Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant

**Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region**

**Mission, Vision and Values**

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region’s mission is to advocate for and with people with dementia and their care partners and provide access to a diverse range of appropriate resources and supports. Particularly, to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and to promote research.

Our vision is to create a community where individuals with dementia and their care partners are fully supported to maximize their quality of life and well
- being. Ultimately, a world without Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

**Our Values**

**C*ollaboration**, A**ccountability**, R**espect**, E*xcellence

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region (ASNR) is a community support service organization that provides programs and services to people living with dementia and their care partners in the Niagara Region. We work closely with other service providers to ensure quality care and support for our clients.

We employ administrative and fund development staff, educators, social workers, nurses, therapeutic rec staff, personal support workers and volunteers who work together as a team to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their care partners.

We recognize the value and dignity of each individual and ensure everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise.  We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions.

We value **justice **and **connection** and these 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.

A Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant (PRC) supports the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care services (including long-term care homes, community service agencies, Home and Community Care Support Services and their contracted service providers) in their ability to respond to seniors with increasingly complex physical, cognitive and mental health needs with associated ‘responsive’ behaviours. PRCs are ‘agents of change’ and engage in consultation, capacity development /network building and education within Long Term Care and the Community Support Sector. The PRC works closely with the organization’s Public Education Coordinator (PEC)

**Posting**

**Title: Psychogeriatric Resource Consultant**

**Reporting To: Director of Education, Community Engagement and Quality**

**Hours: 40 hours per week (paid lunch break); Monday to Friday - 8:30 am - 4:30 pm**

**Salary Range: $71,000 - $76,000.**

**Benefits: Extended health and dental benefits, RRSP matching program**

**Vacation: 3 Weeks paid vacation to start**

**Responsibilities**:
**Consultation and Education**:
1. Provide consultative support to staff in long-term care homes and community support agencies that serve people with dementia and issues of a geriatric nature

2. Support client-centred and evidence-based practice among interdisciplinary health service providers on a case-by-case basis

3. Advocate for seniors’ quality of life and minimize risk

4. Help to identify gaps and integrate services to meet client, resident, staff and family needs

5. Facilitate the transfer of knowledge-to-practice

6. Develop educationa**l** resources that reflect current best practices and adult education principles

7. Promote collaboration within the appropriate circle of care support services (i.e. SMHOP, PPSMC, NP).

**Capacity Development and Networking**:
1. Facilitate linkages to existing supports and services within the LTC/Community Support Service Community

2. Operate in a continuum of care model and serve as a link for knowledge transfer between care teams.

3. Act as advisors, educators, facilitators and network builders

4. Assist health service providers to identify learning needs and develop capacity through professional development/education plans

5. Promote evidence-based approaches to practice through formal and informal education and coaching (e.g. PIECES, U-First, Gentle Persuasive Approach, Positive Approach to Care, DementiAbility)

6. Promote collaboration with other educational partners in the community, e.g. A.G.E.; Regional Geriatric Program-Central; McMaster University, Brock University, Ontario Health atHome; Niagara Ontario Health: Geriatric Outreach Programs

7. Provide back-up support to other Alzheimer Society program staff/ programs as needed

**Qualifications**:

- University degree in a recognized healthcare profession
- Member in good standing with a regulated Ontario college ( Social Work, Nursing, OT)
- Minimum 5 years experience in community-based health contexts with special