Mobile Cognitive Assessor

Position Summary

Earlier diagnosis means earlier linkage to resources which means better patient-centred care, improved health outcomes and patients’ experience with care.

The Mobile Cognitive Assessor will collaborate closely with the Mint Memory Clinic team at the Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team (FHT) to provide comprehensive cognitive assessments to individuals experiencing cognitive changes in the Niagara Region. Referrals will come from family physicians that need assistance providing comprehensive assessments that would lead to a diagnosis.

The Mobile Assessor will also offer in-home cognitive assessments to individuals facing barriers such as mobility limitations, transportation challenges and language barriers.

Following the assessment, the Mobile Assessor will work with the Niagara Medical Group Clinic team who will interpret assessment results and a diagnosis will be forwarded to the client’s referring physician.

Furthermore, the Mobile Assessor will provide post-diagnostic system navigation assistance to the person living with dementia and their families. This may include connecting them with community resources, providing education and information about available services, and offering emotional support. This collaborative approach ensures that individuals receive tailored support and interventions based on their specific needs and circumstances.

**Responsibilities**:

- Through in-home or office visits, provide cognitive assessment using standardized assessment tools including but not limited to Functional Abilities Questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, Cornell Scale for Depression, CLOX draw, Trails Making A and B, Executive Function and Praxis testing to individuals living with cognitive changes in the Niagara Region.
- Conduct care partner interviews to gather information about Instrumental and Basic Activities of Daily Living.
- Complete Zarit Burden screenings for Primary Care Partners.
- Offer administrative support to the assessment role, including booking appointments, making telephone reminders, and handling mail-outs.
- Ensure that cognitive assessment tools are accurately administered and documented.
- Collaborate with Interpretation services to ensure equitable administration of comprehensive assessments.
- Submit completed cognitive assessments to the MINT Memory Clinic at the Niagara Medical Group for interpretation by trained Memory Clinic physicians.
- Facilitate follow-up between the client and their family physicians or referring doctors for diagnosis, further review and action.
- Provide system navigation assistance to persons living with dementia and their partners in care post-diagnosis.
- Participate in case consultations and conferences as needed.
- Collaborate with other healthcare providers within the community support sector; make appropriate referrals.
- Assist the client in coordinating other services and community supports.
- Advocate for client’s quality of life and minimize risk while promoting their well
- being.
- 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.
- Ensure that client consent, privacy, and confidentiality are maintained in compliance with legislation, professional standards/regulations and internal policies.
- Participate in professional development opportunities, case studies and team meetings.
- In collaboration with the Niagara Medical Group Family Health Team, participate in the planning and implementation of evaluation of the Mobile Assessor pilot program to examine the overall effectiveness.
- Participate in internal and external committees as required.
- Facilitate linkages/access to primary care for clients as required.

**Qualifications**:

- Degree/diploma in Social Work or Health/Social Sciences/Services or Nursing
- Must be a member of good standing with an appropriate college/regulatory body.
- Certification and previous experience in cognitive assessment administration is preferred i.e. MoCA.
- Must have excellent written and oral communication skills; communicating fluently in French or other language(s) is an asset.
- Experience working with individuals and families in a community setting.
- Police Vulnerable Sector Check (valid in last 6 months)
- Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
- Ability to conduct interviews and gather sensitive information with empathy and professionalism.
- Proficiency in administrative tasks and organization.

Skills and Knowledge
- Experience in community-based health contexts preferably working with a geriatric population.
- Knowledge of dementia, mental health and elder abuse issues.
- Excellent working knowledge of community supports within the Niagara Region.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work indepe