guide the organization toward a place of inclusion for all - where equity and access to essential supports and services becomes the reality. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA. AlzSWP welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as 2SLBGTQAI+.

Infection Prevention and Control & COVID-19 Considerations: This position may require consistent wearing of proper PPE and completing education in proper Public Health guidelines surrounding PPE and Covid-19 protocols.