Occupational Therapist I

Come join the dynamic Calgary Rural Pediatric Allied Health team! We are committed to creating a positive, respectful, and collaborative work environment while delivering high-quality, family-centered care to children and families in rural communities. The pediatric Occupational Therapy position is based out of the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre and supports children and families, ages 0-18 years, who live in rural communities south of Calgary to Claresholm. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, and under the general supervision of the Calgary Rural Pediatric Allied Health Manager, the Occupational Therapist performs professional duties that align with the new AHS Pediatric Rehabilitation Service Priorities. Our child and family centered services focus on early intervention and child and family readiness; intervention including assessment, diagnosis and treatment options; focused on functional needs to support meaningful participation at home and in the community; support transitions through critical life and developmental stages; and health promotion and injury prevention activities across the health system and community. Occupational Therapy interventions will focus on the provision of an episode of care which meets an identified functional need. Job duties will require that the successful candidate has experience with pediatric eating, feeding and swallowing. Please note this position is located outside of Calgary city limits in the Okotoks/High River offices. Travel to other rural communities in the Foothills region is required.

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).

Completion of Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy (or Bachelor’s degree in OT) from an accredited university program. Demonstrated knowledge of Occupational Therapy and techniques suitable for the pediatric population. Minimum 2 years’ experience working in a community setting. Current BLS-HC provider certificate. Must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Embraces teamwork, values the importance of teamwork and demonstrates effective teamwork skills. Experience working on a multidisciplinary team.

AADL authorization recommended. Experience providing eating, feeding and swallowing support for infants and children. Creative, innovative, and solution focused to manage complexity. Rural experience is an asset. Time management and prioritization skills, with a demonstrated ability to function effectively within a dynamic, multidisciplinary environment. Self-directed and independent decision making, sound clinical judgment and critical thinking skills.