Health Care Worker, Geriatric

Detailed Overview

Reporting to the Geriatric Program Coordinator or designate, provides support services and assistance to mentally ill clients of the local Mental Health Centre living semi-independently or independently who have complex psychosocial problems causing difficulty in areas such as personal care, life skills, transportation, recreation and housing;

assists clients with determining appropriate care to meet individual needs and requirements in order to live successfully in the community.

Responsibilities Assists the Mental Health Centre case managers in providing intensive support services for clients at assigned locations.

Participates in care planning with the case managers by interviewing clients to identify problems and / or needs; obtains information from the client, family and / or care providers;

document client''s needs and wants and assists client to determine appropriate program; provides feedback on the client's needs, performance and progress.

Provides support and assists clients by role modeling, demonstrations and behaviour management to clients, families and personal networks with the development of skills such as housekeeping, personal hygiene, meal planning / preparation, shopping for food, medication reminders, meeting financial obligations, making and keeping appointments and interpersonal skills.

Facilitates client's physical, recreational and educational needs by arranging for clients to be transported to programs / services, attend and accompanies the client on various appointments such as medical and dental appointments, lab work, court hearings, business and education appointments.

• Contributes to client's increased awareness and exposure to socialization and recreation by assisting the client to access recreational and group activities by identifying available social, economic, recreational and educational resources within the community;
• provides related information, as required. Reports unusual client behaviour and circumstances to the case manager by identifying problem areas;

accompanies case managers on community visits to ensure safety and assist in emergencies; contacts appropriate emergency response services, as required.

Maintains regular contact with community and rehabilitation service providers to assist them with the needs of the client, as needed.

Completes and maintains related records and documentation such as client care plans, progress reports / statistics and daily logs.

Assists with finding appropriate accommodation for clients; works with mental health staff to promote the client's development of life skills with individuals and meet the mental, developmental, psychosocial and physical needs of the client.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Successful completion of the Community Mental Health Worker certificate, Community Social Service or Social Services Worker Diploma, with working knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery techniques and two years' recent related experience, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid BC Driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes. Skills and Abilities Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

Ability to work independently and in cooperation with others. Ability to operate related equipment. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to organize and prioritize. Ability to observe and recognize changes in clients. Ability to establish and maintain rapport with clients.

Home management skills. Ability to instruct. Ability to analyze and resolve problems. Conflict resolution and crisis intervention skills. Advocacy skills.