Occupational Therapist I

The Occupational Therapist I is responsible for occupational therapy assessment, intervention, and consultation for adult and older adult inpatients, with a focus on patients with neurological diagnoses. The Occupational Therapist will work as part of an interdisciplinary team in a float capacity across the department and may also see patients on other inpatient units (e.g., Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Specialized Geriatrics, MSK). Will plan and participate in education of clients, families, students, and other healthcare providers; Will participate in program development and planning for assigned programs and the Occupational Therapy Service; Will include collaboration with and supervision of students and therapy assistants.

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).

Demonstrated experience with rehab assessment and treatment of adult and/or older adult patients with neurological diagnoses (Stroke, Brain injury or General Neurology) is required. Experience with functional cognitive assessments is required. An ability to effectively manage caseloads/time on different teams and adapt to evolving patient needs is essential. Experience working in interdisciplinary teams and effective interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills are also required. The successful applicant will be required to perform physically demanding tasks such as assisting with patient transfers, supported mobility and supporting and manipulating body limbs. Experience working with individuals who are experiencing emotional disturbance (depression, anxiety, etc.) related to adjustment or cognitive impairments is required.

Membership with SAOT/CAOT. Experience working in the rehabilitation of cognitive, physical, visual and perceptual impairments in adults and in the provision of adapted or specialized equipment, treatment modalities such as NMES/FES, computer-based technologies, and joint protection strategies are an asset. Strong knowledge of anatomy, assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of the upper extremity considered preferable. Experience rehabilitating individuals with spasticity an asset.