Occupational Therapist I

Make a meaningful impact in the lives of Albertans by supporting chronic disease management in the Calgary Zone. The Calgary Ambulatory Lymphedema Service (CALS) provides assessment and treatment for patients with primary and secondary, non-cancer related lymphedema. The CALS program uses a collaborative process to support and promote patients' functional independence and participation in life roles. Under the general supervision of the Care Manager, the CALS Occupational Therapist I (OT I) performs professional duties related to assessment, treatment, education and management of ambulatory patients with non-cancerous lymphedema. The CALS OT I works in collaboration with the team Therapy Assistant to support the management of lymphedema utilizing appropriate modalities and techniques. The CALS OT I ensures that their practice is evidence based, client-centered and meets the Occupational Therapy Standards of Practice. This position will work three days per week between Monday and Friday based at Sheldon M. Chumir Health Centre as part of Primary Care Alberta. This position is part of Primary Care Alberta. By applying on this posting, if you are the successful candidate, you agree to and will become an employee of Primary Care Alberta.

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).

A minimum three years’ experience within the past five years in an ambulatory or community setting supporting and caring for adult patients with chronic health conditions, including complex and bariatric. Proficient in facilitating group education sessions and providing individualized adult education to support health promotion, self-management, and client care. Experienced in performing assessments and developing and implementing follow-up occupational therapy plans within multidisciplinary teams. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and independently in fast-paced, evolving environments. Demonstrated ability to be an effective case manager and use independent judgement and initiative regarding treatment suitability for patients with chronic health conditions and recognize when contraindications exist. Lifelong learner that must be able to translate research and evidence into practice. Strong verbal, non-verbal, written, and listening communication skills. Skilled in building respectful relationships with diverse clients, care providers and care teams. Experienced working with culturally diverse and vulnerable populations. Proficient with computers, databases, and information systems.

Experience in assessment, treatment, education and management of lymphedema or lower leg edema (eg., wound care and compression). AADL authorizer and/or lymphedema treatment certification (e.g., Norton, Vodder). Experience working with and providing clinical guidance to therapy assistants. Experience in chronic disease management, motivational interviewing, and health coaching. Recent experience and competency working within Connect Care including communication, documentation, and workflows.