Social Worker - Permanent, Full-time (35 hours/week)
The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region (ASDR) is a community support service organization that provides programs and services to people living with dementia and their care partners in Durham Region. We work closely with other service providers to ensure quality care and support for our clients to achieve our mission to improve the quality of life of people living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia and their care partners.
We employ administrative and fund development staff, educators, social workers, social service workers, nurses, occupational therapists, recreation staff, and volunteers who work together as a team to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their care partners.
We promote an equitable and inclusive environment that is healthy and discrimination-free and recognizes and respects the personal worth, dignity and diversity of our staff, volunteers, students, and Board members. We respect the values and beliefs of all who gather in our organization.
Our values include collaboration and respect and are the guideposts we use for decision-making of all kinds. We believe that this will guide the organization toward a place of inclusion for all - where equity and access to essential supports and services becomes the reality.
Under the direction of the Manager of Clinical Services, the Social Worker will be responsible for delivering high-quality dementia support services through assessment, case management, education, supportive counselling, and group facilitation to persons living with dementia and care partners in Durham Region. The role of the Social Worker will also fulfill all expectations outlined in agency Policies and Procedures.
What you will be doing
Service Delivery Responsibilities
- Conduct initial screening and assessment to identify current and future needs, goals, and level of risk of people living with dementia and care partners
- Establish appropriate intervention/care plans to meet bio/psycho/social needs using a person/family-centered approach, guided by a Citizenship Model
- Provide timely and appropriate dementia specific supportive consultation (resource sharing, navigation of healthcare system, education, counselling), and case management in the form of phone, virtual, home, office consultation and support groups
- Facilitate caregiver support groups; ensuring a positive, safe and respected community environment.
- Engage in type, stage-specific and specialty support/education group facilitation (i.e. mild cognitive impairment, early stage support group, young onset); providing an opportunity for persons living with impairment to learn more about the disease, symptoms and symptom management
- Pro-actively facilitate linkages, communication, information exchange and coordination between clients and service providers along the continuum of care
- Facilitate regular and ongoing care conferences between clients/care partners and all members of client/care partner care team (i.e.. hospitals, long-term care, retirement homes). This may include in-person meetings and use of a range of technology options and/or accommodations, including language translation services, video conferencing, etc.
- In collaboration with internal and external parties, engage in problem solving, advocacy, and develop strategies to address/overcome barriers in effective coordination/integration of supports and services
- Leverage and maintain positive working relationships with physicians, health care professionals, health and community support service providers (i.e.. hospitals, primary care, mental health, BSO, long-term care, retirement homes, police/EMS, specialized geriatrics, community Health Links), and other relevant partners through proactive outreach activities
- Lend clinical knowledge and skills to the delivery of educational workshops or learning sessions for caregivers or persons living with dementia
Administrative\ Organizational Responsibilities
- Maintain confidential, accurate and current client records, including complete and thorough documentation for each client contact, in compliance with relevant privacy legislation and in accordance with professional standards and internal policies
- Maintain an advanced level of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, including clinical manifestations, personal expressions, current care practices, treatment options, placement/housing options, available community resources, and all relevant legislation
- Participate in best practice initiatives, program evaluation, and team-based projects to advance clinical knowledge and support ongoing quality improvement
- Participate in internal/external committees on an ad hoc basis
- Maintain accurate statistical data & provide reporting on a timely basis
- Participate in all ASDR staff training and meetings
- Commit to ongoing professional development and advancement of clinical skill set
- Promote health and safety, equity, and inclusion of patients/clients, staff and self
- Participate and commit to key agency annual fundraising events as required
- Other duties as determined from time to time.
Other duties
- Perform other duties consistent with the job classification, as required.
What you will bring along
Education:
- Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Social Work
- Currently registered as Social Worker in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
Experience:
- Minimum three (3) years demonstrated experience working with older adult population in a Social Worker role
- One (1) year recent experience as a Social Worker in community care or primary care setting is preferred
Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications:
- Current CPR-C and Standard First Aid Certificates
- Comprehensive knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease, related dementias, and geriatric conditions
- Demonstrated experience in assessment, counselling & case management
- Excellent physical and behavioural assessment skills for evaluating cognitive impairment, depression, and delirium, mental health issues and addictions
- Previous community experience is an asset
- Training in P.I.E.C.E.S™ Gentle Persuasive Approach, U-First!®, Montessori Method is an asset
- Sensitive to the cultural needs of patients from various ethnic groups
- Well-developed analytical, problem-solving, decision-making, change management and organizational skills.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication (written and verbal) skills
- Demonstrated collaborative team work skills, and the ability to work independently and co-operatively in a busy environment
- Extensive knowledge of community resources (social, legal, health and financial) in Durham Region
- Demonstrated experience in group facilitation & presentations
- Ability to use discretion, judgment and tact in handling sensitive/confidential information/situations.
- Excellent computer/digital literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office, video conferencing platforms, and client database software
- Fluency in English, both spoken & written, is required
- Fluency in French and/or a language such as Cantonese, Mandarin, Tamil, Korean or other South Asian language is an asset
- Demonstrated satisfactory work performance and attendance history
- Criminal Record check including a Vulnerable Sector Screening required
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as required to meet the demands of the program and the Agency.
- Proof of Professional Liability Insurance is required
Travel Requirements
- Must possess a valid driver’s license and have regular access to an insured vehicle as the position requires travel throughout Durham Region.
Physical Demands
- No special physical demands are required beyond the performance of general office duties
To Apply
Please submit your to:
Hiring Manager
[email protected]
Applications will be accepted by email only. We thank all those that apply, but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The position is for an existing vacancy and will remain open until filled.
To be eligible, you must:
· Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
· Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
Commitment to Equitable Recruitment
The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region recognizes the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process, in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA.
The Alzheimer Society of Durham Region welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+.
Pay: $60,000.00-$68,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Whitby, ON L1N 9B2
