Behaviour Support Specialist

Job Description

Person-and family-centered care (PFCC) is an approach to care that recognizes the importance of family in a patient’s life and the importance of their active involvement in planning and making decisions on health care, services and treatment, and health system reform. This approach to care provides respectful, compassionate, culturally safe, and responsive care that meets the needs, values, beliefs, and preferences of the patient, their family, and others identified as significant to their life from diverse backgrounds and settings.

JOB SUMMARY

The Behaviour Support Specialist will provide direct care services to individuals with complex needs in our community programs. In addition to aiding patients with their daily activities, the Behavioral Support Specialist will assist in providing behavioural training and interventions designed to support patients with responsive behaviours. These services, delivered continuously throughout the day, also encompass activities related to all aspects of daily living. The Behavioural Support Specialist, as part of the multi-disciplinary team, will complete patient assessments and observations, collaborate on developing appropriate interventions, model strategies and assist with transitions across sectors

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement behavioral and rehabilitation interventions for community patients.

• Teach ADLs, and consult with fellow team members (. OT/PT/SLP) regarding care interventions.

• Provide routine care, including escorting clients to medical appointments and social outings.

• Implement behavioural and rehabilitation interventions

• Report significant clinical findings to the Social Worker and MCP- Allied.

• Implement ongoing assessments and collect data.

• Teach clients supporting social skills as well as other education as required.

• Complete documentation in a timely and accurate manner.

• Participate in team and/or Community wide meetings as requested.

• Maintain awareness of safety standards, identify and address safety issues, and attend safety meetings and training as required.

• Implement individualized behavioural therapy programs.

• Support recreational, social, and skill-building activities in a positive and inclusive manner.

• Document progress and maintain open communication with supervisors.

• Support patients through their healthcare journey as they transition in and out of Community programs

• Communicate with patients' care team, caregivers, and families

• Document in the electronic health record, monitor and record changes, adjust care plans as appropriate

• Conduct assessments to determine patients' improvements

• Collaborate with other healthcare specialists and support organizations as required

• Attend team huddles, care conferences and team meetings

• Complete documentation/reports following company and provincial guidelines

• Report significant clinical findings to the Clinical Manager as appropriate

• Provide educational support to staff and caregivers

• Participate in team and/or organization-wide committees as requested

• Participate in the evaluation of risks associated with maladaptive behaviours upon patient admission and contribute to plans to mitigate the identified risks

• Participate in ongoing internal and/or external continuing education activities.

• Adhere to Bayshore Policies and Procedures.

• Participate in quality activities and continuous improvement initiatives in keeping with the company's Quality Management System.

• Participates in proactive Health & Safety activities while performing all duties. Is responsible to notify immediate Supervisor of any Health & Safety risks or concerns.

• Maintains confidentiality of client and corporate information and discusses same only with appropriate Bayshore personnel.

• Complete other tasks as requested.

Job Qualification

Education

• Post-secondary education in behaviour sciences, mental health/addictions, psychology, and/or related areas
• Standard First-Aid + CPR-C

Experience

• Minimum 2 years assisting with behaviour assessments and collaborating on behaviour interventions
• Experience working with individuals with various types of dementia, delirium, cognitive issues, and complex behavioural challenges
• Knowledge of psychogeriatric assessment tools and behavioural, cognitive, psychosocial, and environmental assessments relating to responsive behaviours
• Practical experience supporting individuals in an acute care and/or mental health care settings; application of appropriate crisis, de-escalation, and behavioural management strategies
• Demonstrated experience working with dual diagnosis is considered an asset
• Personal Support Worker (PSW) experience is considered an asset
• Transitional care support experience is considered an asset

Other Skills and Abilities

• Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others
• Excellent clinical-reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal and conflict management skills
• Creativity, flexibility, positive attitude
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Comfort with addressing issues such as verbal aggression, physical and environmental aggression, elopement, socially and sexually inappropriate behaviours.
• Strong communication skills (oral and written).
• Technological proficiency: use of MS Office (including Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Availability to work on a full-time basis with flexibility for weekend, day, or evenings shifts.
• Experience and direct contact with individuals with special needs.
• Strong working knowledge of behavioural theory and applied behaviour analysis.
• Demonstrate understanding of current and emerging best practices related to behavioural support for the geriatric population.
• Understanding of the characteristics and behaviors associated with various disorders.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to handle intense emotional situations.
• Strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent stress management skills.

Commitment to continued learning. Valid driver’s license. Current criminal reference check and vulnerable sector screen.

Bayshore is committed to a high quality and safe environment for both our staff and clients/patients. Dependent upon Provincial government regulations, and the position being applied for, new hires may be required to provide proof of vaccination against illnesses such as COVID-19, Hepatitis, Seasonal Flu etc. Please speak with the recruiter for Provincial and/or position specific requirements. Medical exemptions or any based upon Human Rights Code criteria will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

“At Bayshore Healthcare, our commitment to Equity, Diversity & Inclusion is our strength. This is how we bring our vision of being the difference in the lives of those we care for, work with and in our communities. We have a great sense of pride in creating a culture of belonging, where individual differences are embraced and celebrated, through programs, resources and policies that support each individuals purpose, potential and wellbeing.”

At Bayshore Healthcare Ltd., and its subsidiaries, we are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and operate in full compliance with all Provincial and Territorial legislation pertaining to Human Rights Codes and Accessibility requirements. To ensure continued compliance throughout the recruitment and selection process, we encourage candidates to disclose any accommodation needs they may have.