Temporary full-time position until December 31st, 2024 with possibility of extension

Reporting to the Director of Care, and in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, the Social Worker and Recreational Lead will provide support according to the Behavior Support Ontario (BSO) initiative. He/she will be responsible for the planning and coordination of resident interventions related to their social, recreational and emotional well-being, provision of emotional support to families and liaison with community resources as applicable. The focus will be on the BSO target population of residents exhibiting challenging and complex behaviors that are associated with dementia, as well as those who are prone to exhibiting these behaviors due to cognitive impairments. The overall goal is to maintain or increase the intellectual, physical, spiritual and overall health of residents in the Home by working in close liaison with the Home Auxiliary, community programs and volunteers.

Qualifications
• BSW from a recognized university required, MSW would be considered an asset.
  o Must be a member in good standing of the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service  
   Workers.
• Experience of at least one year in Long-Term Care setting with demonstrated leadership skills
• Have a postsecondary diploma or degree in recreation and leisure studies, therapeutic recreation, kinesiology, gerontology or other related field include gerontology as a field of study from an Ontario postsecondary institution, or a postsecondary diploma, degree or certificate granted in another jurisdiction that in the reasonable opinion of the licensee is equivalent.;

Other requirements
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English, able to communicate in French and English required
• Ability to formulate/coordinate on work-related team activities including collaborating in the formulation of resident care plans/interventions within an interprofessional team setting.
• Exceptional time management skills
• Organizational skills to prioritize work and ensure deadlines are met. Physical ability to perform assigned duties
• Experience with RAI-MDS preferred
• Caring committed individual with a strong sense of humor and positive outlook
• Demonstrated knowledge and skills working with individuals with dementia, and residents with responsive behaviors.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Fixing Long-Term Care Homes Act, 2021, inspection protocols, compliance requirements and Ontario Regulation 79/1o
• Training/knowledge of GPA, P.1.E.C.E.S, etc. or willingness to receive training.
• Understanding of the principles of Behavioral Supports Ontario {BSO) and familiarity with the Ontario Health BSO Action Plan.
• Ability to interpret legislation, prepare and deliver reports, develop policies and effectively communicate information to various audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills to be innovative and creative in developing strategies that successfully meet the needs of residents.
• Additional education in gerontology an asset.
• Proficient knowledge of computers, their application(s) and related programs and software as required to communicate, document and generate necessary reports.
• Valid Criminal Records Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.

Position Responsibilities:
• Act as the liaison with the Home and Community Care Branch of the Ontario Health to coordinate resident admissions to the home, and in collaboration with the Director of Care/designate reviews applications and accepts admissions.
• Function as the Activity Lead in formulating recreational and social programs for all residents in accordance with the requirements of the LTCHA O. Reg. 79/10 including customizing activities to suit residents needs as well as abilities.
• Collaborates with therapy and physiotherapy assistant to schedule and implement programs in the most effective manner to enhance resident life.
• Facilitate formation and continuance of Family Council including participating in resident council meetings and serving on all other committees related to resident care as required.
• Participate in quarterly, significant change and annual review process of all residents.
• Receive and respond to referrals from other members of the Health Care Team related to resident care needs.
• Requisition stores, track and distributes supplies and equipment, based on a budget estimated annually for the Administrator.
• Educate staff on behavioral service delivery and acts as a mentor/coach to caregivers and residents regarding the use and care of equipment used to provide Activities to the Home such as Montessori program tools, bean bag toss, Wii programs.
• Coordinate tours of the home for prospective residents and their families prior to admission and performs psychosocial assessments on all new residents.
• Collaborate, coordinate and provide leadership and expertise to the interdisciplinary team process of resident assessment to ensure that services are individualized.
• Applies knowledge of dementia and its effect on the resident, family members and care givers in the planning and coordination of resident care.
• Uses BSO care protocols, tools and any other approaches as per the LHIN BSO Action Plan to develop resident plans of care that support the principles of privacy, cultural diversity, intimacy, dignity and quality of life.
• Accepts referrals from staff and provides support e.g., palliation and end-of-life care; caregiver burnout; complex behaviors and others.
• Identifies resident-centered strategies in liaison with BSO community resources for responding to behaviors, and supports the team in implementation and evaluation.
• Maintains communication and collaboration among LTC homes and other providers to facilitate partnerships, knowledge transfer, and the spread of best practices.

• Develops, implements and evaluates relevant policies and procedures related to the BSO and Social Work program.
• Attends initial, annual and special resident care conferences and/or provides reports/input as requested.
• Chairs the Ethics Committee, and other committees as requested.
• Completes documentation as required in the residents' health record and in accordance with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.
• Ensures compliance with relevant legislation and accreditation standards.
• Participates in relevant BSO Provincial Coordinating Office (PCO) collaboratives and other working groups.
• Contributes to the Home's QI program by reporting on quarterly BSO activities as well as additional LTC indicators aligned with measuring the impact of the BSO initiative, as defined by the NE LHIN.
• Participates in continuous quality improvement of the Home and associated care services by:
  o Ongoing collection and documentation of CMI data o Using supplies in a cost-efficient manner as    per product/policy guidelines o Offers suggestions to registered staff, DOC, administrator    
   regarding resource allocation o Participating in continuing education, relevant to LTC, to ensure  
   skills and abilities are maintained and enhanced.
• Participates in all aspects of Infection Prevention and Control by following established practices such as ensuring the labelling of personal care equipment, cleaning and disinfection of resident care equipment and restocking of infection control supplies.
• Maintain standards of the department and uphold and abide by the policies and procedures of the Home.
• Assists in creating and maintaining a culture of safety in the Home.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Type: Non-union temporary management position
Application Deadline: Until the position is filled
Anticipated start date: As soon as possible