Occupational Therapist I - Seating Service

The Edmonton Zone Seating Service (EZSS) OT provides direct services and clinical leadership in the area of complex wheelchair and seating assessment and prescription to clients and therapists in the Edmonton Zone Home Living, Supportive Living, Facility Living and Community Aids to Daily Living programs. In addition, the EZSS OT works collaboratively with, and provides support and coverage for, the Seating Therapists of the EZSS that are embedded in the program areas outlined, and to the EZSS Seating Coordinator as indicated. Working with the Seating Coordinator & other Seating Therapists, provides clinical leadership and supports the delivery of seating services for EZ Continuing Care and Community Aids to Daily Living/Chronic Disease Management (CAIL), to a broader multidisciplinary team consisting of AHS and CSP OTs, PTs, TAs, private vendors, agencies and government programs. Demonstrates strong coordination skills & a sound understanding of working in Continuing Care and CAIL environments. Acts as role model & demonstrates clinical excellence in practice, strong leadership skills and the ability to engage a dispersed team of AHS and Operator staff through solid collaborative and engagement skills. Provides coverage & support to the EZSS Coordinator & embedded seating therapists. Along with the EZSS seating therapists, provides coaching & mentoring to support clinicians, identify practice issues, and coach and support individuals or teams. Contributes to the clinical orientation and mentoring of new staff within the multidisciplinary context & supports the supervision of students. Works with management team, EZSS Coordinator & other Seating Therapists to identify, support and facilitate the professional development needs of clinical and support staff for continuing education and ongoing staff development.

As an Occupational Therapist (OT), you will provide evidence-informed services, with a focus on occupational performance designed to meet the needs of individuals, groups, or a community. You may act as a direct service provider, consultant, educator, or advocate and function as an integral health care team member. You will engage individuals, groups, and communities to enable meaningful and chosen occupations, including self-care, productivity and leisure. You will support clients to achieve optimum functional abilities and independence related to their cognitive, affective, spiritual, and physical strengths and limitations. As an OT, you will provide comprehensive services, including triage, screening, consultation, assessment, diagnosis, collaborative goal setting, treatment, prevention, self-management, education, case management, referral, transition support, and collaboration with relevant and chosen stakeholders and supports within the client¿s physical, institutional, cultural, and social environments. You will include clients and families as integral members of the health care team, encouraging their active participation in all aspects of care. You will collaborate with clients and families in determining, implementing, and evaluating rehabilitation. You will participate in a variety of interprofessional teams to build awareness, enrich support and engage in quality improvement by partnering with healthcare providers, patients, families, and other stakeholders to advance services for the clients. You will contribute to quality improvement and their professional community and participate in peer mentoring and supervising students. You may also provide clinical supervision to Therapy Assistants and Therapy Aides.

Completion of bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited university program. Registered with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT).

Experience with Complex seating assessment and prescription in a clinic environment is required. Complex Wheelchair Seating AADL authorizer status through AADL is required. NOTE: Consideration will be given to candidates with a minimum of 2 years extensive experience prescribing wheelchairs and Basic seating components. Minimum of 2-3 years of experience as an OT working in the community environment. Knowledge of resources, community agencies/vendors, and Alberta Health Services programs and services available within the Edmonton Zone. Strong collaborative and interpersonal skills, as well as excellence in written and verbal communication. Ability to coach others and promote teamwork and partnerships to attain optimal client outcomes. Displays highly developed organizational skills, critical thinking skills, and problem-solving ability as it relates to service provision relating to seating services. Basic Cardiac Life Support - Healthcare Provider (BLS-HCP) is required. Computer literacy and familiarity with Microsoft Office required. The successful candidate will work in different settings and environments (clinic and home environments, weather conditions), and is required to lift and carry supply bags, which can weigh approximately 25-30 lbs. Additionally, the candidate must be physically able to assess for client seating needs, requiring awkward positioning, bending, transferring, and lifting.

Membership with SAOT (Society of Alberta Occupational Therapists) and CAOT (Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists) an asset. Participation in research activities is an asset.