BSO ER Behaviour Intervention Specialist

BSO ER Behaviour Intervention Specialist ("BIS")

Multiple site coverage

3 Full Time

Salary Range L1-L10 $56,400 - $69,100K

Internal and External Posting

Posting Date: October 14, 2025 Closing Date: October 24, 2025

The Emergency Department BIS provides behavioural management strategies and support to staff and informal caregivers who are in the Emergency room setting, specifically working with patients who present with complex responsive behaviours associated with dementia, mental health, substance use, and/or other neurological conditions that are unmanaged and are deemed as a potential barrier to being treated and/or discharged. Within the hospital, the ER BIS works collaboratively with the Acute Care Behaviour Consultant (ACBC), Discharge Care Planners (DCPs), Charge Nurses (CRNs), unit nursing staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, unit doctors, psychiatry team, geriatric team, and other specialties as needed to support the care needs of the patients.

This position provides support to both hospital organizations in the Mississauga Halton Region (Trillium Health Partners and Halton Health Care). Successful candidates will be required to work in the emergency department on a rotational shift basis. Shifts will be scheduled as follows:

● Morning Shift: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

● Afternoon Shift: 3:00 PM to 11:00 PM

Key Accountabilities:

Coordination

● Collaborate with patients, caregivers, Ontario Health at Home (OHaH), and hospital staff to identify triggers to behaviours.

● Conduct behavioural assessments as set out in Alzheimer Society Peel/BSO best practice guidelines.

● Complete/conduct a care observation and develop, implement, evaluate, and document specific behavioural interventions.

● Develops, monitors, and evaluates the care plan recommendations by; reviewing documentation, DOS, and outcome measures to illustrate the impact; done in collaboration with the Discharge Planner (DCP)/Social work (SW), doctors, nursing teams

● Provides hands-on coaching, modeling, and education to hospital staff involved in the patient's care on effective approaches for managing the psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) and expressed behaviours

● Acts as a resource for staff, offering guidance on managing complex or challenging cases

● Creates appropriate referrals to additional BSO team members where needed to support the patient, caregiver, and staff.

● Escalates complex behavioural cases to the ER BIS lead and/or the Acute Care Behavioural Consultant as needed to mitigate the risk of delayed or unsuccessful transitions from acute care.

● Provides support to ensure the successful transition of patients from the hospital to their next transition location through:

○ The connection and collaboration with community services as needed to support the patient and caregivers

○ Pre-transition planning which will include the patient and the caregiver; will include the adoption of a standardized risk assessment to identify the transition risks.

○ The development of an individualized transitional care plan which will be shared with families and caregivers to support the transition and mitigate the identified transition risk, will be reviewed by the ER BIS Lead and/or the Acute Care Behaviour Consultant.

○ Provide the necessary information to hospital partners, patients, and caregivers to support the transition

Caregiver Engagement and Support

● Ensures patients and caregivers are provided with timely and appropriate information and referrals to the Society and BSO Services where appropriate

● Identifies staff and caregivers who would benefit from additional education and makes the appropriate referrals and internal escalation as needed

● Collaborates with family members and caregivers, offering support, information, and practical strategies for managing their loved one's symptoms

● Communicate effectively with caregivers to understand the patient's history, routines, and triggers and incorporate this information into their behavioural care plan

● Provides reassurance and emotional support to families, helping them navigate the ED experience

● Provides cognitive, social, and emotional support:

○ Seeks direction in determining the appropriateness of orientation or validation of recommended techniques

○ Encourages patient and family participation in the decision making process as per the care plan

○ Recognizes and reports safety hazards to hospital partners and caregivers

○ Observes and respects patients' rights, dignity, and privacy

○ Develops supportive relationships with patients and encourages independence

Clinical

● Complete BSO documentation (Consult Note or Person-Centered Care Tips)

● Implements the necessary protocols to assist in the management of behaviours, providing care, minimizing PRN/Restraint use

● Coach staff with the goal of capacity building in understanding and managing responsive behaviours.

● Facilitate/support pre-discharge care conferences with community BSO team leads/PRCs/DOC/NP etc. to minimize the risk of challenging transitions.

● Direct observation of patients during times of reported responsive behaviours to identify triggers/unmet needs, to recommend appropriate strategies to manage the behaviours; this may include ostomy/colostomy care with assigned nurse, medication administration, feeding assistance due to low oral intake, lap-tray/and/or seat-belt trials, personal care etc.

● Creates appropriate referrals to additional BSO team members where needed to support the patient, caregiver and staff.

● Participates in care conferences/patient huddles and Joint Discharge planning meetings as required

● Maintains ongoing contact with SDM, POA and medical health care professionals.

● Initiates and participates in ongoing collaboration with community partners

● Maintains accurate and timely monthly statistics through the identified Statistical Reporting System

Qualifications and Skills:

● College/University Degree in a relevant health or social science field; training in Gerontology or equivalent

● Minimum 3 years of work-related experience; Experience working in an acute care setting is an asset*

● Minimum 3-5 years of experience working with the elderly with Alzheimer's Disease and other related dementias preferred

● Working knowledge of various regulatory requirements within the Health Services environment

● Behavioural intervention experience

● U-First, P.I.E.C.E.S, GPA Certification

● CPR & First Aid Certificates

● Intermediate to Advanced – Word, Excel, PowerPoint & Outlook

● Strong written and oral communication skills

● Self-directed, team player

● Valid driver's license and access to a reliable car

○

We Invest In You

● RRSP with company match (for those who qualify)

● Generous vacation entitlements

● Professional Development through innovative Educational Opportunities

● Annual Education Reimbursement

● Employee Recognition and Discount Programs

● Complete insurance coverage-medical, dental, vision, life insurance (for those who qualify)

Qualified applicants must apply by sending a cover letter and resume to

(Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.)

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

Alzheimer Society Peel is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes diversity.

We are committed to an inclusive and barrier free work environment.

Applicants with disability will be provided accommodation during the recruitment process upon request.

Please contact if accommodation is required.

All applicants must be fully vaccinated.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $56,400.00-$69,100.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Mileage reimbursement
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match
• Vision care

Work Location: Remote