Respite Coordinator- Contract- Ending March 31, 2026 possible extension based on funding renewal

Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region

Mission, Vision and Values

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region's mission is to advocate for and with people with dementia and their care partners and provide access to a diverse range of appropriate resources and supports. Particularly, to alleviate the personal and social consequences of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and to promote research.

Our vision is to create a community where individuals with dementia and their care partners are fully supported to maximize their quality of life and well- being. Ultimately, a world without Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

Our Values

C*ollaboration, Accountability, Respect, E*xcellence

The Alzheimer Society of Niagara Region (ASNR) is a community support service organization that provides programs and services to people living with dementia and their care partners in the Niagara Region. We work closely with other service providers to ensure quality care and support for our clients.

We employ administrative and fund development staff, educators, social workers, nurses, therapeutic rec staff, personal support workers and volunteers who work together as a team to meet the needs of people living with dementia and their care partners.

We recognize the value and dignity of each individual and ensure everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise.  We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions.

We value justiceand connection and these are the guideposts we use for decision-making of all kinds.  We believe that this will guide the organization toward a place of inclusion for all - where equity and access to essential supports and services becomes the reality.

Position Description

Title: Respite Coordinator- Contract ending March 31, 2026, with possible extension based on funding renewal.

Reporting To: Chief Operating Officer of Clinical Programs

Wage: $22.00 per hour

Hours of Work: 30 hours – Monday to Friday; 8:30 am – 2:30 pm with daily with paid lunch

Position Summary

The Respite Coordinator is an important liaison who connects qualifying clients to respite support, provided by contracted, third party providers. The Respite Coordinator provides a comprehensive referral to our third-party providers and informs the providers of any client concerns and collaborates on the client discharge process of the respite program. This is an administrative role where the Respite Coordinator reconciles invoices and manages ASNR's Regular Respite program, and the High Intensity Supports at Home (HISH) program, in collaboration with Ontario Health at Home and any Ontario Health funded respite services within programs (i.e. LEGHO; DREAM). The Respite Coordinator is responsible for assessing caregiver stress levels on the initial setup, and at 6 month follow up intervals, for caregivers whose family member is receiving our weekly respite support. The Coordinator is also responsible for administrating satisfaction surveys for funding requirements. Most importantly, the Respite Coordinator is the trusted point of contact for ensuring clear communication to our contracted providers, manage the number of clients enlisted in, and waiting for respite, and for providing clear updates to ASNR staff supporting those registered clients.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Process respite referrals identified by the Intake Coordinator and relevant sources, connect with third-party providers to confirm availability, and refer to the providers in a timely manner.
• Liaise with third-party providers around changes to client schedules or issues of concern
• Liaise with Ontario Health at Home for relevant referrals, schedules and/or client issues
• Administer Zarit Caregiver Burden assessments to caregivers enlisted in ASNR's Regular Respite program at initial enrollment, and at, 6 month follow up and at discharge from program if for any reason other than death
• Administer Client Satisfaction surveys after 6 months of service or at discharge
• Manage Regular Respite and HISH Respite program waitlists
• Process discharges from respite programs as notified by ASNR staff, or, by third-party providers
• Reconcile invoices to AlayaCare and then forward third-party provider invoices to Financial Officer for processing
• Provide monthly status reports regarding hour usage in the various respite programs
• Manage Respite provider PSW AlzEducate registrations with ASO to verify completion of required training as outlined in MOU's
• Advocate for client's quality of life and minimize risk while promoting their well- being.
• Complete documentation as required; Collect stats pertinent to duties and responsibilities
• Complete required data entry in Alayacare Database.
• Collate required reports and participate in budgeting of allocated respite hours
• Act as backup for Intake Coordinator for entering new referrals into AlayaCare Database
• Participate in professional development opportunities and team meetings
• Participate in internal and external committees as required
• Provide support for special assignments and other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Degree/diploma in Administration/Health Services/Social Sciences, or relevant experience
• Experience working with individuals and families in a community setting
• Experience with collecting and reporting data
• Police Vulnerable Sector Check
• Must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle

Skills and Knowledge

1. Experience in community-based health contexts preferably working with a geriatric population

2. Knowledge of dementia, mental health and elder abuse issues

3. Excellent working knowledge of community supports within the Niagara Region

4. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team

5. Ability to use discretion, judgment and tact in handling sensitive or confidential information or situations

6. Demonstrated ability to build rapport with clients, caregivers, and health providers.

7. Strong crisis management skills

8. Excellent time management skills; able to prioritize effectively

9. Strong written and oral communication skills, group facilitation skills

10. Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and independently in the community

11. Knowledge of legislation related to health consent and capacity

12. Excellent Microsoft Office and Data Entry skills

Working Environment

• Everyday risks or discomforts may require safety precautions typical of an office environment (use of safe work practices with office equipment, proper ergonomics)
• Physical demands are representative of the role where there may be extended periods of visual concentration; sitting in a stationary position, or standing.
• Equipment is utilized which is common to the office work environment (i.e. computer, printer, photocopier, multi-line telephone, fax machine, elevator etc.).
• ASNR recognizes that while performing their regular duties, employees in this role will come into contact with risks associated with the environment and/or responsive clients and families
• Stressful situations may occur as the result of handling multiple, concurrent issues while ensuring the safety, comfort and complex needs of all involved.
• We adhere to a scent free environment.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA.  The Alzheimer Society Niagara Region welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Work Location: In person