Behavioural Support Education Facilitator

DATE: June 27^th, 2024

LOCATION: York Region / North Toronto area, ON – BSS

COMPENSATION: $63,042 – $74,308 Annually Prorated

LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 19,633 annually and providing 1,861 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.

To help fulfill its mission, LOFT is hiring a Behavioural Support Education Facilitator

Job Summary

As a member of the Behavioural Support Services team at LOFT Community Services, the Behaviour Support Education Facilitator will be responsible for supporting those who care for older adults with complex mental health, addictions, dementia and/or other neurological conditions that have associated responsive behaviours.  The Behavioural Support Education Facilitator provides service to staff and management, within community-based settings, that can include Retirement Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Day Programs, Homes for Special Care, Home and Community Care and other related health professionals to enhance their psychogeriatric knowledge and skill development.  The Behaviour Support Education Facilitator collaborates with other specialists, consultants, and community teams to improve the quality of care for older adults and their care partners.  Within this context, frequent travel to various locations with the catchment area, the Behaviour Support Education Facilitator will partner to support an integrated system of care through capacity enhancement and support for staff and leadership teams working within the defined population.

The Behavioural Support Education Program is responsible for providing capacity building, training and education to those formal partners that care for older adults with complex mental health, addictions, dementia and/or other neurological conditions that have associated responsive behaviours/personal expressions. Services are delivered to staff and management, within hospitals and community-based settings, that can include Retirement Homes, Assisted Living Facilities, Adult Day Programs, Home and Community Care and other related health professionals to enhance their psychogeriatric knowledge and skill development. The Behaviour Support Education Program collaborates with other specialists, consultants, and community teams to improve the quality of care for older adults and their care partners. Within this context, frequent travel to various locations within Toronto, York Region and South Simcoe is required.

What You Will Do:

• Provide educational support and training to enhance knowledge and skill in the Community sector (Community Support Agencies, Retirement Homes etc) using a variety of approaches, including but not limited to:

• Educational in-services/workshops

• Accessing and interpreting information and research to support evidence-based client centered practice
• Participation in the development of programs and system-level strategies to meet the needs of both the clients and their care partners as served through BSO;

• Develop educational resources that reflect current best practices and adult education principles;

• Assist and support staff in the various sectors (including LOFT staff) in the application and interpretation of assessment tools for care planning for clients with mental health, substance use disorders, cognitive and other neurological needs;

• Develop strong linkages and partnerships with other community resources;

• Participate in program development and evaluation;

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current and developing behavioural support models and trends and disseminate this information to the teams

• Maintain strict confidentiality and follow all other required policies and procedures;

• Consistently interact with clients, staff, family members, other community agencies and partners in a professional manner that reflects favourably on the organization and the Behavioural Supports Ontario Project;

• Effectively participate as a member of the Mobile Support Team; attend staff/team meetings, client care conferences, other multi-disciplinary meetings, committee meetings etc as required;

• Attend and actively participate in all required training;

• Collaboratively participates in ongoing supervision with the Director or Manager of Behavioural Support Services.

• Liaise, collaborate and coordinate with other professionals, service providers and partners within the Behavioural Support Services;

• Complete other duties, from time to time, as assigned by the Director or Manager of Behavioural Support Services.

What You Bring:

Must Haves

• Completion of an undergraduate degree in a related regulated health care profession (i.e., Social Work, Nursing, Occupational Therapy)
• Training in Adult Education and experience in the facilitation of adult learning and the ability to create and foster a dynamic learning environment.
• Completion of the PIECES 16 Hour Educator Program and/or a designated PIECES Associate; GPA Certificate preferred
• Minimum 3 years demonstrated expertise in working with older adults with mental health, addictions and dementia
• Expertise, knowledge and skill in developing and delivering behavioural management interventions for the specified population
• Extensive experience in training and educating colleagues and key stakeholders on strategies and interventions aimed at addressing responsive behaviours; expertise in acting as a team member, leader, mentor, educator and preceptor and maintain partnerships across the community sector
• An understanding of recovery and psychosocial rehabilitation principles and the therapeutic relationship
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practices related to dementia, delirium, mental health and substance use issues and their effect on seniors, families and caregivers
• Expertise in supporting the development of learning needs assessments and providing need-based education and training including the adaptation of learning modalities to meet target learners
• Excellent coaching skills and the ability to facilitate the development of these skills in others
• Good oral and written communication skills
• Excellent computer literacy, including MS Word, Power Point and Excel
• Sound understanding and commitment to the principles of the Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) project and the Action Plan for the Central LHIN
• Ability to collaborate effectively with other members of inter-professional care teams, family members and community team members
• Valid drivers’ license and access to own vehicle is required; must meet the requirements of LOFT Community Services – Personal Vehicle Usage Policy.
• Ability to communicate in a different language, an asset

Nice-to-Haves

• Understanding of cultural competency and anti-oppression framework
• Reflective of a multi-barriered group, as serviced by the program, a strong asset.
• Ability to communicate in a different language, an asset.

What We Offer:

• 24/7 Employee Assistance Program
• E-learning program available all year round
• Starting vacation time above minimum standard,
• Paid personal and paid sick days
• Corporate Gym membership rate with GoodLife Fitness
• Access to Perkopolis, a comprehensive corporate discount program
• Access to unlimited DEI trainings through partnership Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:

LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who reflects that diversity. At LOFT, we hold the deep belief that skills and expertise can be cultivated in various ways. Therefore, even if you don’t perfectly align with every listed criterion but feel you could flourish in this role, we highly encourage you to apply.

Note: All LOFT employees are required to be COVID-19 vaccinated as a condition of hire in accordance with LOFT’s Vaccination Policy; unless they are employed in or work regularly with staff who are employed in, non-client facing roles.

Note: A satisfactory vulnerable sector check (VSC) is also required.

CLOSING DATE: July 17^th, 2024