Behavioural Support Services Team

Description:

The Behavioural Support Services Team improve the health care services of older adults, their families and caregivers. The responsive program supports those who live and cope with behaviours/personal expressions associated with dementia, mental illness, addictions and other neurological conditions, when they require it and wherever they live, at home or elsewhere.

Behaviours/personal expressions are a response, often intentional, to something important to our clients. Persons may use words, gestures, or actions to express something important about their personal, social, or physical environment. Behaviours/personal expressions such as wandering, physical resistance and agitation can be common for individuals living with dementia, mental illness, addiction or other neurological disorders. They can be very distressing to the older adults themselves and to their families, caregivers and other support providers.

Job Summary:

The Behavioural Support Personal Support Worker is part of a team that provides direct care, education and support to seniors who are demonstrating responsive behaviours that may be associated with various types of dementia, delirium, mental health, addictions or other neurological conditions who are living in the community (anywhere except long-term care settings) of the geographical areas of Ontario Health Central. The PSW provides expertise and assistance with personal care and assistance with activities of daily living for persons served within the program with behavioural challenges. Working with Psychogeriatric Case Manager, the PSW will enhance the quality of life for individuals with responsive behaviours in hospital and/or transitional sites. The PSW is part of a team that provides behavioural support services to individual persons served, transitional management between health care providers and ongoing training for persons served, family, care-partners and clinicians.

What You Will Do:

Serve as the primary Personal Support Worker (PSW) for assigned clients, following established visit schedules
Conduct and document observations of client behaviour, especially during initial intake, to help identify triggers
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in accordance with agency standards and reporting tools
Support the development and implementation of Behavioural Support Plans in collaboration with the Psychogeriatric Case Manager
Apply and adapt interventions and strategies to effectively manage responsive behaviours
Monitor and report behavioural changes or escalation to the care team
Provide guidance and mentorship to staff, caregivers, and family members on effective strategies
Participate in care conferences, team meetings, and discharge planning
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure coordinated, client-centered care
Assist with client transitions to appropriate care settings
Deliver care through communication, observation, and hands-on support, reporting any changes in condition
Follow all health and safety, infection prevention, and organizational policies
Work primarily in hospital settings, adhering to site-specific protocols
Perform additional duties as assigned by leadership

What You Bring:

Post-secondary education in Human Services (i.e PSW Certificate, Health Care Aide Certificate, RPN Certificate) or equivalent field
Understanding of challenges faced by vulnerable, older adults and seniors with serious mental illness, cognitive and addiction challenges who exhibit responsive behaviours
Knowledge of GPA, P.I.E.C.E.S., U-First etc. or willingness to be trained
Strong understanding of Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) principles
Experience supporting clients using a Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) approach
Skilled in assessment, crisis intervention, and problem-solving in both individual and group settings
Compassionate and client-centered approach with the ability to build positive relationships
Physically able to perform duties including lifting and transferring
Valid First Aid & CPR certification
Excellent communication and computer skills, with the ability to follow instructions effectively
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment
Proven reliability, professionalism, and accountability
Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle is required
Additional language skills are an asset

Work Environment: 

Frequent travel will also be required
Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required

What We Offer: 

24/7 Employee Assistance Program
E-learning program available all year round
Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
Additional paid personal and paid sick days
Professional development budget available to help you nurture and shape your career
Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion