Clinical Behaviour Response Specialist

KEY FUNCTION: 

Provide specialized geriatric assessment and focused behavioural intervention in order to meet the needs of older adults presenting with responsive behaviours.  Provide support and education on behavioural strategies to health care providers in the community and hospital setting to improve patient management and outcomes, and support transitions from acute care to community and long term care.

REPORTING: 

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, North East Specialized Geriatric Services.

DUTIES: 

1. Determine the causes and triggers of responsive behaviours by using specialized assessment tools, observation, and interviews with individuals, family, and care providers to make recommendations for treatment and management.
2. Implement behavioural treatment plans and interventions for older adults with responsive behaviours while in acute care or in community setting, and when preparing to transition from one care setting to another (i.e. hospital to community or long-term care (LTC)).
3. Monitor and supervise individuals with dementia, neuro-cognitive decline, and complex medical needs with responsive behaviours.
4. Manage responsive behaviours through person-centered care plans to enhance successful transitions.
5. Evaluate the effect of treatment and approach to care and recommend an alternative approach as required.
6. Work collaboratively with the Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) Integrated Response Team, North East Specialized Geriatric Centre teams and community providers to provide recommendations to formal and informal caregivers.
7. Assess patients in their natural setting by following the program’s standardized procedures and protocols.
8. Use standardized assessment tools to assess client and caregiver status, including assessment of risk, behaviour, cognition, delirium, depression, and anxiety.
9. Follow procedures for clinical documentation, data collection, and report-writing.
10. Document clinical details of client contacts in electronic database; write reports and letters to physicians or care providers, and maintain client files to include all correspondence and reports. 
11. Monitor and track performance indicators and statistics in order to meet program requirements based on funding agreements.
12. Develop group and individual psycho-educational and skill-building training programs.
13. Keep abreast of new research and literature in the field of dementia, age-related disorders, behavioural psychology, and other related fields of study.
14. Participate in the supervision of student placements and foster a learning environment.
15. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
16. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
17. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
18. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required. 
19. Perform other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

1. Minimum of a four (4) year Bachelor’s Degree in a health related field, from an accredited university.
2. Master’s degree in a health-related field is preferred.
3. Advanced training in specialized geriatrics is required.
4. Current Certifications in Physical, Intellectual, Emotional, Capabilities, Environment, and Social (PIECES), Gentle Persuasion Approaches (GPA), and Montessori Methods for Dementia are required.
5. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in specialized geriatrics, with a minimum of six (6) months’ working with clients who display responsive behaviours.
2. Training or recent experience in conducting geriatric assessments, cognitive assessments and functional analysis is required.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

1. Demonstrated knowledge of behavioural, communication, and theoretical principles of behaviour management, risk management, and assessment in acute care.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of geriatric assessment tools (e.g. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA),  CMAI, Clinical Frailty Scale, CAM, Barthel Index, Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Trails Making Test, Geriatric Depression Scale and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia).
3. Demonstrated ability to work with geriatric inpatients presenting with significant functional and cognitive deficits and communication challenges.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of clinical, socio-behavioural, and fundamental biomedical sciences relevant to geriatric syndromes and geriatric practice.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of applicable legislation (e.g. Consent and Capacity, Substitute Decisions Act (SDA), Health Care Consent Act (HCCA), Child and Family Services Act (CFSA), Ontario Mental Health Act (OMHA), Long-Term Care Homes Act (LTCHA), and Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA)).
6. Demonstrated knowledge of psychotropic medications, medical drugs, and drug interactions.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of signs and symptoms of dementia.
8. Demonstrated superior knowledge of community resources and capacity for knowledge building and curriculum development.
9. Demonstrated superior consulting, counselling, planning, organizational, and conflict management skills.
10. Demonstrated ability to screen and interpret cognitive screening tests.
11. Demonstrated ability to lead quality improvement projects. 
12. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
13. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
14. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software, (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
15. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
16. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
17. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
18. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY: 

1. Successful criminal reference check is required for vulnerable sector.
2. Demonstrated ability to work independently.
3. Demonstrated ability to foster relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
4. Demonstrated strong client and family service orientation.
5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
6. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
7. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
8. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
9. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
10. Ability to travel between local sites and provide home visits.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.