LOFT Community Services·Toronto, Ontario
The Behavioural Support Specialist provides direct care, education, and support to seniors with responsive behaviours associated with dementia and mental health challenges. They lead the development and implementation of behavioural support plans while collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to ensure successful client transitions.
August 11, 2026 Location: Toronto, ON - NYGH Finch RCC Compensation: $67,011 - $79,010 Annually Prorated Work Type: Onsite Job ID: 10919142 Existing or New Position: Existing
LOFT Community Services is a unique and dynamic charitable organization that supports people living with complicated issues such as mental and physical health challenges, substance use challenges, poverty and homelessness. Serving approximately 19,534 annually and providing 1,839 units of supportive housing last year, LOFT is one of Ontario’s largest mental health service providers of its kind. LOFT is also recognized as a Nonprofit Employer of Choice™ Award (NEOC) recipient.
As a Behavioural Support Specialist, dedicated to the North York General Hospital Reactivation Care Centre (NYGH RCC), you will be a member of an interdisciplinary team that provides direct care, education and support to seniors who are demonstrating responsive behaviours that may be associated with various types of dementia, mental health, substance use and/or other neurological disorders. The Behavioural Support Specialist will provide direct service to support the patient/client, other members of the care team, family and other care partners to mitigate escalating responsive behaviours. In doing so, you will collaborate with the other members of the care team on the development and delivery of effective Behavioural Support Plans comprised of behavioural management approaches, psychosocial supports and education to referred individuals and their caregivers. You will also liaise with community agencies, other practitioners and key partners to coordinate care for clients. You will provide transitional support to ensure a successful and sustainable transition from the RCC to the next care destination. In addition, you will provide education and support to the care team to ensure current knowledge, trends and ethical guidelines in behavioural support.
Conduct comprehensive clinical assessments and provide evidence-based behavioural treatment recommendations using a person-centred, behavioural approach.
Lead the development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of Behavioural Support Plans and behaviour intervention programs to enhance client outcomes and quality of life.
Provide crisis intervention, risk assessment, urgent care planning, and referrals to appropriate community and crisis resources for high-risk individuals.
Review, edit, and approve Behavioural Support Plans to ensure compliance with ethical standards and best practices in behaviour management.
Collaborate with clients, families, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and community partners to coordinate care and advocate for client needs.
Deliver training, consultation, and ongoing support to staff, families, and caregivers to promote effective behavioural strategies and reduce responsive behaviours.
Foster respectful, therapeutic relationships with clients using Recovery-Oriented and Psychosocial Rehabilitation principles.
Maintain current knowledge of behavioural support practices, emerging trends, and evidence-based interventions, sharing expertise across teams.
Participate actively in multidisciplinary teams, client care conferences, staff meetings, and professional development initiatives.
Ensure strict adherence to confidentiality, organizational policies, professional standards, and regulatory requirements.
Work collaboratively under the direction of the Program Manager and/or designed perform additional duties as assigned.
Undergraduate degree in Nursing, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, or a related health discipline, combined with an Advanced Diploma in Behavioural Science Technology.
At least 3 years of experience supporting vulnerable seniors with responsive behaviours associated with dementia, mental health challenges, addictions, and other neurological conditions.
Proven expertise in the development, implementation, and evaluation of behavioural intervention and behaviour management programs for vulnerable populations.
Demonstrated experience providing training, coaching, and education to staff, clients, caregivers, and community partners on strategies to effectively address responsive behaviours.
Strong knowledge of evidence-based behavioural support models and the ability to apply best practices in clinical and community settings.
Training and/or experience with P.I.E.C.E.S., U-First!, Recovery-Oriented, and Psychosocial Rehabilitation approaches.
Comprehensive understanding of dementia, delirium, mental health conditions, and their impact on seniors, families, and caregivers.
Knowledge of community-based services, resources, and support networks available to older adults and caregivers.
Strong commitment to the principles of Behavioural Supports Ontario (BSO) and person-centred care.
Well-developed crisis intervention, problem-solving, relationship-building, and conflict-resolution skills.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Valid Ontario driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle, with the ability to travel within the community as required.
Staff will be required to work in residents’ rooms and may therefore be exposed to secondhand smoke.
May also be required to be on-call as emergency contact for after hours.
Frequent travel within community will also be required.
LOFT Community Services is a values-driven organization with a deep belief that each person has the ability to grow and change. We value compassion, collaboration, and community delivered with dignity, innovation, and excellence. LOFT’s vision is that together, we can all live successfully in our community. Our client population reflects Ontario’s diverse community and it is LOFT’s goal to build a workforce who also reflects that diversity. LOFT believes there are many ways to develop skills and build experience and expertise. So even if you don’t “tick all the boxes” but think you’d thrive in this role, you are encouraged to apply.
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LOFT Community Services is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible environment and dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we live and serve. LOFT is committed to making employment opportunities accessible in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. Requested accommodation will be provided in all parts of the application and hiring process by contacting hrteam@loftcs.org or (416) 979-1994.
Candidates must hold an undergraduate degree in a health discipline combined with an Advanced Diploma in Behavioural Science Technology. At least 3 years of experience supporting vulnerable seniors with responsive behaviours is required, along with a valid Ontario driver's license.
Market context
In Ontario, behavioral-health roles are typically driven by ongoing need in community, outpatient, and support settings serving people with mental health or substance use challenges. These positions can be competitive because employers often look for experience with diverse populations plus a high school diploma or GED, with a bachelor’s in social work or a related field preferred. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show relevant client-facing experience and readiness to work with varied needs.
