CAREERS

Young-Onset Dementia Support Navigator – Registered Social Worker 

YouQuest Young Onset Dementia Association (YouQuest) is an innovative service provider offering community-based services and supports for people with Young Onset Dementia (YOD) and their care partners in Calgary and surrounding areas.  

This is an excellent opportunity to work mostly remotely and maintain a flexible/part-time schedule as a contractor for the organization. 

Reporting to the Lead Recreation Therapist/Program Manager, the YOD Support Navigator will provide practical and emotional support to care partners and limited coordination support to program volunteers. Responsibilities include system and resource navigation, providing emotional support, supporting the referral and intake process, and 1:1 or group facilitation.  

Key Responsibilities 

YOD Care Partner Support Navigation: 

  • Provide support for care partners and persons living with YOD over the phone, via email, and through virtual, and in-person meetings.
  • Educate on YOD. 
  • Provide care and communication strategies to maintain the quality of life for both care partners and persons living with YOD. 
  • Assist in navigating community resources and services. 
  • Offer strengths-based and person-centred emotional support. 
  • Make appropriate referrals and linkages to meet clients’ needs. 
  • Co-facilitate care partner support groups or strategy workshops. 
  • Provide administrative support for care partner services. 
  • Proactively gather information on the latest resources available in Calgary and surrounding areas. 

Volunteer Coordination: 

  • Act as a liaison between the YouQuest team and volunteers.  
  • Provide remote support for volunteer schedule adjustments, including managing last-minute changes or cancellations on service days, often in the early morning before the program begins 
  • Navigate the YouQuest CRM and SharePoint files to enter/upload information for volunteers, help create schedules and generate reports, and manage volunteer files.  
  • Hold ongoing virtual meetings with the team and volunteers to assist with documentation and implementation.  
  • Provide ongoing support for volunteer recruitment.  
  • Track and manage volunteer recruitment resources, statistics, and materials. 
  • Work onsite to provide support for orientating new volunteers, when needed.   
  • Organize 1-2 volunteer appreciation events throughout the year.  
  • Organize, update, and virtually facilitate any necessary volunteer training and education modules throughout the year.  
  • Help develop and implement surveys to collect information from volunteers.  
  • Assist with engaging volunteers and practicum students.  
  • Participate in virtual team and 1:1 meetings every other month.  

Qualifications: 

  • Bachelor of Social Work with current registration, or a Social Work diploma with professional registration and two to three years of experience working in the community. 
  • Demonstrated ability to provide trauma-informed, culturally safe, person-centred care. 
  • Self-directed learner with the ability to research information and resources as needed. 
  • Exceptional time management and organizational skills, including the ability to prioritize workload.  
  • Strong understanding of YOD and caregiving issues. 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and navigating virtual platforms such as Teams is required. 
  • Compassionate and empathetic approach to working with individuals affected by YOD and their families.
  • Knowledge of the Carer Support Needs Assessment Tool – Intervention (CSNAT-I) is an asset. 

Hours and pay rate: 

  • $40.00 per hour, 12-14 hours per week 

To apply: 

Please email your resume and a brief cover letter to [email protected], with YOD Support Navigator in the subject line. 

We sincerely appreciate your interest in this role. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  

YouQuest Young Onset Dementia Association is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all team members.  

Job Type: Part-time, Contract 

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Volunteers

YouQuest is actively looking for volunteers to support service days and participants. Volunteers typically attend the YouQuest service days for either a half-day or full-day. The main role is to come alongside our participants with young-onset dementia to engage in conversation, activity and other support as needed. Training is available for volunteers and this is a great opportunity to support people with young-onset dementia and their families. There are other opportunities for behind the scenes support depending on your interests and availability.

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