Job Description

Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region (ASNR)

Mission, Vision and Values

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region's mission is to advocate for and with people with dementia and their care partners and provide access to a diverse range of appropriate resources and supports. Particularly to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and to promote research.

Our vision is to create a community where individuals with dementia and their care partners are fully supported to maximize their quality of life and well-being. Ultimately, a world without Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Our Values

C

ollaboration, A

ccountability

, R

espect

, Excellence

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region (ASNR) is a community support service organization that provides programs and services to people living with dementia and their care partners in the Niagara Region. We work closely with other service providers to ensure quality care and support for our clients.

We employ administrative and fund development staff, educators, social workers, nurses, therapeutic rec staff, personal support workers and volunteers who work together as a team to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their care partners.

We recognize the value and dignity of each individual and ensure 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.

We value

justice

and?

connection

?and these 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 become a reality.

The Dementia Resource Consult serves as the initial point of contact for hospital staff and potential clients of the ASNR (persons living with dementia and/or care partners) in the Emergency Department of Niagara Health Emergency Department (Welland, St. Catharine's, Niagara Falls). The Dementia Resource Consultant works in the Emergency Department as part of an integrated team that includes Niagara Health Discharge planning, Home and Community Care Support Service case manager and other ED staff. The team supports the identification, communication and redirection of patients who may be living with dementia to more appropriate outreach support options,

The Dementia Resource Consultant will provide support connecting persons living with dementia and/or care partners to programs and services within the Alzheimer Society (such as the Let's Go Home, Outreach Family Support Counselling and Respite programs) and other community resources. The Dementia Resource Consultant also educates/models behavioural strategies for the ED team members to mitigate the risk or necessity for restraints in the ED through the use of Montessori activities and Gentle Persuasive Approach strategies.

Position Description

Title: DREAM-Dementia Resource Consultant

Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer of Clinical Services

Salary: $32.00 per hour

Hours of Work: 40 hours- Monday to Friday -9 am - 5 pm

5-month Contract extended, dependent on Ontario Health Funding approval

Vacation: 6 days in a 5-month period

Duties and Responsibilities

Assessment, Care Planning and Service Navigation:

Provides bedside consultation with clients on in person or on the phone, acting as an initial point of contact for potential clients in the ED Screens and assesses potential clients and care partners based on standard criteria for the services of the ASNR, LEGHO and Counselling
Coordinate respite services in collaboration with ASNR and Ontario Health at Home teams

Works with ED staff to prioritize assistance with ED patients expressing responsive behaviours and provides intervention activities when needed Proactively facilitate linkages, communication, information exchange and coordination between families/clients and service providers Facilitate care conferences between clients/care partners and members of the client/care partner care team, as necessary In collaboration with internal and external parties, engage in problem-solving and develop strategies to address/overcome barriers in effective coordination/integration of supports and services

Collaborate

Leverage and maintain positive working relationships with physicians, health care professionals, and health and community support service providers (e.g. hospitals discharge and Ontario Health at Home workers, primary care, memory clinics, mental health, BSO LTC, long-term care, specialized geriatrics, community etc.), and other relevant partners Educate, coach and role model for ED team members and staff on behavioural strategies using Montessori and GPA techniques and tools to mitigate the risk or necessity for restraints Liaises with ASNR First Link Team or other community agencies to facilitate referrals and coordinate client services as required Participates in coordinated care planning to ensure a smooth transition out of ED back into the community as needed Liaise with primary care providers to support stabilization in the community Coordinate respite services for ASNR clients in collaboration with the Ontario Health at Home and ASNR Respite program

Monitoring/Evaluation:

Maintains an inventory of both internal and external resources Collect, maintain, and report required quantitative and qualitative data to support province-wide monitoring, evaluation and reporting In collaboration with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and OHTs, participate in the planning and implementation of evaluation of the DREAM program to examine the overall effectiveness of program

Service Delivery Standards and Quality Improvement:

