Supporting Independent Living Community Worker

**Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region**

**Mission, Vision and Values**

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region’s (ASNR) mission is to advocate for people with dementia and their care partners and provide access to a diverse range of appropriate resources and supports.

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.

Our Values
Collaboration, Accountability, Respect, Excellence

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.

**Position Description**

Title: Supporting Independent Living Community Worker
Reporting To: Director of Programs and Services

**Salary**: $54,000-$58,000
Hours of Work: 40 hours - Monday to Friday - Flexible Schedule

**Position Summary**

The SIL Community Worker provides rapid response intervention to a vulnerable older adult population living at imminent risk. The SIL Community Worker is a part of a multi-disciplinary team and works collaboratively to provide advocacy, access to care and support to clients. The goal-oriented service delivered by the SIL program aims to mitigate risk and increase independence and safety in a short-term framework. Individuals supported by the SIL team are often living in high risk situations: they may be high users of emergency services; homeless; live with addictions, mental health and/or dementia; often have low or no informal supports; and often have multiple complex issues presenting simultaneously. This position reports to the Alzheimer Society but works in collaboration with Niagara Region and maintains client documentation in accordance to the Niagara Region’s practices and policies.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

1. Receive and respond to inquiries from internal, external, and general public stakeholders regarding seniors in need of support and coordinate the service needs of an assigned case load; inclusive of: allegations of elder abuse, vulnerable, at-risk, and isolated seniors who may present with underlying dementia, mental health, and/or physical deficits.

2. Conduct Home visits independently, jointly, and/or in collaboration with other agencies/professionals to inform the assessment process related to environmental and health influences.

3. Complete assessments using a variety of standardized tools (examples could include PIECES, MoCA, SAFE TALK, Global Depression Scale, Zarit Burden Interview) to examine both psychosocial and functional ability. Assessment results are discussed with the client, imminent risk situations prioritized (evictions, abuse, addictions, environmental risks) and with consent a goal-oriented plan of service is developed and implemented.

4. Provide person centered support and education to clients and care partners/ caregivers as informed by best practice, relevant legislation, and professional ethics and standards.

5. Provide intensive case management and service coordination through a collaborative service delivery model.

6. Initiate and participate in case consultations and conferences as needed.

7. Collaborate with other health care providers within the community support sector and develop a comprehensive care plan.

8. Act as the ICL for client in coordinating other services and community supports.

9. Advocate for client’s quality of life and minimize risk while promoting independence.

10. Complete documentation as required; collecting stats pertinent to duties and responsibilities.

11. Complete required data entry in electronic database(s) (Niagara Region’s CRMS).

12. Participate in professional development opportunities, case studies, and team meetings.

13. Participate in internal and external committees as required.

14. Facilitate linkages/access to the health care system (primary care, CHC, hospital etc.) for clients as required.

15. Advocacy, support and system navi