Behavioural Specialist

Overview

The Behavioural Specialist will work with adults demonstrating responsive and complex behaviours as well as those who are prone to exhibiting these behaviours due to cognitive impairment and mental illness. The Behavioural Specialist will serve as an expert at MGH Atrium Kew Beach Transitional Care unit on behaviour response techniques/ education and planning.
- Provide care planning to the MGH Atrium Kew Beach Transitional care team which currently has capacity for up to 80 patients and other associated units to assist in managing behaviours
- Assist and support front line staff, develop a referral process and work collaboratively in developing patient specific care plans to modify behaviours for mild/moderate patient populations
- Work with internal and external specialized resources (VHA Home healthcare, GEM, Geriatric NP, LTC Behavioural Support Outreach Team, LOFT, Baycrest, Home and Community care partners, etc. ) to optimize opportunities for consultation, implementation of recommendations and education and also ensure smooth transitions of patients along the continuum both internally at MGH and with external partners within the community
- Proactively identify training and education needs for the health care team members
- Create a triage system that supports admission process/identification of highest priority need patients for Transitional care unit
- Represent MGH at both internal and external stakeholder meetings in relation to Behavioural support/management.

Education
- Completion of a Bachelor’s degree in one of the following health professions: Nursing, occupation therapy, Psychology, Social Work is required
- Master’s Degree would be preferred.

**Qualifications**:

- Minimum three (3) years’ related experience in providing behavioural support to vulnerable seniors and older adults with responsive behaviours related to cognitive impairment, mental illness, addictions, dementia or other neurological conditions
- Demonstrated experience and skill in developing and delivering behavioural management interventions for specified populations
- Extensive experience in training and educating colleagues, clients and key stakeholders on strategies and interventions aimed at addressing problematic responsive behaviours
- Knowledge of current and developing behaviour support models and the ability to implement key components of those models into practice with patients
- Training/knowledge of P.I.E.C.E.S., recovery/psychosocial rehabilitation approaches, workplace violence, Gentle Persuasive Approaches or willingness to receive training
- An understanding of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles and the therapeutic relationship
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices related to dementia, delirium, mental health issues and their effect on person, families and caregivers
- Knowledge of community resources and supports
- Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem solving abilities and interpersonal skills
- Counseling, responding and assessment skills
- Good oral and written communication skills and computer literacy, including MS Word and Excel
- Sound understanding and commitment to the principles of Behavioural supports Ontario project
- Ability to collaborate effectively with other members or inter-professional care teams, patients, family members and community team members
- Good work and attendance record required
- All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN), agree to work within the legislated practices of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario
- All employees of MGH are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patient and staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH
- All employees are accountable or protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH’s policies and practices.

Vaccines (COVID-19 and others) are a requirement of the job unless you have an exemption pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code