Behavioural Support Worker

KEY FUNCTION:

Provide direct, person-centred support to patients experiencing responsive behaviours, cognitive impairment, dementia, delirium, mental health concerns, or other behaviours that may impact their ability to safely participate in care. Work collaboratively with nursing, physicians, allied health, and the Rapid Response Mobility Team and focus on promoting safety, reducing distress, supporting engagement, and preventing functional decline and reducing length of stay.

REPORTING:

Under the general direction of the Coordinator, Hospital to Home.

DUTIES:

1. Provide one-to-one or targeted support to patients exhibiting responsive behaviours or at increased risk of behavioural escalation, using cognitive stimulation, reminiscence and meaningful activities tailored to the patient’s individual interests and experiences.
2. Provide initial and ongoing assessment of patient and family needs; observe and report changes in behaviour, cognition, mood, function and safety and provide meaningful companionship and observation.
3. Establish therapeutic relationships with patients using person-centred approaches to promote trust, comfort, and engagement.
4. Assist patients with activities of daily living (e.g. dressing, personal hygiene, eating, physical exercise, mobility, and recreation) and meaningful activities to maintain function and reduce deconditioning.
5. Reinforce staff adherence to individualized patient care and behavioural support plans through education and coaching on communication, behavioural strategies and consistent care routines, as directed by the Clinical Behavioural Specialist.
6. Support nursing staff by providing additional behavioural observation and engagement, particularly during high-risk periods, including sundowning and behavioural escalation, for patients of all ages with cognitive, developmental, mental health or acquired neurological conditions.
7. Implement individualized behavioural care plans developed by the interdisciplinary team and reinforce staff adherence through coaching on communication, behavioural strategies and consistent care routines, as directed by the Clinical Behavioural Specialist.
8. Maintain a safe environment for patients, families, visitors, and staff while utilizing the least restrictive approach possible.
9. Participate in care conferences and interdisciplinary discussions as appropriate.
10. Document patient interactions, behaviours, interventions, and outcomes in accordance with hospital policies.
11. Provide patients and families with education and coaching on communication, engagement and behavioural support strategies..
12. Identify potential behavioural triggers and implement individualized strategies to prevent or de-escalate behaviours.
13. Collaborate with other health care providers in delivering and reporting daily patient care needs by maintaining records, observing or monitoring and recording patient status.
14. Operate mechanical lifts and utilize assistive devices as directed.
15. Maintain a clean, safe environment for residents utilizing infection control principles and identify, assess and communicate safety concerns to supervisor/manager or delegate.
16. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
17. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
18. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
19. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
20. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
21. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

1. Minimum of a Diploma in a relevant field (e.g., Behavioural Sciences, Social Service Work, Personal Support Work, Developmental Services, Mental Health, or Recreation), from an accredited college.
2. Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) certificate required.
3. Current certification in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) and Gentle Persuasion Approaches to Dementia Care (GPA) is preferred.
4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in a within a health care environment.
2. Experience working with individuals experiencing dementia, delirium, cognitive impairment, mental health concerns, responsive behaviours, or complex care needs is required.
3. Experience with behavioural assessments and observations is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated ability to effectively interact and communicate with patients, families, and healthcare workers.
2. Demonstrated ability to deal effectively and co-operatively with all levels of staff, patients, physicians, volunteers and the public.
3. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and efficiently as a team member in a fast-paced environment.
4. Demonstrated working knowledge of equipment used in the delivery of patient care.
5. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the Ontario Hospital Association (OHA)/Ontario Medical Association’s (OMA) Communicable Disease Surveillance Protocols.
6. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
7. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
8. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
9. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
10. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
11. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
12. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
2. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
3. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and employees.
4. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
5. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
6. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
7. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
8. Ability to travel between local sites.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.