UHN is Canada’s #1 hospital and the world’s #1 publicly funded hospital. With 10 sites and more than 44,000 TeamUHN members, UHN consists of Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, The Michener Institute of Education and West Park Healthcare Centre. As Canada's top research hospital, the scope of biomedical research and complexity of cases at UHN have made it a national and international source for discovery, education and patient care. UHN has the largest hospital-based research program in Canada, with major research in neurosciences, cardiology, transplantation, oncology, surgical innovation, infectious diseases, genomic medicine and rehabilitation medicine. UHN is a research hospital affiliated with the University of Toronto.

UHN’s vision is to build A Healthier World and it’s only because of the talented and dedicated people who work here that we are continually bringing that vision closer to reality.

www.uhn.ca

Union: Non-Union
Number of vacancies: 1
New or Replacement Position: New
Site: Toronto Western Hospital
Department: Center for Mental Health
Reports to: Manager
Salary Range: $43.47 - $54.34 per hour
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Shifts: Days
Status: Permanent Full-Time
Closing Date: March 25, 2026 

The Behaviour Support Specialist (BSS) program within the Centre for Mental Health at UHN supports acute and post-acute hospitals throughout the Toronto Central region.  The program aims to reduce Alternate Level of Care (ALC) days, emergency room visits, and inappropriate use of emergency services for older adults diagnosed with a neurocognitive disorder, mental illness and/or TBI/ABI and presenting with responsive behaviours which limit their care and impact their transition. The BSS Mental Health Clinician (MHC) conducts individualized assessments and creates behavioural support plans to help ensure that clients are receiving the right care in the right care setting. The BSS MHC also supports effective transitions between acute/post-acute/long term care & community by enhancing existing supports, and filling knowledge and service gaps throughout the continuum of care for individuals with responsive behaviours.  

DUTIES 

• Complete comprehensive and client-centered behavioural support plans including, but not limited to, the assessment of responsive behaviours, cognitive state and functional abilities, as well as providing support and recommendations for addressing responsive behaviours 
• Provide support and advocacy for successful and sustainable transitions for older adults presenting with responsive behaviours from acute care to the most appropriate discharge location (e.g. transitional care units, long-term care homes or community)  
• Consult with appropriate stakeholders to gather collateral information to develop comprehensive care plans and effective transitions 
• Connect caregivers and patients to appropriate community supports 
• Provide education and training to acute care and community partners to enhance their knowledge of dementia care, responsive behaviours, non-pharmacological approaches to behavioural management and effective transitions 

• Completion of a Master’s degree program in Health and/or Social Sciences  
• Registration licensure as required by professional body, e.g. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers, College of Occupational Therapists Ontario, College of Nurses Ontario etc.  
• 3 years practical and related experience required  
• Additional courses/education in mental illness, addictions and geriatric mental health (e.g. P.I.E.C.E.S., DementiAbility, GPA, U-First etc.) are an asset  
• Experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team in a healthcare setting 
• Experience conducting psycho-social and/or functional assessments  
• Experience creating treatment plans for individuals with responsive behaviours (preferred) 
• Experience delivering care via virtual platforms  
• Ability to travel to multiple sites across the Toronto Central area in a reliable vehicle  
• Knowledge of the Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) programs and pathways considered an asset
• Knowledge of the various healthcare systems and how they relate to one another including eligibility criteria and requirements 
• Exercise initiative and good judgment with the ability to multi-task  
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and as a member of a team  
• Knowledge of and compliance with confidentiality requirements  
• Effective written and verbal interpersonal and communication skills  
• Skilled in systems navigation and advocacy requiring diplomacy  
• Excellent problem recognition and solution-focused skills  
• Knowledge of applicable legislation including the Mental Health Act.

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates.  Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.