Elder Life Specialist

The goals of the Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP) are to prevent delirium and functional decline in patients 65 years or older. In collaboration with the Nurse Practitioner in Geriatrics, the Elder Life Specialist (ELS) would oversee the daily operations of the HELP program and act as resource in geriatric care. The ELS will also make recommendations to the interdisciplinary team to promote best practices in the prevention of delirium/functional decline. This program involves specially trained volunteers providing targeted interventions that address geriatric issues known to contribute to cognitive and functional decline during hospitalization. The program is not limited to the maintenance of patients physical and cognitive functioning throughout hospitalization, but also to provide seamless coordination of care for the elderly throughout the hospital, to maximize independence at discharge, and to prevent unplanned readmissions.

Accountabilities:

- Daily screening and enrollment of appropriate patients into program which includes medical record review, patient and/or family interview and nurse interview
- Orient patients and families to the Hospital Elder Life Program
- Develop and initiate individualized care plans of HELP intervention protocols. Provide appropriate equipment. Update care plan as needed based on patient's needs and outcomes
- Perform regular evaluations of all patients to track progress, respond to patient care needs
- Monitor and record adherence of all protocols and program outcome variables
- Collaborate with Volunteer Services to establish a recruitment plan for HELP volunteers
- Coordinate and direct volunteer Training

- Bachelor's degree in a healthcare related field required. Master's Degree preferred
- Current registration in good standing with governing College
- 1-2 years working in a leadership type role
- Three (3) years recent experience working with the elderly in an acute care setting
- Experience with the prevention and management of geriatric syndromes such as delirium/BPSD preferred
- 1-2 experience in program development, change management, and quality improvement initiatives
- Certificate in Gerontology preferred or demonstrated evidence of working towards completion
- G.P.A. (Gentle Persuasive Approach) certified and willingness to become a certified G.P.A. trainer within 3 months of hire
- Experience coordinating, scheduling, training, and working with volunteers an asset
- Attention to detail and expectation to meet documentation standards
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
- Demonstrated ability to work as part of an inter-professional team
- Ability to work independently: initiating, prioritizing and managing multiple tasks
- Experience in public speaking and the delivery of education sessions an asset
- Will be required to travel between all hospital campuses
- Must demonstrate Osler's Values of Respect, Excellence, Service, Compassion, Innovation and Collaboration

Hours: Currently Days, 8 hours, shifts including weekends and statutory holidays (subject to change in accordance with operational requirements)

Internal application deadline date: December 22, 2025

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Osler values inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We welcome and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act. If you require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources at human.resources@williamoslerhs.ca.

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.

One of Canada's Best Diversity Employers and Greater Toronto's Top Employers for many consecutive years, William Osler Health System (Osler) provides a safe and supportive health care network to grow your career. Osler is nationally recognized for its commitment to patient safety and is Accredited with Exemplary Standing, the highest rating a Canadian hospital can receive. As a major Ontario hospital system, and home to some of the biggest specialty and emergency departments in the country, Osler serves the 1.3 million residents of Brampton, Etobicoke and surrounding communities. We are proud to offer you incredible exposure to best-in-class health care delivery and challenging hands-on opportunities to stay at the top of your game.

A hospital system built for and by the community, we continue to expand our services to meet the needs of a growing population, creating opportunities for increased hands-on skills development, cross-department training and promotional opportunities. Guided by our accomplished senior leadership team, together we are driving our vision of world-class health care inspired by our people and communities.

At Osler, we invest in careers that go beyond where health care professionals like you can achieve their goals and find deep personal and professional fulfillment. Join our team today