Occupational Therapist I

Helping individuals with the Not Criminally Responsible due to Mental Disorder (NCR-MD) designation reintegrate into the community and witnessing their progress can be incredibly rewarding. Embark on a career that combines your passion for occupational therapy with the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing complex mental health challenges. Southern Alberta Forensic Psychiatry Services (SAFPS) has an opportunity for a highly skilled, empathic, and driven Occupational Therapist I to work with our clients. The clients under your care are part of the Not Criminally Responsible due to Mental Disorder (NCR-MD) Programs, primarily in the community with some work on the inpatient unit. You will work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team. You are responsible for the assessment and intervention needs of clients referred to as an occupational therapy service. This service may include assessment and treatment, education, and provision of equipment. You are also responsible for providing a leadership role in the delivery of psychosocial rehabilitation services. This could include providing feedback to staff on job performance as it relates to psychosocial rehabilitation; direct supervision of an Occupational Therapy Assistant; facilitating team discussions; drafting processes; participating in all aspects of outcome evaluations and working collaboratively to build and maintain community-based partnerships. Working as an Occupational Therapist in an NCR-MD Program offers a fulfilling and meaningful journey, where your expertise can transform lives and contribute to a safer and more compassionate community. The knowledge that your work plays a vital role in enhancing public safety and promoting the well-being of NCR-MD individuals will bring a deep sense of satisfaction and fulfillment to your professional life.

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).

Minimum of 3 years in the last 5 years consistent experience as an Occupational Therapist in an adult community mental health setting/program. Extensive experience in OT assessment relating to mental health disorders, neurological syndromes and physical medicine. Current Basic Life Support (CPR) Certification. Current Non-violent Crisis Intervention Certification. Qualified to perform restricted activities (psychotherapy) per your regulatory college. Demonstrated experience with group facilitation. Must have strong interpersonal skills. Experience completing projects related to the occupational therapy role. Experience working professionally on a complex interdisciplinary team. Must be able to work independently with minimal direct supervision. Must have own car and be willing to drive throughout the Calgary Zone. This position has transitioned to Recovery Alberta effective September 1, 2024. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Recovery Alberta.

Collaborative Problem-Solving training. Experience in a forensic or correctional setting. Knowledge of the Not Criminally Responsible due to Mental Disorder (NCR-MD) population. Demonstrated understanding of the Criminal Code Review Board of Alberta. Connect Care Training.