Support & Education Coordinator, First Link®, Minds in Motion®

About the position

First Link®programs and services includes the delivery of standardized support and education programs, development of partnerships with community centres and volunteer recruitment and supervision.

Minds in Motion®is a fitness and social program for people living with any form of early-stage dementia along with a family member, friend or other care partner.

The combined roles of Support & Education Coordinator, First Link®, Minds in Motion® provides support for the consistent delivery of First Link® programs and services throughout Kelowna, Vernon and surrounding areas. The Support and Education Coordinator, First Link® is responsible for the consistent delivery of core First Link®programs and services and for the planning, implementation and facilitation of Minds in Motion® programs.

Working as part of a team, this role helps to build strong community and healthcare professional relationships to achieve a dementia-friendly province, while ensuring that people living with dementia, caregivers and the general public are informed, educated and supported.

This role reports to Manager, Community Services - Interior and North.

Title:
Support & Education Coordinator, First Link®, Minds in Motion®

Salary range:
$50,400 - $58,000 per year

Contract:
Permanent

Hours:
Full time - 35 hours per week

Location:
Kelowna, Vernon or surrounding areas - Hybrid work from home option

Key responsibilities

Support and Education Coordinator - major responsibilities:

• Coordinate the delivery of standardized workshops for caregivers, people living with dementia and the public.
• Coordinate the delivery of support groups for caregivers and people living with dementia.
• Work with the team to recruit and supervise volunteers for a variety of roles within the service. Utilize Society accepted best practices to train, manage, evaluate and recognize support and education volunteers.
• Develop and maintain relationships with health care professionals, allied health professionals and other stakeholders through presentations, informal and formal contacts and information exchanges to build, maintain and grow the referral network.
• Manage the First Link® referral process so that people are connected to support services early in the disease and throughout the journey.
• Provide one-to-one telephone support to people with dementia and caregivers, ensuring they are offered the Society's information, education and support services.
• Represent the Society at the community level, building relationships with other service organizations, local businesses, politicians and municipalities in alignment with department goals and the Strategic Plan.
• Support the Annual IG Wealth Management Walk for Alzheimer's event, as well as other fund-related initiatives as required.
• Maintain client records and statistical reports according to Society and legislative policies, procedures and guidelines.

Minds in Motion® Coordinator - major responsibilities:

• Develops and manages partnerships with community or seniors' centres in accordance with the Minds in Motion® Partnership Guidelines.
• Facilitates social interaction and encourages involvement in activities that engage people with dementia and their care partners, guided by their needs, abilities and interests.
• Evaluates the ongoing appropriateness of participants in the program and manages the process of
• transitions from the program with awareness and sensitivity.
• Consults with the fitness instructor and provides assistance during the fitness program if directed by the fitness instructor to assist individual participants.
• Connects participants to Alzheimer Society of B. C. services and other community resources for people with dementia and their families, as needed.
• Recruits, screens, trains and supervises volunteers to assist in the programs.
• Other duties as required to meet the needs of the role in relation to organizational goals.

About you

You have a post-secondary education or relevant degree in health or social agency. You bring a person-centered and collaborative approach to supporting individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, and the broader community. You are skilled at fostering relationships, managing volunteers, and facilitating programs, always with a focus on inclusivity and respect for diverse backgrounds. You are committed to delivering results with integrity, compassion, and a deep understanding of the Alzheimer Society's mission.

Key qualifications

• 3 to 5 years of experience in health of social agency related function or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge and lived experience with persons living with dementia.
• Experience providing support and information in a human services environment.
• Experience developing and building community connections.
• Knowledge and experience with group facilitation and peer support interventions.
• Knowledge and experience with dementia, understanding of related issues.
• Experience in presenting structured education is an asset.
• Volunteer management training/experience.
• Diploma in Recreatoonal Therapy is an asset.
• Proven leadership abilities and ability to work independently.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Regular travel within the North/Central Okanagan and occasional travel to regional and provincial
• meetings is required.
• Some evening and weekend work may be required. Flexibility regarding scheduling is expected.

Technical qualifications

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Able to lift equipment used in the Minds in Motion® program.
• Must be able to drive and have reliable transportation.
• Regular travel within the service area and occasional travel to regional and provincial meetings.
• Some evening and weekend work is required; flexibility with scheduling is expected.

About us

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits, including

• Flexible work environment including condensed work week options and hybrid work options.
• Generous paid time off (4 weeks' vacation, 2 personal days, and 13 paid public holidays).
• Comprehensive employee health benefits including Health Care Spending Account, group RRSP, and Employee Assistance program for you and your dependents.

There are approximately 85,000 British Columbians living with dementia, and this number is growing. For every person living with dementia, there are many more people affected, including family, friends, co-workers and other members of their communities. Our vision is of a world without Alzheimer's disease and other dementias and that world begins with a more deme.