Purpose Seniors Mental Health Services provides specialized community-based mental health care for older adults living throughout the District of Algoma. The team supports individuals experiencing mental health issues that may affect independence, daily living, safety, or relationships. The goal of the service is to deliver comprehensive mental health assessments and recommendations. When appropriate, clients may also be connected to a geriatric psychiatrist for diagnostic consultation and treatment planning.

Duties

• Conducts comprehensive mental health assessments, develops care plans, delivers treatment, and ensures follow-up for clients in the community.
• Provides health education, clinical consultation, and recommendations in collaboration with clients, families/caregivers, physicians, and interdisciplinary team members.
• Demonstrates expertise in mental health nursing, including cognitive screening, risk assessment, psychosocial interventions, and symptom management.
• Acts as a liaison between the Mental Health and Addictions Program and community agencies and long-term care facilities.
• Collaborates with healthcare providers and community partners to coordinate and deliver holistic, person-centered care.
• Applies Best Practice Guidelines and evidence-based approaches in the assessment, planning, implementation, and evaluation of care for seniors experiencing mental illness.
• Leads or contributes to the development and implementation of individualized care plans through participation in team discussions, case conferences, and family meetings.
• Works closely with psychiatrists, emergency and primary care providers, Crisis Intervention staff, and other interdisciplinary professionals to ensure seamless and timely care.
• Participates in planning and implementing interventions to promote safety and mitigate risk for clients and staff.
• Adheres to relevant legislation, standards of nursing practice, and organizational policies related to health, safety, and quality of care.
• Serves as a role model, mentor, or preceptor to students, new graduates, and newly hired staff.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives and contributes to program evaluation.

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse in good standing with the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO).
• Current BCLS certification.
• Valid Ontario Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle, as travel throughout the community is required.

Experience

• Minimum 5 years of experience in the assessment and treatment of adults or seniors with mental illness, preferably in a community or geriatric mental health setting.

Skill/Ability

• In-depth knowledge of mental health conditions commonly affecting older adults.
• Understanding of the psychological, cognitive, and physical implications of aging.
• Demonstrated ability to assess cognitive function, mood, risk, and mental status.
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications and mental health nursing interventions.
• Strong knowledge of community resources and healthcare system navigation.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with referral sources, community agencies, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent communication, organization, and documentation skills.
• Comfortable working independently and in a consultative role as part of a team.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, Outlook) and electronic documentation systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to the organization’s mission, vision, and core values.

Note: Because of the changing nature of the work and work to be done, other responsibilities and duties may be assigned and qualifications may be adjusted from time to time.