Dementia Support Navigator

PURPOSE:

The Dementia Support Navigator will facilitate an inclusive, no barrier, responsive, first point of contact experience for all Alzheimer and/or Dementia related calls received from across the Region, ensure timely support for immediate needs, and facilitate virtual and in person education and group support programs accessible to individuals across the region.

The Dementia Support Navigator will:

• Offer consistent and timely Alzheimer and Dementia related information and support to all callers
• Offer immediate one-time information, emotional and distress support to callers
• Meeting the caller where they are offering emotional support in the moment
• Work with the caller to alleviate stressors and concerns and answer questions about Alzheimer and Dementia related symptoms
• Support positive mental health of callers
• Implement consistent opportunities for public education and group support
• Serve as a direct intake pathway for the First Link Care Navigation Service team.

WORKING LOCATIONS:

This position will be located at the Thunder Bay site and will serve the District of Thunder Bay including the City of Thunder Bay and all rural towns and communities inclusive of First Nation communities as outlined in the organizations service area. Majority of service will be provided by telephone or virtually using Microsoft Teams or Zoom platforms.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

• Degree in Social Work or graduate certificate in counselling OR another regulated health care designation with experience in coaching, counselling or crisis response.
• Must be registered in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or another regulated health care body (Nursing, Occupational Therapy)
• A master's level education with current registration as a Canadian Certified Counsellor or the College of Psychologists of Ontario would be an asset.
• Please note a combination of education and experience will be considered.

Experience:

• 5+ years' experience offering direct therapeutic communication and support within the health and/or social service sector
• Direct experience offering above support to people living with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias and/or their care partners
• Experience and knowledge in supporting clients with complex mental health concerns
• Knowledge of available community services/supports across the Region and proven ability to offer support with navigating such services
• Knowledge of a range of therapeutic modalities that support client's ability to move through stress and distress and build resilience (CBT, coaching, etc.)
• Strong knowledge of mental and psychological health and ability to support individuals with a client-centred philosophy
• Experience working in settings requiring inter-professional collaboration

Other Knowledge, Skills, Abilities or Certifications:

• Advanced communication skills especially in the realm of active and intentional listening
• 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
• Proficiency in technology (e.g.: Microsoft office and case management and care coordination systems)
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to forge strong partnerships across the care continuum
• Experience as a coach, counsellor, educator and service navigator is required
• Ability to facilitate education sessions and lead support groups
• Expertise and experience in cultural sensitivity and diversity
• Ability to speak French or other languages an asset

Travel and Professional Registration Requirements:

• Must have use of personal vehicle in safe working condition
• Required to travel occasionally across the region as part of the role
• Must carry a valid class G Driver's license
• Must carry $2 Million liability coverage
• Must provide evidence of professional registration and carry professional liability coverage

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES will include, but may not be limited to:

• Main staff assigned to the organizations Dementia Support Line
• Responsible for receiving all incoming calls for the Society during Dementia Support Line Hours and responding to callers with the following supports:
• Providing general Information about Alzheimer and Dementia,
• Supporting individuals in distress and facilitating stress management support
• Facilitating short term service navigation,
• Recommending mental health supports and strategies for more complex needs
• Offering short term support as needed

Delivery of Group Education Series and Facilitation of Support Groups

• Responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of a five-week cyclical hybrid (virtual and face to face) group education series at minimum of 4 x per year
• Responsible for the facilitation and support of a weekly hybrid (virtual and face to face) support group for Care Partners.
• Facilitating invitations to various community specialists in Brain health, Alzheimer/dementia supports and interventions, and other topics of interest presented by participants
• Facilitating a safe space for people living with dementia and their care partners to engage
• Ensure all logistics are effectively implemented and ensuring accessible participation for all participants
• Ensure barrier free access is achieved

Individual Coaching and Therapeutic Support

• Responsible for offering up to 3 sessions for non-registered clients as follows:
• Offering support through active listening and coaching
• Providing confidential space for people to discuss the challenges they are facing as they relate to caring for people living with Alzheimer's or Dementia
• Supporting clients in the development of coping strategies that support overall wellbeing
• Assisting clients to navigate difficult emotions and situations such as grief, stress, anxiety, depression and complex relationship dynamics as they relate to Alzheimer's and/or Dementia.
• Ensuring the highest level of confidentiality in compliance with PHIPA
• Ensuring clients are referred to available supports and services that expand beyond the scope of this serve offering.

System Navigation and Referrals (Internal and External) to the Society

• Responsible for facilitating timely referrals to appropriate mental health supports and services available within the Society and/or community
• Serving as a short-term emotional support for clients during wait list for other more comprehensive mental health supports and services (up to three months)
• Facilitating the first stage of intake for First Link Care Navigation Services as required

Monitoring/Evaluation:

• Collect, maintain and report required quantitative and qualitative data to support monitoring, evaluation and reporting
• Participate in planning and implementation of evaluation to examine the overall effectiveness of the Dementia Support Line/Counselling Services to ensure a timely response to emerging needs

Service Delivery Standards and Quality Improvement:

• Maintain confidential, accurate and current client records, including complete and thorough documentation for each client contact, in compliance with relevant privacy legislation and in accordance with professional standards and internal policies
• Ensure that client consents, privacy, and confidentiality are maintained in compliance with legislation, professional standards/regulations and internal policies
• Maintain an advanced level of knowledge of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, including clinical manifestations, behaviours, current care practices, treatment options, placement options, available community resources, and all relevant legislation
• Assist with the development and maintenance of policies, procedures and resources to support First Link referrals, intake, system navigation, care coordination, and follow-up activities
• Participate in knowledge transfer and exchange and collaborate with Alzheimer Societies across Ontario to support the delivery of best practices and ongoing quality improvement

Other Duties:

• Perform other duties as required
• Ability to conduct outreach activities engaging with a range of community partners (primary health care, hospitals, community services for seniors, and indigenous communities and organization.
• Ability to provide backup coverage for First Link Care Navigation Services during times of absence

How to Apply:

To apply, please send a copy of your resume and cover letter to with the subject line: [Dementia Support Navigator Application – Your Name].

Equity & Accessibility:

The Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay is an equitable employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all qualified individuals. In accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), accommodations are available upon request for applicants throughout the recruitment process.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $55,491.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Experience:

• Social Work or Counselling: 3 years (required)

Licence/Certification:

• Certification as a Registered Health Care Provider (required)

Work Location: In person