Family Support Counsellor

Application deadline:
Older couple walking hand in hand

Position Description 

Title: Family Support Counsellor
Reporting To: Director of Programs and Services
Salary: $50,000 - $55,000
Hours of Work: 40 hours – Monday to Friday – Flexible Schedule

The Family Support Counsellor provides education and support to people living with dementia and their caregivers within the community, including psychosocial support and education related to dementia (e.g. practical strategies for managing the everyday challenges associated with dementia). Family Support Counsellors work with people with dementia, caregivers and local communities to help create supportive environments that promote health, safety, and meaningful engagement in home and community life. Key aspects of the role involve system navigation, facilitating linkages between community support services and building upon client’s informal and formal networks of support.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Through in-home, virtual, office or phone visits, provide client-centered support and education to persons living with dementia and care-partners as informed by best practice, relevant legislation, and professional ethics and standards. The expectation of 20 visits either by phone, virtual or in person with clients and care partners will take place on a weekly basis in accordance with statistical targets established with the HCCSS
  • Administer individual assessments based on PIECES Model to create care plans
  • Facilitate psycho-educational and support groups
  • Facilitate social-recreational groups
  • Provide community resource information
  • Independently manage a caseload and provide case management
  • Initiate and participate in case consultations and conferences as needed
  • Collaborate with other health- care providers within the community support sector; make appropriate referrals
  • Assist client in coordinating other services and community supports
  • 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
  • Participate in professional development opportunities, case studies and team meetings
  • Participate in internal and external committees as required
  • Facilitate linkages/access to primary care for clients as required
  • Assist/ participate in ASNR community programs as needed (e.g. early-stage groups)
  • Provide support for special assignments and other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Degree/diploma in Health/Social Sciences/Services, counseling or psychotherapy
  • Member of good standing with an appropriate college/regulatory body or association is preferred
  • Experience working with individuals and families in a community setting
  • Police Vulnerable Sector Check 
  • Must have a valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle
  • Proof of Covid-19 Vaccination, subject to any accommodation obligations under human rights legislation

Skills and Knowledge

  • Experience in community-based health contexts preferably working with a geriatric population
  • Knowledge of dementia, mental health and elder abuse issues
  • Excellent working knowledge of community supports within the Niagara Region
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a demonstrated ability to work independently and as a member of a team
  • Ability to use discretion, judgment and tact in handling sensitive or confidential information or situations
  • Demonstrated ability to build rapport with clients, caregivers, and health providers
  • Strong crisis management skills (GPA)
  • Excellent time management skills; able to prioritize effectively
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, group facilitation skills
  • Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team and independently in the community
  • Knowledge of legislation related to health consent, capacity, mental health and PGT

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.)
  • Required to carry out work activities outside of the office and will require the use of a vehicle
  • 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+.

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