Requisition Details: Employment Status: Regular, Full-time (1.0 FTE)
Program Name: Occupational Therapy
Work Schedule: Days

Work locations will vary, and travel is required within the Northern Health Zone (CEH, Cumberland, and Pictou). You can work from home and/or in a VON office when not delivering services. Job Summary: Interested in being part of an innovative project providing workplace safety training for nurses and home support workers who deliver homecare services? The OT works with the individuals to review their concerns and make recommendations that may help to prevent injury and/or assist with return-to-work plans.The Occupational Therapist (OT) is responsible to provide therapy services to individuals within the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards, and quality and risk management. The OT works collaboratively with other stakeholders and other community services to provide 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 patient plan of care within a patient centered approach to therapy goals.
Assesses patient's ability to function safely in the home/community environment
Assesses patients 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 patient and health care team
Provides education and recommendations to patient pertaining to the therapy goals.
Monitors patient outcomes and progression towards therapy goals.
Modifies patient's care plans as required based on patient outcomes.
Documents patient outcomes and current care plans in the electronic patient chart according to the funder and College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) guidelines.
Completes and updates the written care plan (electronic copy) with information collected from the patient, his/her family and any other healthcare or educational professionals involved.
Demonstrates professional code of conduct/communication with all members of the health team as per VON guidelines and policy.

Education, Designations and Experience:

Masters in Occupational Therapy (or degree prepared occupational therapy education prior to 2008).
Valid registration with COTNS and associated liability insurance.
Membership with the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists is preferred.
Experience in a health care environment (i.e. long term care, acute medicine, rehab unit, rehab clinic, community visiting program).
Demonstrates knowledge of community resources preferred..
Experience with patients who have musculoskeletal challenges an asset.
Detailed knowledge of the healthcare system and service delivery model used.

Skill Requirements:

Ability to utilize computer software program(s) on a hand held device (i.e. smartphone).
Demonstrates proficiency in the use of technology for documentation of patient 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 patient 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.
Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment.

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Attention to detail; Lift and carry using appropriate lifting techniques; Bend, push, pull, grip, reach, kneel, crouch using good body mechanics; Walk, sit, stand, climb stairs; Hand movements.

Occupational Therapist - Full-time