Geriatric Assessor- Wawa- Geriatric Services- Temporary Full Time

Reporting directly to the Patient Care Manager of Outpatient Geriatric Services at Sault Area Hospital, the Geriatric Assessor is a position that will work in collaboration with the Wawa Family Health Team. The Geriatric Assessor will be accountable to provide Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) and Treatment, in collaboration with a Geriatrician or Care of the Elderly Physician, to reduce the burden of disability of older adults by detecting and treating reversible conditions, providing optimal patient-centred care, and managing co-existing chronic conditions. Duties:Complete Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments (CGA) with older adults and their care partner(s) that include medical/surgical history, medication, continence, social history, falls, function, cognition, mood/mental health, sleep, pain, nutrition, physical assessment.Analyze and synthesize findings from geriatric assessment into a comprehensive clinical report identifying client’s priority needs and relevant treatment options designed to optimize their independence.Document assessment findings, analysis, treatment plans, client goals, client’s ongoing progress, effectiveness of treatment plan, and government/insurance/legal forms according to Regulatory College Standards and organizational policies.Create comprehensive, goal oriented care plans with the individual and their care partner(s) that address modifiable biopsychosocial factors and consider medical diagnosis/prognosis and co-morbidities that impact the health goals of older adults.Develop clear processes for communication of the care plan.Develop, implement, evaluate, and modify treatment plans to assist the patient in achieving maximal functional, perceptual, and cognitive ability. Implement strategies to address client safety issues.Collaborate with clients, families, interprofessional team members, and community partners throughout the intervention process and advocate to ensure client needs are met.Systematically and continuously evaluate the extent to which the individual’s health needs are being met and modify plan of care as indicated by patient’s response and condition.Ensure that a senior friendly care approach is implemented and includes processes for screening, prevention, management, and monitoring of functional decline and delirium.Communicate directly with the care team, clients, families and community partners throughout the intervention process to make clear recommendations and assist in their implementation. Support transition planning including developing linkages with community services (e.g. family physician, Home and Community Care, long-term care settings, ambulatory care, SGS services), arrange equipment needs, coordinate appropriate follow up care and provide education and training in the management of health care needs, including guidance on community-based resources, medications and medical equipment.Recommend and educate compensatory and remedial strategies, activity modification, adaptive equipment, and assistive devices to the older adult and care partner to promote safety and maximize functional independence. Educate client and family in coping strategies, decision-making, and utilization of personal and community resources, and make referrals to community resources as required.Qualifications: Minimum of a four-year Bachelor’s degree in health related field from an accredited university.Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with a regulatory college.Experience:5 years’ experience providing patient care, preferably in a geriatric care setting.Skills & Ability:Knowledge of the needs of frail elderly adults.Demonstrated effectiveness working with minimal supervision with proven reliability and trustworthiness.Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility to respond to emerging and dynamic program needs.Demonstrated decision making skills assessing a comprehensive range of variables to interpret, analyse, solve problems and think quickly during crisis situations.Working knowledge of the psychological, physical and functional implications of the aging process.Demonstrated ability to assess cognitive functioning and mental status in the elderly.Extensive knowledge of community resources.Proven ability to liaise with referral sources, community agencies and other team members to enhance positive patient outcomes.Excellent organizational, written and verbal communication skills.Applicable ability and experience working with Microsoft programs and Meditech.Proven ability to maintain and promote positive inter-professional team relationships.Ability to utilize Microsoft Office and programs such as word, excel and outlook.Demonstrated behavior consistent with the hospital’s mission statement and core values.