Maintain confidential, accurate and current client records, including complete and thorough documentation for each client contact, in compliance with relevant privacy legislation and in accordance with professional standards and internal policies Ensure that client consent, privacy, and confidentiality are maintained in compliance with legislation, professional standards/regulations and internal policies Maintain an advanced level of knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including clinical manifestations, behaviours, current care practices, treatment options, placement options, available community resources, and all relevant legislation Assist with the development and maintenance of policies, procedures, and resources to support DREAM referrals, intake, system navigation, care coordination, and follow-up activities

Other Duties

Ensures working order and quantity of Montessori products, including tablets and mechanical pets to be used in the ER for behaviour diversion Attend ASNR staff meetings and other internal and external committees as required Represents the Alzheimer Society professionally in the community Participates in organizational committees and task forces as requested Compliance with organizational policies and procedures Complies with the duties imposed by law or contract and the policies and procedures for performing the job safely and healthily Takes an active role in promoting and protecting personal health and safety and the health and safety of others, both staff and consumers Perform other duties consistent with the job classification as required

Qualifications

Minimum Bachelor's degree in social work, gerontology or related health science discipline. Master's level education preferred 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. Knowledge of available community services/supports and clinical, social, and residential care options Membership in a Professional College is preferred. Must have excellent written and oral communication skills; communicating fluently in French or other language(s) is an asset. Police Vulnerable Sector Check Must have a valid driver's license and access to a reliable vehicle

Other Skills and Experience:

Experience and knowledge in management of chronic and complex health conditions Understanding of roles and linkages across primary care, community care and specialized geriatric services Strong knowledge of client-centered philosophy Knowledge of clinical practices and training models related to dementia (e.g.: P.I.E.C.E.S., GPA and U-First!) Experience in assessment and care planning/coordination Experience working in settings requiring inter-professional collaboration Excellent verbal and written communication skills Exceptional interpersonal skills, including shared decision-making and facilitation Ability to prioritize workload and manage competing tasks Ability to take initiative and be resourceful Excellent problem-solving and change management skills Proficiency in technology (e.g.: Microsoft office and case management and care coordination systems) Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team Expertise and experience in cultural sensitivity and diversity Commitment to continuing professional development

Physical Demands and Working Environment

:

Physical demands are representative of the role where there may be extended periods of visual concentration; standing or sitting in a stationary position Everyday risks or discomforts may require safety precautions typical of an office environment (use of safe work practices with office equipment, proper ergonomics, etc) Equipment is utilized which is common to the office work environment (i.e. computer, printer, photocopier, multi-line telephone, fax machine, elevator etc.) ASNR recognizes that while performing their regular duties, employees in this role will come into contact with risks associated with the environment and/or responsive clients and families Stressful situations may occur as the result of handling multiple, concurrent issues while ensuring the safety, comfort and complex needs of all involved While working at a hospital, employees may be occasionally exposed to diseases or infections when interacting with patients.

Niagara Health Occupational Health & Safety Requirements

Hospital requirements include wearing safety gear, such as gloves and masks for extended periods. Vaccines (COVID-19, Varicella, MMR) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption based on medical or grounds pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code. A two-step tuberculin test is required. Persons who are tuberculin-positive must receive a chest X-ray. Niagara Health also recommends the following immunizations: yearly Influenza vaccine, Tetanus-Diphtheria, Pertussis Immunization (given over age 18) and Hepatitis B The hospital adheres to a scent-free environment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA. The Alzheimer Society Niagara Region 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 Metis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

Commitment to Accessibility

In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, The Alzheimer Society Niagara Region will provide accommodations through the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. If selected to participate in the recruitment and selection process, please inform the Hiring Manager of the nature of any accommodation(s) that you may require in respect of any materials or processes used to ensure your equal participation.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 5 months

Pay: $32.20 per hour

Application question(s):

Willing to complete the required Niagara Health Occupational Health Standards, or provide an exemption based on medical grounds or other grounds pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code
Education:

DCS / DEC (required)
Experience:

Dementia: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

G class Drivers license (required)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-10-24