Do you have a passion for working with older adults, including people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and their care partners? We are seeking a registered BSO Social Worker to join our compassionate and supportive team. We are looking for someone who appreciates diversity and is motivated to advocate for and inspire change in our communities with a commitment to the OCSWSSW Code of Ethics being evident in all they do.

SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Manager of Clinical Services, the incumbent will work with persons living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia (ADOD), including Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), or other memory complaints. The BSO Social Worker will work with the individual, their care partners, and community resource agencies to ensure access to information, support, and education that assists them on their journey with the disease. The goal is to provide needed support, build effective and efficient utilization of community resources, promote links with primary care and community resource agencies; reduce care partner crisis situations and thereby reduce care partner burden. The BSO Social Worker will work closely with the local Behavioural Response Team (BRT) and provide interventions such as assessment, system navigation, short term one to one supportive counselling, case management, discharge planning, and referrals to community agencies as appropriate.

REQUIREMENTS / EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• A Minimum Bachelor of Social Work degree required.
• Eligibility for registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW),
• Minimum 3 years providing direct Social Work service in a health care setting,
• Experience working with the over 65 age group,
• Experience working with persons living with dementia and their care partners,
• Experience with populations that require behavioural support,
• Strong crisis management skills,
• Strong assessment and case management skills required,
• Experience facilitating education and/or support groups an asset,
• Strong written and verbal communication skills,
• Ability and knowledge to work within a computerized environment,
• Valid driver’s license and access to own vehicle,
• Vulnerable Sector Police Record Check is required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Receive and respond to BSO client referrals in a timely manner,
• Provide psychosocial assessments and develop care plans for clients living with dementia with responsive behaviors and care partners as well as working together with health system partners,
• Initiate intervention quickly in urgent situations. (Goal is to respond to new BSO referrals within 72 hours (excluding weekends)
• Provide dementia related supportive counselling to clients as needed,
• Consult with Alzheimer Society peers/colleagues as needed,
• Identify person-centered, abilities focused care partner strategies for behavior management,
• Provide regular follow-up with current clients as established in agency policy,
• Comply with reporting requirements of the AlzSWP and those of the relevant professional body (OCSWSSW),
• Ensure clients are aware of existing community resources, and provide assistance as needed to clients who wish to access them,
• Refer to appropriate community resources as required,
• Facilitate support and education groups, as assigned.

EVALUATIONS AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participate in performance management process and annual performance review with Manager of Clinical Services,
• Collect, maintain and report required quantitative and qualitative data to support region-wide monitoring, evaluation, and reporting to BSO Project team,
• Work with clinical team to continually evaluate BSO services by soliciting ongoing feedback from clients as well as completing written questionnaires as appropriate,
• Always represent the AlzSWP in a professional manner, treating all internal and external clients with respect and dignity and always act in the best interest of the Society,
• As an employee of a non-profit organization, you are expected to participate in fund development activities as required,
• Other related duties as requested by the supervisor or Director of Programs and Services or CEO