Elder Life Therapist

KEY FUNCTION:
Provide screening, assessment and intervention for older adults with multiple complex health needs at risk of delirium and acute functional decline in the acute care setting. Work in collaboration with volunteers, clinicians, patients and caregivers to develop and implement delirium reduction strategies within the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP).

REPORTING:
Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, North East Specialized Geriatric Centre.

DUTIES:
1. Perform comprehensive functional, cognitive and psycho-social screening and assessment for identification of delirium risk factors.
2. Analyse and identify client’s priority needs and relevant treatment options designed to reduce risk of delirium and optimize independence.
3. Develop therapeutic interventions and activities to be performed by HELP program volunteers in order to meet the patient’s therapeutic goals and interests.
4. Collaborate with Volunteer Services on volunteer recruitment, and provide clinical orientation and education regarding geriatric syndromes and delirium interventions.
5. Complete patient prioritization and scheduling for the HELP program volunteers.
6. Educate clients and caregivers in delirium management strategies.
7. Implement strategies to address patient safety issues and mitigate risk within the acute setting and transition to community.
8. Work within the North East Specialized Geriatric Centre services to collaborate and coordinate care across specialized geriatric services.
9. Provide referrals and linkages to community resources as required.
10. Act as a professional resource to build capacity in geriatric best practice for internal health care providers and community partners.
11. Collaborate with unit teams within the context of complex geriatric patient needs to ensure optimal patient outcomes.
12. Document assessment findings, analysis, treatment plans, client goals, client’s ongoing progress, and effectiveness of treatment plan.
13. Research and incorporate best evidence into clinical practice, and conduct or collaborate in research.
14. Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information is maintained.
15. Document and maintain relevant patient outcome data, program metrics and other statistical information as required.
16. Follow service-specific, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Infection Prevention and Control practices, including monthly workplace inspections.
17. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
18. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
19. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
20. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
21. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
22. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
23. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS
EDUCATION AND TRAINING:
1. Minimum of a two (2) year Diploma in Therapeutic Recreation, or a related discipline, from an accredited college.
2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with a regulatory college or Therapeutic Recreation of Ontario (TRO) is preferred.
3. Successful completion of Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA), Core Indigenous Cultural Competency Training Program, and the P.I.E.C.E.S. Training program are required.
4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:
1. Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years’ experience working with older adults in a related health care environment.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
1. Demonstrated knowledge of the geriatric patient in the acute care context.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of geriatric syndromes and delirium prevention, reduction and management.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of health assessment tools (e.g. Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), Barthel Index, Confusion Assessment Method (CAM), Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)).
4. Demonstrated knowledge of geriatric services across the continuum, as well as primary care, community support services (i.e. Alzheimer’s society, Home and Community care, etc.) and other partners in care.
5. Demonstrated knowledge and application of client and family-centred models of care.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of current health care and privacy legislation.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of outcome measures and research process/methodology.
8. Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking with the ability to apply ethical frameworks and choose the optimal assessment and treatment intervention.
9. Demonstrated ability to direct and mentor volunteers, staff, and students.
10. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of lean methodology for process improvement.
11. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
12. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
13. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
14. Demonstrated ability to manage routine correspondence, multiple tasks/projects, diversified workload and rapidly changing priorities and challenging deadlines.
15. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
16. 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 effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
3. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and patients.
4. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle.
5. Willingness to travel to local sites and outreach sites to meet program needs.
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.

Processus de sélection :  Les candidates et les candidats à ce poste seront sélectionnés en fonction de leurs aptitudes, de leurs capacités, de leur expérience et de leurs compétences indiquées dans le curriculum vitæ ou le formulaire de demande dûment rempli. L’hôpital se réserve le droit de mener une entrevue officielle au besoin. Cette annonce concerne un poste vacant. 
 
Horizon Santé-Nord s’engage à offrir des mesures d’adaptation aux candidates et candidats en situation de handicap afin de favoriser leur participation aux étapes du recrutement, de l’évaluation, de la sélection et de l’embauche.

HSN REMERCIE TOUTES LES PERSONNES POSANT LEUR CANDIDATURE.
CEPENDANT, NOUS COMMUNIQUERONS UNIQUEMENT AVEC CELLES RETENUES POUR UNE ENTREVUE.

NOUS N’ACCEPTERONS PAS DE DEMANDES APRÈS LA DATE ET L’HEURE DE CLÔTURE.