Behavioural Support Specialist_FT-Perm

LOFT Community Services•Bradford West Gwillimbury, ON

1d•CA$64,933 - CA$76,560•Onsite

About The Position

The Behavioural Support 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. The Behavioural Support Specialist will provide direct service to support the client, family members and/or caregivers to mitigate escalating responsive behaviours. The Behavioural Support Specialist will collaborate with the other members of the Bradford House on the development and delivery of effective Behavioural Support Plans comprised of behavioural management approaches, psychosocial supports and education to referred individuals and their caregivers. They will also liaise with community agencies, other practitioners and key partners to coordinate care for clients. In addition, they provide education and support to staff of the Bradford House to ensure current knowledge and trends in behavioural support. Bradford House provides specialized assisted living support to vulnerable older adults with complex needs. Bradford House responds to each resident’s needs, so they can live safely and in good health in the community as they age. Through our care, we aim to postpone for as long as possible, or eliminate, any need for institutional care.Our program offers 24/7 care through our specialized Personal Support Worker (PSW) team, providing such services as assistance with personal care, essential housekeeping, laundry services, medication support and escorts to appointments. LOFT’s Case Managers offer one-on-one support and provide care coordination, crisis intervention, system navigation and client advocacy. They connect clients with the services they need to become healthier, happier, and as independent as possible. Our team calls upon a variety of resources, including medical, financial, emotional and recreational supports.Mental, physical and spiritual health are improved by social interaction and the sense of belonging that comes from a welcoming and supportive community. Our life enrichment services offer residents opportunities to enjoy life, try new things, and become involved in their local community. The goal is to ensure that clients have access to interesting and stimulating activities and social opportunities through regular in-house events and group outings in the community.Bradford House offers healthy and delicious meals and snacks for residents and is able to accommodate certain special diet requests.

Requirements

Completion of an undergraduate degree in one of the following health professions: Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy or Psychology
Completion of an Advanced Diploma in Behavioural Science Technology
Minimum three years related experience in providing support to vulnerable seniors and older adults with responsive behaviours related to mental illness, addictions, dementia or other neurological conditions
Demonstrated experience and skill in developing and delivering behavioural management interventions for specified population
Extensive experience in training and educating colleagues, clients and key stakeholders on strategies and interventions aimed at addressing responsive behaviours
Knowledge of current and developing behaviour support models and the ability to implement the key components of those models into practice with clients
Training/knowledge of P.I.E.C.E.S., U-First!, Recovery/Psychosocial rehabilitation approaches
An understanding of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles and the therapeutic relationship
Demonstrated knowledge of best practices related to dementia, delirium, mental health issues and their effect on seniors, families and caregivers
Knowledge of community resources and supports
Sound understanding and commitment to the principles of the Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) project and the Action Plan
Valid drivers’ license and access to own vehicle is required; must meet the requirements of LOFT Community Services – Personal Vehicle Usage Policy.
Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills
Good oral and written communication skills and computer literacy, including MS Word and Excel

Responsibilities

Provide clinical assessment and treatment recommendations through a comprehensive behavioural approach.
Design and ensure implementation and monitoring of skill promotion and behaviour intervention programs for identified clients in their homes and various community settings.
Provide crisis intervention, risk management and urgent care planning for referred individuals and their caregivers. Identify and refer to crisis resources for high-risk individuals.
Support client in the development and implementation of Behavioural Support Plans tailored to the client’s needs and issues designed to improve quality of life and assist in the mitigation of responsive behaviours.
Review, edit and approve all Behavioural Support Plans to ensure adherence to ethical guidelines in behaviour management.
Act as a liaison and client advocate among those involved with the client’s care including family, other caregivers, medical and other multi-disciplinary providers.
Provide support, on-going training and consultation to colleagues, family members and/or other caregivers to assist in mitigating escalating responsive behaviours.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current and developing behavioural support models and trends and disseminate this information to the teams.
Develop respectful and trusting relationships with clients using Recovery and Psychosocial Rehabilitation principles.
Maintain strict confidentiality and follow all other required policies and procedures.
Consistently interact with clients, staff, family members, other community agencies and partners in a professional manner that reflects favourably on the organization and the Behavioural Supports Ontario Project.
Effectively participate as a member of the Bradford House; attend staff/team meetings, client care conferences, other multi-disciplinary meetings, committee meetings etc. as required.
Attend and actively participate in all required training.
Collaboratively participates in ongoing supervision with the Program Manager.
Liaise, collaborate and coordinate with other professionals, service providers and partners within the Behavioural Support Services.
Complete other duties, from time to time, as assigned by management.

Benefits

medical
dental
vision
life insurance
long-term disability
Defined Benefits Pension Plan
24/7 Employee Assistance Program
E-learning program
Starting vacation time above minimum standard
Additional paid personal and paid sick days
Professional development budget
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
Tuition reimbursement program
Maternity-leave and Parental leave top up program