Social Worker

The **Alzheimer Society of Chatham-Kent** is an independent and not-for-profit charitable organization in Chatham, Ontario that provides supports and services for those affected by Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias. For over 35 years, we have had a strong commitment to collaborating with our community partners and our mission: _to improve the quality of life of people affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias through education, outreach, effective programming and research. _Programming includes but is not limited to, 2 locations of Adult Day Programs, In-Home Respite, First Link Care Navigation and support, Education and Behavioural Supports Ontario. We offer an exciting employment opportunity, where family values and healthy work-life balance are important components of our culture. We are currently searching for a Contract Registered Social Worker. There may be potential for this position to become a permanent position.

**Position Summary**:
The First Link Navigator/Social Worker will coordinate and integrate supports and services around the person living with dementia and their care partner. In this direct client service role, they will be the key “go-to” person for families after a dementia diagnosis, with responsibility for identifying needs, supporting self-management goals, and strengthening the communication and care planning linkages between providers and across sectors along the continuum of care. The First Link Navigator/Social Worker will strive to ensure that every person diagnosed with dementia and their care partners have timely access to information, learning opportunities and support when and where they need it to achieve the following outcomes:

- Increase system capacity to provide families facing a dementia diagnosis with system navigation support,
- Improved client experience and health for the person living with dementia and their care partner(s),
- Greater care partner capacity and competency to effectively manage their role and reduce incidence of crisis situations,
- Enhanced capacity for the person living with dementia to remain in their own home and community for as long as possible.

**Qualifications**:
Education and Memberships:

- Master of Social Work (MSW) or Bachelor of Social Work with equivalent experience
- Current registration in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW)
- Membership with the Ontario Association of Social Workers (OASW)

**Experience**:

- 3 to 5 years client service experience in the health and/or social service sectors
- Experience working directly with people living with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias and their care partners
- Experience and knowledge in management of chronic and complex health conditions
- Knowledge of available community services/supports and clinical, social and residential care options
- Strong knowledge of client-centred philosophy
- Experience in assessment and care planning/coordination
- Experience working in settings requiring inter-professional collaboration

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

- Training in Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA) an asset
- Excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office Programs including Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Strong knowledge of client-centred philosophy
- Excellent communication (verbal and written)
- Exceptional interpersonal skills, including shared decision-making and facilitation
- Ability to prioritize workload and manage competing tasks
- Ability to take initiative and be resourceful
- Excellent problem-solving and change management skills
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team
- Expertise and experience in cultural sensitivity and diversity
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle
- A Police Vulnerable Sector Check is required

**Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Pro-actively manage incoming First Link referrals to facilitate early intervention and ensure that clients (people living with dementia and their care partners) have a named point of contact for care navigation support as early as possible before and/or after diagnosis.
- Gather information, conduct, or review relevant assessments and meet with clients to identify current and future needs, goals and level of risk.
- Establish appropriate intervention plans to meet bio/psycho/social needs using a person/family-centred approach
- Support clients in navigating the system to access appropriate learning opportunities, support services, care and resources as identified in their individualized plan of service
- Work collaboratively with the Day Program Manager, In-Home Respite Supervisor/Coordinator, Public Education Coordinator and all other members of the staff
- Pro-actively facilitate linkages, communication, information exchange and coordination between clients and service providers along the continuum of care
- Maintain confidential, accurate and current client records, i