First Link Support Counsellor

Location: Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce – Owen Sound office, community

Status: Full Time (35 hours/week) Permanent Position

About Us The Alzheimer Society Grey-Bruce supports people living with dementia and their care partners through compassionate, person-centred programs and services. Our work is grounded in respect, inclusion, and enhancing quality of life.

Position Summary:

The First Link Support Counsellor provides supportive counselling and education to individuals and their caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, using a person-centered approach. This service is delivered in-person and virtually utilizing both individual and group approaches.

The First Link Support

Counsellor is also responsible for marketing the First Link program and promoting/developing key partnerships/working relationships with potential referral sources such as primary care professionals, family health teams and community health centres.

Required Qualifications:

· A university degree in social sciences or a related field, or comparable education, along with knowledge and understanding of community resources and services is required.

· Membership in a Professional College is preferred.

· Demonstrated knowledge and work experience in the gerontology field, specifically Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias

· Training in P.I.E.C.E.S., U-First and GPA considered an asset

· Minimum 3 years’ experience working with older persons with dementia and their caregivers

· Competency in technology including ability to use electronic communication devices and software pertaining to documentation.

· Ability to work independently and as a cooperative team member with volunteers and other organizations

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Experience in individual, group, and family counselling

· Knowledge of relevant community resources

· Demonstrated time management and organizational skills

· Flexibility in adapting to changing priorities

· Ability to support programs which may occur outside of regular work hours

· Travel throughout Grey and Bruce Counties is required; access to reliable transportation is necessary

Specific Job Responsibilities:

· Conduct comprehensive client assessments to identify needs, risks, strengths, and eligibility, and determine appropriate services, supports, and referrals

· Provide information, education, and supportive counselling to individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias





· Monitor and provide proactive follow-up for clients to ensure ongoing support and education needs are being met

· Collaborate and network with community partners and agencies to support client care, facilitate referrals, and identify emerging resources and care options.

· Utilize social work practices to support problem solving, care planning, goal setting, and access to appropriate community supports and services.

· Facilitate caregiver training, education and information for clients as needed

· Refer to and follow appropriate legislation pertaining to the profession of Social Work, including the Social Work Code of Ethics and all relevant privacy legislation or appropriate registered college legislation.

· Maintain an advanced level of knowledge of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, including clinical manifestations, behaviours, current care practices, treatment options, placement options, available community resources, and all relevant legislation

· Participate in Memory Clinics

· Facilitate support groups for caregivers and persons living with dementia

· Maintain confidential, accurate and current client records, including complete and thorough documentation for each client contact, in compliance with relevant privacy legislation and in accordance with professional standards and internal policies

Evaluation & Other Responsibilities

· Represent the Alzheimer Society Grey Bruce in a qualified manner, treating all internal and external stakeholders with respect and dignity

· Act in the best interests of the Society

· Maintain an organized and productive office environment

· Provide reports and updates as requested

· Participate in evaluation of programs and services as required

Immediate Supervisor:

· Team Leader

Working Conditions:

· Regular work schedule with flexibility

· Frequent interaction and collaboration with care team

· Frequent sitting, general office duties

· Some travel required

· Occasional lifting/carrying 25 lbs., reaching, bending walking.

· Freedom of movement throughout the day

Expectations of All Employees include:

· Foster respectful, collaborative, and inclusive working relationships with colleagues, volunteers, clients, caregivers, and community partners.





· Demonstrate a person-centred approach in all interactions, recognizing the dignity, rights, preferences, and unique needs of individuals and families.

· Embrace organizational change and growth with a positive and solutions-focused mindset, contributing to innovation, adaptability, and the ongoing improvement of programs and services.

· Participate in required orientation, mandatory education, and ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge, skills, and competencies relevant to their role.

· Comply with all occupational health and safety policies, procedures, and safe work practices, and contribute to maintaining a safe and healthy workplace.

· Support organizational quality improvement, accreditation, risk management, and continuous improvement initiatives.

· Maintain the confidentiality and privacy of client, employee, volunteer, and organizational information in accordance with applicable legislation and organizational policies.

· Perform other duties and participate in organizational initiatives as reasonably assigned, consistent with the nature and scope of the position.

Please submit you resume and cover letter in one document to:

[email protected]

Closing date: August 31, 2026

We do not use artificial intelligence to screen, assess, or select applicants for this position.

The Alzheimer Society is an equal opportunity employer, and we are dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our communities in which we live and serve. We are also committed to inclusive, barrier-free recruitment and selection processes in accordance with the Human Rights Code and AODA and encourage applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.

Commitment to Equitable Recruitment

The Alzheimer Society welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity and social justice and we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Metis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, Black and persons of colour, persons with disabilities, people living with dementia, care partners and those who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $25.25-$35.90 per hour

Benefits

- Company pension
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Owen Sound, ON N4K 2G9

📌 First Link Support Counsellor (Owen Sound)
🏢 Alzheimer Society of Grey-Bruce
📍 Owen Sound