Wellness Specialist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Wellness Specialist, reporting to the Administrator, works closely with the Director of Resident Care at each home, and the Supervisor, Community Programs in the delivery of psychosocial support to our residents, families and staff.

As a member of the interdisciplinary team, the Wellness Specialist provides input into initial, annual and other resident assessments, care planning and evaluation to ensure services are planned and updated according to resident needs considering privacy, cultural diversity, intimacy, dignity and quality of life.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (not listed in order of priority)

1. Responsible for communication with Public Guardian and Trustee on resident matters as required.

2. Perform an advocacy and liaison role in resolving resident problems.

3. Lead all Capacity Assessments of residents when needed.

4. Represent the County LTCSS with external partners in meetings regarding discharge planning and case management in complex situations.

5. Review resident admissions and referrals for further assessment; completes referral data and information to support and guide resident plan of action when required.

6. Support families and residents post-admission.

7. Complete resident post admission psycho-social assessments, to meet the MOHLTC regulations.

8. Develop social work treatment plans, counseling and crisis intervention for residents and families.

9. Provide therapeutic counselling to residents/families re: behaviour, attitude, environment or to provide ongoing Support.

10. Work with management to provide counselling and support to residents and their families related to admission, discharge planning, palliative care and bereavement and assists in the provision of crisis intervention (e.g. emergency situations, etc.).

11. Assist with or coordinate referrals, provide adjustment/support to new situations through additional counselling, observation and evaluation.

12. Participate in resident-focused multidisciplinary care conferences and rounds as needed.

13. Assist with addressing questions, concerns, complaints from residents and families.

14. Support palliative care initiatives and ethical practices within the homes.

15. Develop and facilitate presentations for Residents’ and Family Council meetings, and participates in addressing ethics and palliative care issues and promotes the County LTCSS within the community.

16. Monitor individuals and/or families' progress through additional support as required.

17. Write reports and prepare correspondence, documents all information, occurrences, etc., and prepare statistics related to case histories in accordance with the College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers standards.

18. Engage with various internal committees and meetings as required.

19. Assist with developing and delivering education as required.

20. Participate in CQI initiatives and Accreditation process and develop, implement and make revisions to relevant policies and procedures as required.

21. Work in compliance with the Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Long Term Care Homes Act, and their regulations in performing duties in a safe manner and follows all County of Simcoe Health & Safety policies, procedures and legislation.

22. Maintain confidentiality in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and the Personal Health Information Protection Act.

CORPORATE COMPETENCIES

EDUCATION, TECHNICAL SKILLS AND CERTIFICATION

• Successful completion of a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work as recognized by the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers.

• A registered member of the Ontario College of Social Workers.

• Familiarity of the psychological needs of the long-term care population.

• Knowledge of gerontology, Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.

• Understanding of relevant Regional and Provincial legislation, including LTC Homes Act, Consent to Treatment Act, substitute Decisions Act, MFIPPA, PHIPA and policies and procedures.

• Current knowledge related to the Consent and Capacity Board and Powers of Attorney.

• Knowledge of community, resources, programs and services, and issues pertaining to older adults, including knowledge of human behaviour and counselling techniques.

• Knowledge of applicable legislation and regulations, gerontology, community resources including health, counseling and financial assistance programs and services, case management and file administration skills.

• Demonstrated skills in client/family assessment, intervention and assistance, counselling, advocacy, case management and service planning, including assisting them in developing a remedial plan of action.

• Good interpersonal and communication skills to work within a diverse community and ability to deal empathetically with residents, family members, etc., to contribute to their well-being.

• Demonstrated organizational ability to handle caseload requirements, compile statistical data and reports for review and evaluation.

• Experience with documentation in an electronic health record program.

• Proven organizational and time management skills.

• Ability to work effectively independently or as a part of a team.

• Ability to work outside of normal business hours on occasion as required.

• Working knowledge of MS Office, including Word, Excel and Power Point.

• Valid Ontario Class “G” driver’s license and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business.

• As a condition of employment, candidates are required to submit documented results of TB testing, as per Public Health requirements.

EXPERIENCE

• Three (3) to five (5) years relevant experience in a health care setting, preferably working in a residential setting such as a long-term care facility.

EFFORT

• Able to support multiple LTCSS Homes operated by the County of Simcoe.

• Ability to be flexible respond to requests for support from the Homes.

• Must be available to work weekends and evenings if needed.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Working from an assigned home base at the LTC Home, the Wellness Specialist may be required support to the other Wellness Specialists in the other LTC Homes to provide vacation and workload coverage.

The County of Simcoe thanks all applicants for their interest in this opportunity, but please note that only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Personal information provided is collected under the authority of the Municipal Act (2001) and will be used to determine eligibility for employment.