Brain Medicine Patient Navigator - Azrieli Brain Medicine Fellowship - Temporary full-time 2023-6320

The Brain Medicine Clinic is an interdisciplinary clinic run by multiple brain medicine specialists (neurology, psychiatry, neurosurgery, geriatrics and physiatry) aimed to treat patients with complex brain disorders, using an integrated and holistic approach. The Brain Medicine Clinic is a first of its kind, funded through philanthropy to address the need for an innovative model of care for this complex population.

ROLE SUMMARY: We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced individual to provide patient navigation to patients and family members seen in the Brain Medicine Clinic. The goal of this position is to provide education to patients and family members, and to assist patients and families in accessing the appropriate local resources to help achieve the goal of maximizing brain health and community resource support. In this position, Patient Navigation would also extend to providing therapeutic support, thereby playing an active role in the treatment plan. The Navigator might work through a variety of modalities including individual therapy, group work, case management, community outreach and advocacy. The Patient Navigator collaborates with the Brain Medicine faculty within the Department of Medicine, Psychiatry and Surgery and practices in a manner that reflects the Mission, Vision, and Values of Sunnybrook.

Roles and responsibilities of this role include the following, but are not limited to:

• Meet with patients during Brain Medicine Clinic to answer outstanding questions and provide education
• Provide follow up with high-risk patients shortly after Brain Medicine Clinic appointment to provide counselling and link to community resources
• Provide time-limited individual therapy sessions. There may be opportunity for group therapy as the clinic develops as well.
• Assist with coordination of necessary testing
• Communicate and consult with CCAC where appropriate
• Liaise with physicians regarding patient education and resource needs
• Identify and initiate resources required for Brain Medicine patients

Qualifications/Skills

• Current registration as a Regulated Health Professional in Ontario, social work background highly preferred;
• Demonstrated clinical expertise with patients, ideally in a mental health or in a dementia patient population preferred;
• Demonstrated use of supportive and/or specific psychotherapeutic modalities (e.g., cognitive-behavioural therapy, dialectical-behavioural therapy, trauma-based therapy, motivational interviewing);
• Exemplary interpersonal and conflict management skills;
• Excellent verbal and electronic communication skills;
• Patient and empathetic demeanor;
• Knowledge of mental health and dementia related community health resources an asset;
• Demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning