Dementia Resource Consultant

Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region (ASNR)

**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 become a reality.
- The Dementia Resource Consult serves as the initial point of contact for hospital staff and potential clients of the ASNR (persons living with dementia and/or care partners) in the Emergency Department of Niagara Health Emergency Department (Welland, St. Catharine’s, Niagara Falls). The Dementia Resource Consultant works in the Emergency Department as part of an integrated team that includes Niagara Health Discharge planning, Home and Community Care Support Service case manager and other ED staff. The team supports the identification, communication and redirection of patients who may be living with dementia to more appropriate outreach support options, _
- The Dementia Resource Consultant will provide support connecting persons living with dementia and/or care partners to programs and services within the Alzheimer Society (such as the Let’s Go Home, Outreach Family Support Counselling and Respite programs) and other community resources. The Dementia Resource Consultant also educates/models behavioural strategies for the ED team members to mitigate the risk or necessity for restraints in the ED through the use of Montessori activities and Gentle Persuasive Approach strategies. _

**Position Description**

**Title: DREAM-Dementia Resource Consultant**

**Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer of Clinical Services**

**Salary: $32.00 per hour**

**Hours of Work: 40 hours
- Monday to Friday -9 am - 5 pm**

**5-month Contract extended, dependent on Ontario Health Funding approval**

**Vacation: 6 days in a 5-month period**

**Duties and Responsibilities**

**Assessment, Care Planning and Service Navigation**:

- Provides bedside consultation with clients on in person or on the phone, acting as an initial point of contact for potential clients in the ED
- Screens and assesses potential clients and care partners based on standard criteria for the services of the ASNR, LEGHO and Counselling

Coordinate respite services in collaboration with ASNR and Ontario Health at Home teams
- Works with ED staff to prioritize assistance with ED patients expressing responsive behaviours and provides intervention activities when needed
- Proactively facilitate linkages, communication, information exchange and coordination between families/clients and service providers
- Facilitate care conferences between clients/care partners and members of the client/care partner care team, as necessary
- In collaboration with internal and external parties, engage in problem-solving and develop strategies to address/overcome barriers in effective coordination/integration of supports and services

**Collaborate**
- Leverage and maintain positive working relationships with physicians, health care professionals, and health and community support service providers (e.g. hospitals discharge and Ontario Health at Home workers, primary care, memory clinics, mental health, BSO LTC, long-term care, specialized geriatrics, community etc.), and other relevant partners
- Educate, coach and role model for ED team members and staff on b