Psychogeriatric Specialist (2026-216-CC)

WoodGreen Community Services•Toronto, ON

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Full Circle Psychogeriatric team provides community based case management, supportive and/or clinical counselling to older persons with significant mental health and/or cognitive issues such as dementia, and their family or caregivers. This position is responsible for working in a team to provide case management, supportive counselling to older persons with significant mental health issues, health issues, and/or cognitive impairments and their families or caregivers in homes or community settings. As well as, undertaking screening and assessment of issues/needs, providing support to individuals and/or family members, intervention strategies when required, providing education and information, and making referrals to various appropriate resources. In addition, the Full Circle team will collaborate with agency partners, health care providers, and other resource people in the community, and provide consultation to other professionals and peers with the goal of ensuring a continuum of care for older adults.

Requirements

Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) or graduate degree in a relevant field.
Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and/or Member in good standing with a Professional College in Ontario.
3+ years related experience in mental health, addictions, geriatrics and/or social work.
Demonstrated experience working with older adults and seniors with mental health (including dementia) and/or substance use issues, chronic health issues, cognitive impairment, and responsive behaviours is required.

Nice To Haves

Experience and expertise to support older adult and seniors including individuals who have significant mental health and/or addiction issues, history of trauma, violence/abuse, dementia, cognitive impairments, responsive behaviours, chronic physical health issues, etc.
Ability in case management, system navigation, service planning, implementation, and coordination, therapeutic or supportive counselling.
Experience working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team or as a team member in collaboration with other community professionals.
Proven working knowledge of theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models and best practice approaches.
Knowledge of and experience with a brief therapy modality, such as Narrative, Solution-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy), etc.
Knowledge of issues affecting older adults/geriatric populations, mental health, addictions, health sector, and community resources, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinant of health.
Solid understanding of the intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health, including racism, discrimination, and oppression.
Demonstrated experience in group facilitation (therapeutic and psycho-social).
Strong assessment, clinical and intervention skills.
Effective oral, written communication skills and documentation skills.
Effective interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
Proven ability to apply and practice Anti-Oppression, Anti-Racism, Trauma-Informed and Harm Reduction principles, and strategies.
Applied computer skills (MS word, excel, Internet) and ability to use client information systems.
Ability to communicate in a second language (Greek, Spanish, Bengali, Urdu, Tamil, Farsi, Tagalog, Arabic, Mandarin, or Cantonese) is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

Undertakes psychosocial assessments.
Develops and implements a service plan with clients with significant mental health issues and/or cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer, dementia.
Provides case management services including service co-ordination, short-term and long-term planning, follow up.
Advocates on behalf of clients and/or their family or caregivers.
Keep current about the range of services available in other agencies.
Links clients and/or their family or caregivers to various community resources, and facilitates appropriate referrals to other community support services as required.
Provide accompaniment to medical appointments as required.
Provides drop in services in the community.
Provides crisis intervention, practical assistance, supportive counseling to clients and/or family or caregivers as required in homes and community settings.
Work flexible hours based on the needs of the clients and/or their family or caregivers.
Provides service that is responsive appropriate and culturally and linguistically sensitive to the individual and caregivers needs.
Engages in ongoing outreach to ensure access to the program.
Liaises with other psychogeriatric services as needed.
Liaises and consults with other service providers as needed.
Participates in case conferences and clinical meetings in order to ensure the coordination of services and a continuum of care.
Provides consultation to other agency staff or community partners as required.
Maintain a client caseload as assigned by program manager.
Participates in team and unit meetings regularly, and promote the healthy functioning of the team and unit.
Participate in ongoing training and education.
Participates in supervision sessions and annual performance appraisals with program manager.
Responsible for collection of statistical data required for the accountability of the program.
Maintains appropriate records and documentation in a timely manner.
Responsible for representing the unit on internal staff committees as directed by program manager.
Perform other duties as assigned.