Physiotherapist I - Parkinson’s & Movement Disorder Clinic

The University of Alberta Hospital is one of Canada’s leading clinical, research, and teaching hospitals, treating more than 700,000 patients annually from western and northern Canada. The hospital offers a wide range of diagnostic and treatment services, including specialized adult services within cardiac sciences, neurosciences, surgery, medicine, orthopedics, renal, critical care, burns, transplant and trauma inpatient programs as well as a vast number of ambulatory clinics. This position is part of the centralized Rehabilitation and Allied Health Program responsible for the adult patient population and will concentrate their services within the outpatient Parkinson's and Movement Disorder Clinic. The Parkinson’s & Movement Disorder Clinic is the only clinic of its type with rehabilitation support in Western Canada. Its catchment area extends from Red Deer north, including northern BC and all 3 Territories. This clinic provides care on a referral basis for patients residing in the community that have disorders characterized by abnormal involuntary movement and/or impoverished voluntary movements including Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, dystonia, essential tremor, etc. Care is provided across the full spectrum of issues faced by people living with movement disorders, including motor, non-motor, and cognitive symptoms. The incumbent will also have opportunities to learn and provide services to other clinical areas on the hospital campus as indicated.

As the Physiotherapist I (PT), you will provide therapeutic interventions to enable clients to achieve optimum physical function and independence in development, disease, disability, chronic conditions, illness and functional decline. You will provide intervention (i.e. prevention, triage, screening, assessment, diagnosis, goal setting, treatment, management, education, consultation, fostering resourcefulness, case management, referral and transition support to individuals, groups, populations and communities. You will include clients and families as integral members of the health care team, encouraging their active participation in all aspects of care. The PT collaborates with patient(s) and families in determining, implementing and evaluating appropriate rehabilitation strategies. You will participate in a variety of interprofessional teams to build awareness, enrich supports and engage in quality improvement; partnering with healthcare providers, patients, families and other stakeholders to advance services for their clients. You will contribute to quality improvement and their professional community; participates in peer mentoring; and supervises students. You may provide clinical supervision to Therapy Assistants, Therapy Aides and Provisional Physiotherapists.

Bachelor's degree in Physiotherapy from an accredited university program. Current registration with the College of Physiotherapists of Alberta.

Current Basic Life Support (BLS-HCP) certification is required. Your quality of work must meet departmental and organizational expectations. Demonstrated clarity in your communication, organization, and consistency of ideas, both verbally and written, including clinical documentation, is required. You must be a highly motivated, confident & enthusiastic individual with a positive attitude whose work aligns with AHS Values. You must be able to act quickly and decisively using critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Able to utilize strong judgment by analyzing facts, considering the impact, and arriving at a sound conclusion, seeking counsel when appropriate. You can work independently and as a part of the team creating strong, effective interpersonal working relationships with peers and other caregivers. You are a reliable worker who uses time effectively and can prioritize/complete tasks in a busy work environment. You have effective teaching skills for students and other professionals. Basic computer skills are a must; familiarity with Connect Care is preferred. One year in the last 3 years of ambulatory hospital experience required, preferably in the Edmonton zone.

Experience working with various movement disorders including Parkinson's Disease, Huntington's Disease, dystonia, essential tremor etc. Understanding of the assessment and treatment of the motor, non-motor, and cognitive symptoms involved with these disorders. Knowledge and experience supporting clients in both individual and group settings. Understanding of chronic disease management, Health Change Methodology. Experience implementing mindfulness techniques. Knowledge of community resources.