Behaviour Support Resource Nurse

ABOUT US

Almost 1.2 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2041. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources.

WHAT WE OFFER

Consistently named one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls.

• Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipality Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions.
• Employer of Choice - Recognized as the highest-ranking government employer in Canada and fourth overall among 300 organizations.
• Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to a comprehensive employer-paid benefits plan that includes extended health, dental and life insurance, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services.
• Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Director of Care, is responsible for providing expertise to effectively support staff/residents/families with the integration of residents with cognitive/responsive behaviours into the Long Term Care (LTC) environment; assisting with the Home’s collaborative Behaviour Support Resource Team; sharing best practices with the nursing staff and supporting resident care plans; liaising with external resources and with outreach teams for interventions, support and follow through with recommendations; actively participating in a LTC community of practice to share and improve knowledge in the care of responsive and complex behaviours; completing documentation and reports as required; and providing education in-services related to skills and knowledge improvement.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Assesses the meaning, etiology and inherent risk of behaviours using an objective, systematic and holistic process that takes into account the physical, intellectual, emotional and functional capabilities of the resident, as well as the environmental and social aspects of their surroundings.
• Critically assesses and identifies caregiver strategies/interventions that are abilities focused, person-centred and age appropriate for responding to behaviour and managing associated tasks.
• Supports staff to develop and implement care interventions for resident responsive behaviours to strengthen professional practice and promote effective interdisciplinary care.
• Acts as a resource to other staff, initiates a systematic approach to identifying and resolving problems and to make decisions regarding residents' care and well-being.
• Provides guidance and work direction to staff regarding implementing clinical care programs, policies, procedures.
• Provides support to staff by collaborating on interventions for resident behaviours.
• Participates in Responsive Behaviour Program planning, implementation and evaluation to ensure evidence-based practice, promotes continuous quality improvement and participates in quality assurance activities in consultation with appropriate resource personnel.
• Develops and/or maintains professional working relationship with internal and external partners, including community agencies and interest groups.
• Educates staff members and/or coordinates education such as PIECES model training on nursing practice/best practices through educational sessions and regular monitoring; ensures appropriate education is provided for the prevention and reduction of responsive behaviours and associated tasks in coordination with the Professional Practice Team.
• Maintains required certifications as defined by legislation and operational requirements.
• May occasionally be required to respond to emergency situations outside of normal business hours, as related to the Departmental Emergency Plan.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• Successful completion of a Practical Nurse Program/Diploma from a recognized institution and a current Certificate of Registration as a Registered Practical Nurse from the College of Nurses of Ontario.
• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in healthcare setting including two (2) years’ experience in the role of a responsive behaviour nurse in a Long Term Care setting and using RAI-MDS assessment tool.
• Member in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
• As a condition of employment, candidates will be required to provide a satisfactory Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC), tuberculosis screening and proof of immunization in accordance with the FLTC Act (O.Reg. 246/22).
• Experience in program development, health education, administration and researching best clinical practices.
• Certified in P.I.E.C.E.S. Learning and Development Program.
• Current knowledge of Ministry of Long Term Care’s Fixing Long-Term Act, 2025, RNAO best practices and relevant legislation, including CNO standards.
• Knowledge of and understanding of program planning, evaluation, principles of adult learning and organizational and clinical issues.
• Ability to demonstrate the Region’s core competencies.
• Computer literacy utilizing MS Office software applications and use of virtual platforms.
• Demonstrated effective clinical, communication, problem solving and decision-making skills.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement and evaluate programs, and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct and analyze statistical data and trends.
• Ability to travel to off site locations in a timely and efficient manner, as required.
• Ability to support other Long-Term Care home within the branch, as required.
• Ability to work outside regular business hours, as required.