Resident and Family Support Worker - Jobs in Niagara, ON

Job Description

DivisionLong Term Care HomesAbout UsServing a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.Please note that the Niagara Region requires that all newly hired employees are to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of being hired and provide proof of full vaccination, or provide proof of a bona fide medical or Human Rights Code exemption on a form issued from and approved by Niagara Region.Job DescriptionJOB SUMMARYThis position functions as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Provides support services for residents and their families within the Long Term Care Home. Resident and Family Support Worker services may include the following: completing psychosocial assessments, planning appropriate service strategies, implementing these strategies, and evaluating their effectiveness. Resident and Family Support Worker service may be extended to clients of Supportive Housing and the Adult Day Program should a need be identified.EDUCATION

• Completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work
• Current registration with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service (OCSWSSW).

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• Minimum of 2 years of experience as a Social Worker
• Long Term Care Home experience preferred
• Knowledge of Person Centered Care for residents and their families living with Dementia.
• Knowledge of gerontology.
• Knowledge of resident safety issues and demonstrated capacity to apply resident safety practices.

SKILLS

• Excellent theoretical knowledge and practiced skills in dementia care
• Systems approach to resident/family-centered care
• Demonstrated communication skills
• Demonstrated skills in performance of a therapeutic role including strong assessment, counselling, case management and advocacy skills
• A demonstrated ability in conflict resolution and crisis intervention
• Basic computer knowledge and skill e.g. Word, Outlook, PCC, and RAI-MDS
• Ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Proven ability to work in a complex environment and to organize, prioritize and problem solve effectively
• Demonstrated commitment to resident/family-centered care and compassion for the resident/family population being served.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check and submit a Vulnerable Sector Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.
• May be required to travel in a timely manner to other work locations
• An annual influenza vaccination is recommended

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide assessments of and services to each resident during their initial period of adjustment to the Long Term Care home. Provide support services to families of new residents which may include family orientation sessions.

• Perform individual and family counselling. Receives referrals from a variety of sources such as staff, community agencies, families, and residents. Addresses implications resulting from such issues as relocation, coping with losses, behavioural changes, psychogeriatric needs, difficulty relating to others, etc.

• Perform psychosocial assessments for referred residents in conjunction with families, completes social history for cognitively impaired residents.

• Attend and participate in practice team meetings, task forces, and in-home committees.

• Attend interdisciplinary meetings such as rounds and RAPS. Participate in post admission meetings of new residents and regularly scheduled team conferences where required. As part of the interdisciplinary team, participates in following up on recommendations related to residents and families.

• Involved in resident and/or family groups such as resident and family orientation, family support groups, support group for families of cognitively impaired residents, a support group geared towards spouses remaining in the community, and various other groups as needs arise.

• In conjunction with the interdisciplinary team, performs psychosocial need assessments and program planning by identifying needs and developing program interventions to meet these needs for residents and families.

• Regularly maintains documents in resident clinical records as per policy.

• Plan and present in-services for staff in conjunction with the Administrator. This education could address such issues as responsive behaviors, suicide, specific diagnosis (e.g. mental health issues specific to a resident, and sexual inappropriateness. Maintains ongoing consultation with staff concerning issues of residents and their families.

• Liaise and consult with other agencies such as Alzheimer’s Society, Behavior Support Ontario, Geriatric Mental Health Outreach program, local hospitals and other community groups as required.

• Carry out all duties with appropriate attention for resident safety.

• Provide back-up coverage to other locations as required

JOB SPECIFICATIONSIndependence of Action / Judgment

• Work under the direction of the Resident and Community Programs Manager
• When counselling, the Resident and Family Support Worker independently develops intervention strategies.
• Works as part of an inter-disciplinary team or peer group.
• Judgment is extensive and complex and affects individuals.
• Requires addressing the changing needs of residents. Requires that decisions, judgments, assessments and interventions be made on an ongoing basis.
• Quality and effectiveness of the work is monitored through monthly statistics, feedback from residents, program evaluations and supervision.

Consequences of Errors / Impact

• Error may result in significant physical or psychological impairment, loss of time and resources, limited financial costs and embarrassment and/or loss of credibility to the department and Region.
• Decisions made in this position have major impact on the quality of service that the Region can provide to the public.
• Breach of confidentiality may result in a lawsuit.

Supervisor Exercised

• Assumes some of the supervisory responsibilities over students on a periodic basis. This may include the provision of guidance, instruction, and direction as well as scheduling and/or coordinating and assigning of work.

Relationships/ContactsInternal:

• Works in a team of a varying number of people.
• Communicates regularly with employees in the same department. Communication involves problem solving, teaching/training clarifying, and sharing information.

External:

• Communicates regularly with, residents, families, and managers, representatives of professional agencies, volunteers.
• Communication involves counselling, problem solving, interpreting and resolving conflicts, as well as explaining and exchanging information.

Physical Demands/Dexterity

• Most time is spent sitting either at a desk or while conversing with a resident.
• Requires light lifting up to 5 kg. (11 lbs.) when lifting materials and supplies.
• Requires accurate coordination of coarse movements when writing.
• Involves walking, standing, stooping, crouching, and climbing.

Concentration Demands

• High level of mental/visual concentration required frequently when concentrating and listening to residents, counselling, completing documentation, participating in teamwork, Subject to frequent interruptions and organizing work around changing priorities.

Job Environment

• Work is performed mostly indoors.
• Frequently exposed to interruptions and noise.
• Occasionally exposed to deadlines, a large volume of work, and a lack of workspace.
• Subject to verbal abuse or anger from families of residents.

Shift InformationCurrently scheduled 35 hours per week and day shifts.Closing StatementWhy should you choose to work with the Niagara RegionThis Temporary, Full-Time Position offers a competetive Compensation and Benefits Package including:

• Benefits including: Health, Dental, Travel Insurance, and Semi-Private Hospital Coverage
• Eligibility for Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment Benefits
• Enrollment into the OMERS Pension Plan if you meet eligibility requirements

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY!Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.Quick Apply

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