Family Support Counsellor

Permanent, Full-time (35 hours per week), Vacancy

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland and Haliburton is seeking a compassionate and skilled individual to join our team as a Family Support Counsellor.

In this role, you will build meaningful relationships with care partners and individuals living with dementia, playing an important role in promoting early intervention, well-being, and quality of life. You will provide ongoing supportive counselling, education about dementia care strategies, facilitate support groups, and assist individuals and families in navigating our health and community support systems. Working closely with community partners, you will also participate as a member of interdisciplinary teams in memory clinics throughout our service area.

This position is ideal for someone who is empathetic and values using a person-centred approach to support clients according to their unique needs. You are skilled at managing your time effectively to balance the competing priorities of maintaining a substantial case load. You enjoy getting out of the office and travelling to meet with clients in their homes and clinic settings, and to facilitate support groups in our local communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide supportive counselling to care partners and individuals living with dementia
• Conduct standardized assessments and develop individualized service/care plans
• Facilitate psychoeducational support groups
• Provide education about dementia care practices to promote safety, reduce care partner stress and avoid crisis situations
• Support care partners to utilize strategies for responding to behavioural expressions of dementia
• Assist clients with future care planning, advocacy, and navigation of health and community service systems
• Coordinate client participation in Alzheimer Society programs and services
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners
• Work collaboratively with internal external interdisciplinary teams
• Represent the Alzheimer Society professionally on committees and community initiatives

Qualifications

• Diploma or degree in Social Work, Social Services, Geriatric Care, or equivalent combination of education and experience. Preference will be given to candidates who are regulated professionals and members in good standing with an Ontario regulatory body.

Experience

• Experience working with people living with dementia and their care partners
• Experience in assessment, care planning, and service coordination
• Experience in health care, human services, or inter-professional team environments

Skills & Competencies

• Strong knowledge of dementia care and person-centred practices
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong organizational and time-management abilities
• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of diversity
• Knowledge of community, health, and social service systems in the region
• Strong written communication and computer skills (Microsoft Office and client databases)

Additional Requirements

• Valid G Class driver’s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle
• Vulnerable Sector Police Check (within the last 2 months)
• Membership in a relevant professional regulatory body is considered an asset

Working Conditions

Work activities take place in office, clinic, community, and home settings. Travel throughout Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is required. This role will have a particular emphasis on travel in rural areas north of Peterborough. Occasional evening or weekends may be required.

Our Compensation Package

• Grade 4 position with starting salary commensurate to experience: $22.00 - 27.00 per hour (35 hours per week)
• Competitive platinum level benefits package that rivals what is offered at many large corporations, fully covered by the Society* and includes Employee Assistance Program ( *excludes LTD )
• 10 days vacation, in addition to office closure between December 25 and January 1. All vacation hours are accessible to you within three months of your employment with us.
• Vacation increased to 15 days after two years of service, and 20 days after four years of service
• 18 sick days per year, 5 of which may be used for family obligation reasons
• 5 paid and 5 additional unpaid emergency leave days per year
• 1 additional Wellness Day after five years of service
• In the summer months, flex time may be used to take Friday afternoons off making the most of the great weather and everything our four counties have to offer.
• Professional development opportunities provided throughout the year to all positions
• Option to work from home 1 day per week
• Healthy work-life balance2025

Why You Should Join Our Team

 The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton is a heart driven, family-oriented work place that encourages its employees to maintain a healthy work-life balance. We believe that you can do your best work when you are rested and able to balance both your work and personal obligations.

 We strive to maintain a workplace where you can bring your full self to work with an organizational culture that is frequently described as vibrant and fun. You are highly encouraged to bring your sense of humour to work with you.

About the Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton (ASPKLNH) is a community-based, non-profit organization dedicated to improving quality of life for people living with dementia and those who care for them. We deliver evidence-informed programs, education, and support across a large and diverse region, ensuring individuals and families are not left to navigate dementia alone. Grounded in compassion and collaboration, we work alongside health and community partners to build capacity, drive meaningful change, and strengthen dementia-inclusive communities. Our team is mission-driven, people-centred, and committed to excellence in service, advocacy, and continuous learning.

How to Apply

For a full position description please contact:

Carolyn Hemminger, Operations Manager/HR Lead at carolyn@alzheimerjourney.ca

Interested applicants please apply https://alzheimerjourney.bamboohr.com/careers/32

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton recognizes the value and dignity of each individual and ensures everyone has genuine, open, and unhindered access to employment opportunities, free from any barriers, systemic or otherwise.

We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive work environment, where the rights of all individuals and groups are protected and all members feel safe, respected, empowered, and valued for their contributions. Our values include justice and connection and are the guideposts we use for decision-making of all kinds. We believe that this will guide the organization toward a place of inclusion for all - where equity and access to essential supports and services becomes the reality. We are committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA. The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough Kawartha Lakes Northumberland and Haliburton welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from First Nations, Inuit and Métis, Indigenous Peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as LGBTQ2S+.

Note: The Alzheimer Society of Peterborough, Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, and Haliburton does not use Artificial Intelligence to screen, assess, or select candidate applications.

Disclaimer: This job description indicates the general nature and level of work expected. It is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required by the incumbent may be asked to perform other duties as required.