Behaviour Support Specialist

The Behaviour Support Specialist for Bayshore Integrated Care Solutions will work in our Transitional Care Unit (TCU) with primarily seniors with dementia and/or mental health issues. The Behaviour Specialist will provide direct care services to individuals with complex needs. In addition to aiding patients with their daily activities, the Behavior Specialist will assist in providing behavioural training and interventions designed to support patients with responsive behaviours. These services, delivered continuously throughout the day, also encompass activities related to all aspects of daily living. The Behaviour Support Specialist, as part of the multi-disciplinary team, will complete patient assessments and observations, collaborate on developing appropriate interventions, model strategies and assist with transitions across sectors.

**DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES**
- Support patients through their healthcare journey as they transition in and out of the TCU as well as during their stay in the unit
- Communicate with patients' care team, caregivers, and families to implement behavioural support plans
- Document in the electronic health record, monitor and record changes, adjust care plans as appropriate
- Conduct assessments to determine patients' improvements
- Collaborate with other healthcare specialists and support organizations as required
- Attend team huddles, care conferences and team meetings
- Complete documentation/reports following company and provincial guidelines
- Report significant clinical findings to the Clinical Manager as appropriate
- Provide educational support to staff and caregivers regarding behavioural support plans
- Participate in team and/or organization-wide committees as requested
- Participate in the evaluation of risks associated with maladaptive behaviours upon patient admission and contribute to plans to mitigate the identified risks
- Adhere to Bayshore Policies and Procedures
- Participate in quality activities and continuous improvement initiatives in keeping with the company's Quality Management System
- Participates in proactive Health& Safety activities while performing all duties. Is responsible to notify immediate Supervisor of any Health& Safety risks or concerns
- Positive work and attendance performance essential
- Maintains confidentiality of client and corporate information and discusses same only with appropriate Bayshore personnel
- Complete other tasks as requested

Job Qualification

**Education**
- Post-secondary education in behaviour sciences, mental health/addictions, psychology, and/or related areas
- Standard First-Aid + CPR-C

**Experience**
- Minimum 2 years assisting with behaviour assessments and collaborating on behaviour interventions
- Experience working with individuals with various types of dementia, delirium, cognitive issues, and complex behavioural challenges
- Knowledge of psychogeriatric assessment tools and behavioural, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental assessments relating to responsive behaviours
- Demonstrated experience working with dual diagnosis is considered an asset
- Personal Support Worker (PSW) experience is considered an asset
- Transitional care support experience is considered an asset

**Other Skills and Abilities**
- Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
- Excellent clinical-reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills
- Creativity, flexibility, positive attitude
- Ability to work well under pressure
- Comfort with addressing issues such as verbal aggression, physical and environmental aggression, elopement, socially and sexually inappropriate behaviours.
- Strong communication skills (oral and written).
- Technological proficiency: use of MS Office (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
- Availability to work on a full-time basis with flexibility for weekend, day, or evenings shifts.
- Experience and direct contact with individuals with special needs.
- Strong working knowledge of behavioural theory and applied behaviour analysis.
- Demonstrate understanding of current and emerging best practices related to behavioural support for the geriatric population.
- Understanding of the characteristics and behaviors associated with various disorders.
- Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Ability to handle intense emotional situations.
- Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
- Excellent stress management skills.

Bayshore is committed to a high quality and safe environment for both our staff and clients/patients. Dependent upon Provincial government regulations, and the position being applied for, new hires may be required to provide proof of vaccination against illnesses such as COVID-19, Hepatitis, Seasonal Flu etc. Please speak with the recruiter for Provincial and/or position specific requirements. Medical exemptions or any other kinds of requested exemptions based upon Human