Occupational Therapist I

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced and skilled addiction and mental health professional to be a member of the interdisciplinary Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT). Reporting to the Care Manager, the Occupational Therapist will provide assertive, client focused, culturally appropriate, evidenced-based, recovery-oriented care to adults experiencing severe and persistent mental illness, addictions and houselessness. ACT works primarily with individuals whose illness presents a barrier to engagement in treatment. Services are most often delivered through outreach services in the community, and in partnership and collaboration with clients, families, other AHS providers, inner city agencies, and community programs. Occupational Therapists in ACT are expected to work to full scope within a team case management environment. Essential to the skill set of this position will be an understanding of how mental illness and addiction impact community functioning, clinical assessment of functional cognition using standardized methods, effective skill development and task analysis techniques, thorough understanding of occupational engagement, demonstration and implementation of recovery-oriented care, and knowledge of concurrent care best practices. The OT will be responsible for direct client care in coordination with other team members, cooperation with family and staff from other agencies involved in the individual’s life and the development and enhancement of natural supports with the goal of facilitating the highest level of independence and self-management.

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).

Basic Cardiac Life Support - Health Care Provider (BCLS-HCP) and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention. Minimum of 3 years of relevant addiction and mental health experience, preferably in a community setting. Demonstrated ability to work well in a team and seek consultation when necessary. Ability to ambulate, climb stairs, and move quickly without limitations in a variety of environments. Possession of a valid Class 5 driver’s license and a vehicle in good working order for work related travel.

Experience and knowledge of the housing first, harm reduction philosophies of care. Demonstrated ability to work well with a range of community and agency stakeholders as well as clients and families.