Occupational Therapist I

This OT position will provide direct patient care on an inpatient medical, surgical or orthopedic unit as part of a team, with a focus on functional mobility, cognition and discharge planning with opportunities to develop skills in wound care, edema control and bracing/splinting. The successful candidate will have support from a team lead, practice lead and other Occupational Therapists. We are Western Canada’s biggest and busiest hospital, providing specialized care to a diverse population. The Royal Alexandra Hospital embraces continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice. >500,000 patients/year receive care from programs that include Level 2 Trauma/ICU, Accredited Stroke, Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery, Neurosurgery, CK Hui Heart Centre and Cardiac ICU, Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Indigenous Health Program, and many other clinical areas. Our Rehabilitation Department is an integral part of the highly specialized care provided at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. New staff in our department have access to a robust orientation/mentorship including hands on practice, in-services on clinically relevant topics, and an extensive library of learning material tailored to our areas of practice. Ongoing professional development is promoted through professional practice events, participation in quality improvement, rotations through service areas, and supervision and support of students. Our department includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Recreation Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists and Therapy Assistants. We endeavor to create a climate of safety and inclusivity where we support one another to reach our goals, and work as a team to provide the highest level of care to our patients. We encourage healthy lifestyles by providing secure bike storage, a Light Rail Transit Station, a Fitness Centre and other wellness activities.

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).

Heart and Stroke CPR (BLS-HCP) certification is required. Demonstration of strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills, as well as experience working effectively within a collaborative interdisciplinary team. Strong communication and conflict resolution skills is a key requirement. The ability to work both independently and as part of a team is required. Candidates must have knowledge and ability to use computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, and Outlook). This role involves extensive repetitive motion tasks due to computer-based work tasks and charting. Candidates must be able to tolerate long periods of sitting or standing, as well as perform repetitive movements. Active participation in hands-on patient care is expected, including tasks such as patient transfers, assisting bariatric clients, and engaging in activities involving bending, reaching, twisting, and walking distances. The ability to lift and carry 10-15 kg regularly is also required.

Experience assessing and treating geriatric patients, community resource knowledge, equipment acquisition, the care continuum, and discharge planning. Mentorship experience with OT students and AADL Authorizer qualifications. Minimum of one year of recent experience in an adult inpatient acute care setting. Experience managing complex medical cases (end-of-life care, chronic disease, dementia) and working with marginalized or inner-city populations. Connect Care experience.