Dementia Resource Consultant - Woodstock

Organizational Overview:

The Alzheimer Society Southwest Partners actively supports care partners and individuals living with 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.

Position title:  Dementia Resource Consultant  

Status and Location:  

Full time, 15-month contract, 35 hours per week, occasional evening and weekend work

required. 

This role will support the Woodstock Hospital.  

Position Summary:

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

Responsibilities:

The Dementia Resource Consultant (DRC) works in the Emergency Department of Woodstock Hospital as part of the Integrated Dementia Resource Team (DREAM Team). The DRC 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 their journey through service coordination and collaboration with other staff of AlzSWP 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. This DRC may also be involved with existing memory and geriatric clinics in the community to administer cognitive testing as needed.

Specific Job 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, 
• Prioritizes 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,
• Assist existing Memory Clinic and Geriatric clinic teams in the community to perform cognitive testing as needed,
• 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.

Respite Coordination:

• Coordinate respite services for AlzSWP clients in collaboration with the HCCSS team and the Manager of Community Clinical Services.

Program Support: 

• Maintains an inventory of both internal and external resources,
• Attends AlzSWP staff and department meetings, and other internal and external committees as required,

Evaluation and Other Responsibilities: 

• 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.

The above tasks are representative but not all-inclusive.

Immediate Supervisor: Manager of Community Client Services  

Indirect Supervisor: Director of Programs and Services  

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.

Qualifications:

• A university degree in social sciences or a related field, or comparable education (e.g. - behavioural sciences), along with knowledge and understanding of community resources and services is required,
• 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 with 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.