First Link Care Navigator

**First Link Care Navigator**
**Location**: Alzheimer Society of KFLA - 1200 Princess St. Kingston, ON
**Reports To**: Client Services Manager
**Supervises**: N/A

Basic Function

The First Link Care Navigator coordinates and integrates supports and services for individuals living with dementia and their care partners. This role serves as the key contact for families following a dementia diagnosis, ensuring timely access to information, learning opportunities, and support. The primary objectives are to:

- Increase system capacity to provide families with navigation support.
- Improve client experiences and health outcomes.
- Enhance care partner capacity to manage their role and reduce crisis situations.
- Enable individuals living with dementia to remain in their homes and communities as long as possible.

Essential

**Responsibilities**:
**Initial Contact, Assessment, and Care Planning (35%)**
- Manage incoming First Link referrals to ensure early intervention and a named contact for care navigation.
- Conduct assessments and gather information to determine client needs, goals, and risks.
- Develop intervention plans using a person
- and family-centered approach.
- Identify and coordinate care needs across service providers.

**Navigation and Care Coordination (35%)**
- Assist clients in accessing appropriate learning opportunities, support services, and resources.
- Facilitate communication and care planning among service providers.
- Organize and participate in care conferences, using various technology options when needed.
- Collaborate with internal and external partners to address barriers in service coordination.
- Maintain strong working relationships with healthcare professionals and community partners.
- Promote First Link to healthcare professionals and service providers.
- Participate in relevant internal and external committees.

**Pro-active Follow-Up (20%)**
- Monitor client progress and maintain ongoing collaboration with service providers.
- Support clients and care partners as they transition between different healthcare and social service systems.

**Monitoring and Evaluation (5%)**
- Collect and report required qualitative and quantitative data for program evaluation.
- Participate in planning and implementation of program effectiveness assessments with Alzheimer Society of Ontario and Ontario Health.

**Service Delivery Standards and Quality Improvement (5%)**
- Maintain accurate, confidential client records in compliance with privacy legislation and professional standards.
- Ensure client consent and confidentiality are upheld.
- Maintain advanced knowledge of dementia, care practices, treatment options, and relevant legislation.
- Assist in the development and maintenance of policies and procedures related to First Link service delivery.
- Collaborate with Alzheimer Societies across Ontario to support best practices and continuous quality improvement.

**Other Duties**
- Perform additional duties consistent with the job classification, as required.
- Cover support groups as required.

Job Qualifications

**Education**:

- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in social work, gerontology, or a related healthcare discipline.
- Registered health professional designation and/or a Master’s degree preferred.

**Experience**:

- 3 to 5 years of client service experience in health and/or social service sectors.
- Experience working with individuals living with dementia and their care partners.
- Knowledge of chronic and complex health condition management.
- Understanding of available community services and care options.
- Familiarity with primary care, community care, and specialized geriatric services.
- Strong knowledge of client-centered philosophy and dementia care models (e.g., P.I.E.C.E.S.).
- Experience in assessment and care planning/coordination.
- Background in inter-professional collaboration.

**Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, or Certifications**:

- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including shared decision-making and facilitation.
- Ability to prioritize workload and manage competing tasks.
- Resourcefulness and initiative.
- Effective problem-solving and change management skills.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management/care coordination systems.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Cultural sensitivity and experience working with diverse populations.
- French or other language proficiency is an asset.

Travel Requirements
- Primarily in-office work with occasional travel within the KFL&A area.

Physical Demands
- General office duties with significant periods of computer use.
- Opportunities to move away from the workstation.
- Requires sensory attention for reading documents and screen use.

**Disclaimer**:
The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed in this role. They do not represent an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements.

**Job