Psychogeriatric Specialist

Psychogeriatric Specialist (2024-359-CC)

Employment Type: 16 Month Contract, Bargaining Unit (1 Vacancy)Work Hours:37.5 hours/week (Mon - Fri, 9-5pm)Work Setting:
Salary: Hybrid - Opportunity to work remotely after orientation & training period
External - J7: $66,693.11
Internal - J8: $68,054.19

Application Deadline: September 26th, 2024, at 11:59pm. You can apply at https://woodgreencommunityservices.applytojob.com/

Program Overview – Social Work, Community Care
The Social Work Psychogeriatric team provides community-based case management, supportive and/or clinical counselling to older persons with significant mental health and/or cognitive issues such as dementia, and their family or caregivers.

What You Will Do

• Undertakes psychosocial assessments.
• Develops and implements a service plan with clients with significant mental health issues and/or cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer, dementia.
• Provides case management services including service co-ordination, short-term and long-term planning, follow up
• Provide client support through social work drop-in clinics. 
• Advocates on behalf of clients and/or their family or caregivers.
• Keep current about the range of services available in other agencies.
• Links clients and/or their family or caregivers to various community resources and facilitates appropriate referrals to other community support services as required.
• Provides crisis intervention, practical assistance, supportive counseling to clients and/or family or caregivers as required in homes and community settings.
• Work flexible hours based on the needs of the clients and/or their family or caregivers.
• Provides service that is responsive appropriate and culturally and linguistically sensitive to the individual and caregivers needs.
• Engages in ongoing outreach to ensure access to the program.
• Liaises with other psychogeriatric services as needed.
• Liaises and consults with other service providers as needed.
• Participates in case conferences and clinical meetings in order to ensure the coordination of services and a continuum of care.
• Provides consultation to other agency staff or community partners as required.
• Maintain a client caseload as assigned by program manager.
• Participates in team and unit meetings regularly and promote the healthy functioning of the team and unit.
• Participate in ongoing training and education.
• Participates in supervision sessions and annual performance appraisals with program manager.
• Responsible for collection of statistical data required for the accountability of the program.
• Maintains appropriate records and documentation in a timely manner.
• Responsible for representing the unit on internal staff committees as directed by program manager.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What You Bring to the Team

• Masters of Social Work (M.S.W.) or graduate degree in a relevant field. 
• Registered Social Worker (R.S.W.) in good standing with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers (OCSWSSW) and/or Member in good standing with a Professional College in Ontario.
• 3+ years related experience in mental health, addictions, geriatrics and/or social work. Demonstrated experience working with older adults and seniors with mental health (including dementia) and/or substance use issues, chronic health issues, cognitive impairment, and responsive behaviours is required.
• Personal knowledge and lived experience of issues that affect communities and populations served by WoodGreen is a strong asset.

What Will Set You Apart

• Experience and expertise to support older adult and seniors including individuals who have significant mental health and/or addiction issues, history of trauma, violence/abuse, dementia, cognitive impairments, responsive behaviours, chronic physical health issues, etc.
• Ability in case management, system navigation, service planning, implementation, and coordination, therapeutic or supportive counselling.
• Experience working effectively in a multi-disciplinary team or as a team member in collaboration with other community professionals. 
• Proven working knowledge of theories of addiction, evidence-based treatment models and best practice approaches.
• Knowledge of and experience with a brief therapy modality, such as Narrative, Solution-Focused, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy), etc.
• Knowledge of issues affecting older adults/geriatric populations, mental health, addictions, health sector, and community resources, policies, legislation, programs, and other issues related to scope of practice and social determinant of health.
• Solid understanding of the intersectionality of systemic barriers and social determinants of health, including racism, discrimination, and oppression.
• Demonstrated experience in group facilitation (therapeutic and psycho-social).
• Strong assessment, clinical and intervention skills.
• Effective oral, written communication skills and documentation skills.
• Effective interpersonal, time management and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to apply and practice Anti-Oppression, Anti-Racism, Trauma-Informed and Harm Reduction principles, and strategies.
• Applied computer skills (MS word, excel, Internet) and ability to use client information systems.
• Ability to communicate in a second language (Greek, Spanish, Bengali, Urdu, Tamil, Farsi, Tagalog, Arabic, Mandarin, or Cantonese) is a strong asset.

WoodGreen is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free selection process and work environment. If contacted in relation to an employment opportunity, please advise our People & Culture representatives at careers@woodgreen.org of the accommodation measures required. Information received relating to accommodation will be addressed confidentially.