The Alzheimer Society of Brant, Haldimand Norfolk, Hamilton Halton (ASBHNHH) is looking for a Dementia Resource Consultant (DRC) to work in the Emergency Department (ED) of St. Joseph’s Healthcare in Hamilton as part of the Integrated Dementia Resource team (DREAM Team - Dementia, Resource, Education, Advocacy, Mentorship).  Under the direction of Team Lead, Specialized Supports and Research, this position serves as the initial point of contact for hospital staff and potential clients of the ASBHNHH (persons living with dementia and/or care partners).

The DRC will provide support connecting persons living with dementia and/or care partners to programs and support services within the Alzheimer Society (such as Behavioural Support Outreach, Counselling and Respite) and other community resources. The DRC follows through their journey through service coordination and collaboration with other staff of ASBHNHH and community partner organizations. The DRC also educates/models for the ED team members on behavioural strategies to mitigate the risk or necessity for restraints in the ED through the use of Montessori activities and GPA strategies. The DRC may also be involved with existing Memory and Geriatric clinics in the community to administer cognitive testing as needed.

The Alzheimer Society is an equal opportunity employer and is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities in which we serve. We respect the diversity in our community that includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, national origin, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, ability, socio-economic status, class, neurodiversity, and religion. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request.

This position is based out of the Emergency Department at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton. Regular office hours are Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 4:30pm, but occasional evening and weekend work may be required. The salary range for this role is $48,867 to $61,079 based on 1820 hours annually (35 hours per week).

Education and Experience:

• Undergraduate degree or diploma in a related health discipline with specialization in geriatrics is required (e.g. Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy).
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience in a comparable in-hospital, case management or community outreach role working with the defined population.
• Current CPR/First Aid certification and Training in Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA)
• Demonstrated experience working with elderly individuals with various types of dementia, delirium, mental health, addictions, other neurological conditions, and those who experience an acute behavioural change
• Knowledge and best practice in behavioural assessment and case management
• Knowledge of local community support services, primary health care and mental health systems and services
• Knowledge of consent and capacity issues and legislation involving this population (e.g. role of public guardian and trustee, SDM Act, Health Care Consent Act, Mental Health Act)
• Knowledge of client safety issues and demonstrated capacity to apply client safety practices
• Knowledge of standardized assessment tools (e.g. Folstein, Cornell, Cohen-Mansfield, MoCA)
• Knowledge of PIECES framework and templates is an asset
• Certification in cognitive testing (MoCA certification) is an asset
• Knowledge of current psychiatric and geriatric medications is considered an asset

General Competencies:

• Ability to perform comprehensive bio-psychosocial assessment and build rapport with clients
• Experience working in interdisciplinary teams
• Troubleshooting skills and ability to problem solve
• Conflict resolution
• Written and verbal communication skills
• Educational, presentation and facilitation skills
• Microsoft Office Suite applications and databases
• Fluency in a second language is an asset
• Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
• Must provide a clear vulnerable sector police check

Benefits and Working Conditions:

• 35-hour work week
• 3 weeks paid vacation to start (+ 2 additional float days)
• Generous paid sick time after 3 months
• Excellent Group Benefits package after 3 months
• Competitive Group RRSP after 1 year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Collaborative and supportive team environment