Job Description
Join our creative, collaborative, and supportive team!
Position Summary:
The First Link Support Counsellor provides supportive counselling and education to individuals and their caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, using a client centered approach. This service is delivered in-person and virtually utilizing both individual and group approaches. The First Link Support Counsellor is also responsible for marketing the First Link program and promoting/developing key partnerships/working relationships with potential referral sources such as primary care professionals, family health teams and community health centres.
Organizational Overview:
The Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce is affiliated with the Alzheimer Society of Ontario and the Alzheimer Society of Canada. As one of 26 Chapters in Ontario, we support people living with dementia and their caregivers in Grey and Bruce counties, with an office located in the largest centre, Owen Sound.
Our Vision:
A world without Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
Our Mission:
To alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia’s and to promote the search for causes, treatments, and a cure.
Our Values:
Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Excellence
Location:
Grey & Bruce Counties
Required Qualifications:
· University degree in Social Work, or Social Services Worker diploma or University degree in gerontology, or related healthcare discipline
· Registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or related college, or in process of completion
· Demonstrated knowledge and work experience in the gerontology field, specifically Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders
· Minimum 3 years’ experience working with older persons with a dementia and their caregivers
· Competency in technology including ability to use electronic communication devices and software pertaining to documentation.
· Ability to lead, work independently and as a cooperative team member with volunteers and other organizations
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
· Training in P.I.E.C.E.S., U-First and GPA considered an asset
· Experience in individual, group, and family counselling
· Knowledge of relevant community resources
· Demonstrated time management and organizational skills
· Flexibility in adapting to changing priorities
· programs which occur outside of regular work hours
· Valid driver’s license and vehicle essential
Specific Job Responsibilities:
· Using a person-centred approach, provide information, education, and supportive counselling to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias (clients)
· Monitor and provide proactive follow-up for clients to ensure ongoing support and education needs are being met
· Collaborate with community partners related to the clients’ care and identify opportunities for new or emerging care options to meet the clients’ changing needs
· Utilizing social work practices to assist clients to consider issues relevant to their situation and to develop problem-solving and individual care plans.
· Develop care plans with clients considering all relevant supports including referral to services as needed, assessments, respite options, financial planning, home support, placement in long term care, etc.
· Facilitate caregiver training, education and information for clients as needed
· Refer to and follow appropriate legislation pertaining to the profession of Social Work, including the Social Work Code of Ethics and all relevant privacy legislation
· 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
· Participate in Memory Clinics
· Facilitate client support groups
· Collaborate, cooperate, and network with community agencies
· 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
Infection Prevention and Control Considerations:
This role will require wearing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and completing education in proper Public Health guidelines surrounding PPE, Covid-19, and infection, prevention, and control protocols.
The Alzheimer Society is an equal opportunity employer, and we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities in which we live and serve. We are also committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) (Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act) and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
Commitment to Equitable Recruitment:
The Alzheimer Society welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
To Apply, please email cover letter, and resume by August 8, 2023,
We thank all applicants in advance; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Vision care
Schedule:
- Day shift
- Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Owen Sound, ON: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
- Bachelor's Degree (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Owen Sound, ON
Application deadline: 2023-08-08
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