Occupational Therapist - Full-time

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE)

Program Name: Therapy Program - Sarnia/Lambton

Number of Hours Bi-Weekly: 75 

Work Schedule: Days Only

On Call: No

Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.

New Grads Welcome to apply! Days only no evenings, weekends or on call!

Job Summary:

The Occupational Therapist (OT) is responsible to provide therapy services to individuals in the community within the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards, and quality and risk management. The OT works collaboratively with other stakeholders (families, principals, teachers, educational assistants, Therapy Assistants, other support personnel) and other community services to provide therapy services using a client-centred care approach, as well as evidence based practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates knowledge, skills and attitudes as outlined in the Occupational Therapy standards and guidelines for an evidence-based practice, in order to assess, plan, evaluate progress (for potential discharge) and document client plan of care within a client centered approach to therapy goals.
• Assesses clients' ability to function safely in the home/community environment i.e. Activities of Daily Living (ADL's), Instrumental ADL's, equipment needs etc.
• Assesses clients' cognitive ability to function independently within the home/community environment.
• Assesses clients from a holistic approach i.e. mental health status, social contacts, spiritual, and physical needs that may potentially impact the patient's ability to maintain independence in home environment. 
• Develops a client centered plan with the client and health care team (i.e. Care Coordinator, Physiotherapist, Personal Support Worker (PSW), Nursing, etc.).
• Provides education and recommendations to client pertaining to the client's therapy goals.
• Provides assistance with funding sources to obtain equipment and/or home/vehicle modifications (porch lifts, ramps, grab bars, stair glides, etc.) as applicable. 
• Monitors client outcomes and progression towards therapy goals.
• Modifies client's care plans as required based on client outcomes.
• Documents client outcomes and current care plans in the electronic client chart according to the funder and College of Occupational Therapist guidelines.
• Communicates with funding agency as required regarding client outcomes and status changes.
• Manages and maintains caseload of clients and responds appropriately to changes in volume.
• Completes and updates the written care plan (electronic copy) with information collected from the client, and any other healthcare or educational professionals involved. 
• Utilizes verbal and non-verbal communication skills effectively with the client as required. 
• Demonstrates professional code of conduct / communication with all members of the health team as per VON guidelines and policy.

Common Responsibilities:

• Promotes the goals and values of VON and their role as an integrated community care provider 
• Promotes a safe and healthy workplace ensuring workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and compliant with the VON Safety Management System, including all Policies, Safe Work Practices and Procedures 
• Abides by all VON policies and work practices
• Abides by all confidentiality and protection of personal information policies, regulations and practices and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place within their role
• Works in collaboration with other staff in a team approach to service delivery

External and Internal Relationships: 

• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure client's care needs are met and therapy goals are progressing to meet client individual goals.
• Works collaboratively with the community services (Physiotherapist, Speech Language Pathologist and Social Worker) to ensure a safe transition to community and client goals are met.

Education, Designations and Experience: 

• Masters in Occupational Therapy (or degree prepared occupational therapy education prior to 2008). 
• Valid registration with the College of Occupational Therapists and associated liability insurance. 
• Member with the provincial Society of Occupational Therapist is preferred. 
• 1 year experience in a health care environment (i.e. long term care, acute medicine, rehab unit, rehab clinic or community visiting program). 
• Detailed knowledge of the healthcare system and service delivery model used. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of community resources preferred. 
• Provided care to clients of varying diagnoses across the lifespan (stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), falls, dementia, Parkinson's, Chronic Lung Disease, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), developmental delay, learning disability etc.)
• Experience with clients who have musculoskeletal challenges an asset.
• Paediatric experience for OT's working in the school environment. 

Skill Requirements:

• Ability to utilize computer software program(s) on a hand held device (i.e. phone or tablet). 
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of technology for documentation of client outcomes. 
• Strong communicate skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work interdependently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to adjust to working in different social and economic environments.
• Ability to respond to changes in client caseloads and care needs.
• Demonstrates excellent time management skills to balance client visits, paperwork and urgency of referrals.
• Demonstrates a passion for serving the community and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Other: 

• Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance
• Willingness to travel regularly during the day as well to support sites and attend meetings
• A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required. 
• A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
• Ability to speak French is an asset. 
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment.(PPE)

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.