Behaviour Support Specialist (2023-128-Cc)

Employment Type
1-Year Contract, Bargaining Unit
Work Hours
37.5 hours/week
Work Setting
Exclusively Onsite
Salary
J - $64,464
Application Deadline
Open until filled
Program Overview – Crisis Outreach Service For Seniors, Community Care
This position works on behalf of WoodGreen in an inter-agency, multi-disciplinary Crisis Outreach Service for Seniors (COSS) serving seniors with physical, cognitive, mental health, and other concerns causing them to be in crisis. This will be a dedicated position supporting the Behaviour Support Outreach Services across the City of Toronto. The incumbent will need to travel within Toronto.
What You Will Do

• Model behaviour support interventions and make recommendations to caregivers on how best to support seniors with responsive behaviours
• Assess for risk and intervene as appropriate.
• Participate in relevant training and professional development activities.
• Develop Behavioural Support Plans, including behavioural management approaches, psychosocial support, and education.
• Maintain an active clinical caseload of older adults/seniors presenting with (or at-risk of) responsive behaviours.
• Ensure that anti-oppression, community development, and harm reduction principles are achieved in the program.
• Refer clients and caregivers to a range of complementary community resources and support transitions between care settings when appropriate.
• Provide observation, and comprehensive bio-psychosocial behaviour assessments of clients with responsive behaviours in their homes/in the community.
• Provide urgent, timely assessment and support to seniors and caregivers who are affected by challenging responsive behaviours.
• Perform other related duties as required.
• Provide expertise in responsive behaviours in crisis intervention including evidence-based best practices.
• Participate in regular supervisory sessions and annual performance appraisals with the program manager.
• Communicate and collaborate with colleagues of COSS, BSOT and other service providers to ensure client-centred, timely support to clients, initiating and participating in case conferences when needed.
• Carry out service documentation requirements in a timely and professional manner and gather statistical and narrative information required for the program and organization.
• Communicate, as appropriate, significant changes in client status to care partners.

What You Bring To The Team

• Effective September 7, 2021, all newly hired employees will be required to provide proof that they have completed an approved course of vaccination against COVID-19 at least 14 days prior to commencing employment or provide documentation to support an exemption based on grounds covered by the Ontario Human Rights Act (i.e. Medical exemption).
• 3+ years of experience providing support to vulnerable seniors and older adults with responsive behaviours related to mental illness, addictions, dementia or other neurological conditions.
• Master’s degree in Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Psychology or related field

What Will Set You Apart

• Effective assessment, intervention, client centered and collaborative care planning skills.
• Knowledge of community resources and supports.
• Ability to manage multiple, often competing priorities.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification and Non-Violence Crisis Prevention an asset.
• Experience developing and delivering behavioural management interventions.
• Knowledge of current and developing behaviour support models and the ability to implement the key components of those models into practice with clients.
• Proven leadership and communication skills.
• Willingness to be flexible and iterative with work flow processes.
• Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
• Experience supporting people with dementia
• Ability to communicate in a different language an asset.
• Ability to thrive in a fast paced, client -focused environment.
• Experience providing education, support and counselling for caregivers of those with dementia.
• Good oral and written communication skills and computer literacy, including MS Word and Excel.
• Understanding of recovery, psychosocial rehabilitation principles, and the therapeutic relationship.
• Training/knowledge of P.I.E.C.E.S., U-First!, Gentle Persuasive Approach, Recovery/Psychosocial rehabilitation approaches or willingness to receive training.
• Excellent clinical-reasoning, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent organizational/prioritizing skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other members of inter-professional care teams, clients, family members, and community team members.
• Competence in the use of standard psychogeriatric assessment tools
• Extensive experience in educating clients, caregivers, and key stakeholders on strategies and interventions aimed at addressing responsive behaviours.