Behavioural Support Specialist, BSU

Partners Community Health; Mississauga; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Partners Community Health is seeking a Temporary Behavioural Support Specialist to support the Behavioural Support Unit for adults with responsive behaviours related to dementia and mental health disorders. The role emphasizes education, care planning, and collaboration within a multidisciplinary team.

The position involves developing and implementing individualized care plans, engaging families, and providing staff training to enhance non-pharmacological care across transitions within Wellbrook

Qualifications

• Degree, Diploma, or Certification in Healthcare-related field.
• 2–3 years of related experience in behavioural support for seniors with dementia or mental health issues.
• Knowledge of ABA, PBS, GPA and recovery/psychosocial rehabilitation approaches.
• ASIST or Crisis Intervention training is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Assess residents with challenging behaviours to identify causes and factors.
• Develop individualized care plans with the multidisciplinary team.
• Implement and oversee behavioural support programs and non-pharmacological care.
• De-escalate crises and ensure safety of residents and staff.
• Educate families and caregivers on managing behaviours.
• Provide staff training to improve care and support.
• Maintain detailed progress records and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Coordinate with internal/external resources for consultation and education.
• Support transitions within Wellbrook Place and with external partners.

Skills

Behavioural psychology

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)

P.I.E.C.E.S. training

Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA)

ASIST certification (asset)

Microsoft Office

Education

Healthcare-related degree/diploma/certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Behavioural Support Specialist, Behavioural Support Unit (BSU) - Partners Community Health

Position Summary:

PCH is seeking a Temporary Behavioural Support Specialist, Behavioural Support Unit (BSU) to support the Behavioural Support Unit at Partners Community Health which is a transitional home area that provides specialized care for people with responsive behaviours associated with a dementia and older Adults with Mental Health Disorders. As a Behavioral Support Specialist, you will focus on working with adults exhibiting responsive and complex Behaviors, as well as those prone to such Behaviors due to cognitive impairment and mental illness. This role will primarily serve as a valuable resource on the Transitional Behavioral Support Unit (Enhanced Supportive Neighborhood), providing expertise in Behavior response techniques, education, and care planning. The successful candidate for this role must possess a deep understanding of Behavioral psychology, excellent communication skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with a multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of residents with challenging Behavioral issues to determine the underlying causes and contributing factors
• Support residents through the stages of engagement in the Transitional Behavioural Support Unit (TBSU) and collaborate with the multidisciplinary team to develop individualized care plans. These plans should address Behavioural concerns, promote emotional well-being, and enhance residents' overall quality of life
• Implement and oversee Behavioural support programs, utilizing evidence-based interventions and strategies to address and overcome the unique needs of residents facing Behavioural challenges
• Be prepared to respond to and de-escalate crisis situations involving residents with Behavioural issues, ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents and staff
• Provide education and support to residents' families and caregivers, assisting them in understanding and managing challenging Behaviours
• Offer training and guidance to staff members to enhance their understanding of Behavioural issues and improve their ability to provide care and support
• Maintain detailed records of residents' progress, interventions, and outcomes, ensuring compliance with all relevant regulations and standards
• Collaborate with internal and external specialized resources to optimize opportunities for consultation, implementation of recommendations, and education
• Assist and support front line staff, develop a referral process, and work collaboratively in developing resident-specific care plans to modify Behaviours
• Work with internal and external specialized resources to optimize opportunities for consultation, implementation of recommendations, and education. Ensure smooth transitions of residents along the continuum both internally at Wellbrook Place and with external partners within the community
• Support the client through the stages of engagement in the TBSU:

- Foundation: Meet with the client, family, POA/SDM in collaboration with the Social Worker to learn more about the client prior to admission

- Stabilization: Support the team in developing the initial care plan

- Optimization: Support the team in enhancing non-pharmacological care plans and sustainability of plans in a regular Long Term Care setting

- Integration: Support the client with integration into Wellbrook Place to trial the plan of care in the regular long-term care home area. Provide coaching of the care plan to the team in the regular home area

- Transition: Support the smooth transitions of the client within Wellbrook Place or to the regular Long Term Care home of choice. Provide in-person coaching and support for up to a week at the external site and up to 30 days within Wellbrook Place

• Facilitate virtual care conferences with the interdisciplinary team, modeling care plans for the receiving site
• Proactively identify training and education needs for health care team members
• Represent Wellbrook Place at both internal and external stakeholder meetings in relation to Behavioral support/management

Qualifications:

• Degree, Diploma, or Certification in Healthcare-related field
• 2-3 years of related experience in providing Behavioural support to vulnerable seniors and older adults with responsive Behaviours related to cognitive impairment, mental illness, addictions, dementia, or other neurological conditions would be considered an asset
• Strong knowledge of Behavioural psychology, Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Training/knowledge of P.I.E.C.E.S., recovery/psychosocial rehabilitation approaches, workplace violence, and Gentle Persuasive Approaches (GPA)
• Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training (ASIST) certification or Crisis Intervention training would be considered an asset
• Understanding of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles and the therapeutic relationship
• Demonstrated experience and skill in developing and delivering Behavioural management interventions for specified populations
• Knowledge of current and developing Behaviour support models and the ability to implement key components of those models into practice with patients related to dementia, delirium, mental health issues, and their effect on persons, families, and caregivers
• Proficient in Microsoft Office with strong computer skills, excellent communication/facilitation skills, and experience in care planning
• Empathetic and compassionate approach to resident care
• Ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team

PCH is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Racism. We believe diverse and inclusive teams support strong decision making, fosters a culture of belonging and allows us to better serve our people, residents, and community. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 and the Ontario Human Rights Code, we are committed to providing accommodations and will work with employees to meet their needs through the recruitment process. If you are a person with a disability and require assistance during the application process, please let us know. We embrace an inclusive work environment and welcome members of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to apply.

To learn more about PCH, visit our website here: https://partnerscommunityhealth.ca/

To learn more about Wellbrook Place, the new long-term care homes and seniors hub, click here: https://www.partnerscommunityhealth.ca/wellbrook-place/

Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada. We would like to thank all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.