OVERVIEW
The Behavioural Specialist will work with adults exhibiting challenging and complex behaviours, as well as those who are prone to exhibiting these behaviours due to cognitive impairment. The Behavioural Specialist will serve as an in-house expert at MGH on behaviour response techniques/education and planning.
- Provide care planning support to the Complex Continuing Care Program – specifically the 12 bed Memory Care Unit, and other associated units within Complex Care, to assist in managing behaviours.
- Assist and support MGH front line staff within other programs, developing a referral processes, and work collaboratively in developing patient specific care plans to modify behaviours for mild/moderate/and severe patient populations.
- Provide leadership, supporting the creation of an internal “Behavioural Support Outreach” team which will allow for broader internal capacity to support behavioural management at MGH.
- Work with internal and external specialized resources (ie GEM, GeriatricNP, Mental Health, LTC Behavioural Support Outreach Team, etc.) to optimize opportunities for consultation, implementation of recommendations and education, and also ensure smooth transitions of patients along the continuum – both internally at MGH and with external partners within the community.
- Proactively identify training and education needs for the health care teams at MGH.
- Create a triage system that supports admission process/identification of highest priority need patients for Memory Care Patients (MCU).
- Represent MGH at both internal and external stakeholder meetings in relation to Behavioural Support/Management.
EDUCATION
- Completion of a Master’s degree in one of the following health professions: Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Social Work.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Minimum three (3) years’ related experience in providing behavioral support to vulnerable seniors, and older adults with responsive behaviors related to mental illness, addictions, dementia, or other neurological conditions.
- Demonstrated experience and skill in developing and delivering behavioural management interventions for specified populations.
- Extensive experience in training and educating colleagues, clients and key stakeholders on strategies and interventions aimed at addressing problematic responsive behaviours.
- Knowledge of current and developing behaviour support models and the ability to implement key components of those models into practice with patients.
- Training/knowledge of P.I.E.C.E.S, recovery/psychosocial rehabilitation approaches, workplace violence, gentle persuasion approach or willingness to receive training.
- An understanding of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles and the therapeutic relationship.
- Demonstrated knowledge of best practices related to dementia, delirium, mental health issues and their effect on persons, families and caregivers.
- Knowledge of community resource and supports.
- Crisis intervention skills, with well-developed problem solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
- Counseling, responding and assessment skills.
- Good oral and written communication skills and computer literacy, including MS Word and Excel.
- Sound understanding and commitment to the principles of the Behavioural Supports Ontario project.
- Ability to collaborate effectively with other members of inter-professional care teams, patients, family members and community team members.
- Good work and attendance record required.
- All employees of Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), a division of Toronto East Health Network (TEHN) [formerly Toronto EastGeneral Hospital (TEGH)] agree to work within the legislated practices of the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario.
- All employees of MGH are responsible to contribute to a transparent culture of patient and staff safety by adhering to and abiding by patientand staff safety policies and procedures set by MGH.
- All employees are accountable for protecting the psychological health and safety of themselves and their co-workers through adherence to MGH's policies and practices.
