Therapy Assistant

Cancer Care Alberta (CCA) provides Supportive Care services aimed at enhancing the quality of life for those affected by cancer, offering expert care from diagnosis through treatment and beyond. The CCA team is a leader in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment, survivorship, and palliative care. The Rehabilitation Oncology (RO) Team, part of CCA’s Supportive Care South, seeks casual Therapy Assistants (TA) to join their collaborative team of occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and speech-language pathologists at the Arthur Child Comprehensive Cancer Centre. This role is ideal for a team player eager to develop and apply clinical skills in both inpatient and outpatient settings. Under the supervision of the Manager, the casual TA will provide direct patient care through in-person visits, groups, and virtual sessions, while also handling administrative tasks like supply ordering. Responsibilities include delivering exercise programs, managing lymphedema, using modalities for symptom management, orienting volunteers, mentoring staff and students, teaching self-management techniques, and assisting with adaptive equipment. This physically demanding position requires lifting and transferring patients and equipment. Caseloads and workdays may vary based on operational needs. We are looking for therapy assistants who can work Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 4:15 PM.

As a Therapy Assistant, you will work both individually and as part of an interprofessional team under the assignment, monitoring and evaluation of an audiologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, recreation therapist or speech-language pathologist. You will contribute to effective and efficient rehabilitation services including direct and indirect client care across the health care continuum (healthy living, getting better, living with illness and disability, end of life care) for all ages as well as non-client service provision. This role will require you to work effectively with internal and external partners, and display professionalism and strong ethics in both client centered care and participation in care teams. You will demonstrate evidence of reflective thinking and lifelong learning that enhances individual and team competency. You will have opportunities to use your interpersonal and clinical skills in contributing to quality improvement, program planning and student supervision.

Completion of diploma from an accredited post-secondary rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program or equivalent training may be considered.

Recent (within the past two years) practicum and/or work experience in an adult urban hospital setting supporting Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, and/or Speech Language Pathologists. Demonstrated strong interpersonal and communication skills, including empathy and professionalism. Experience using a variety of adaptive aids and rehabilitation equipment. Proven ability to work effectively within a patient centered, interdisciplinary team. Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing demands in complex clinical environments. Demonstrated ability to support patients experiencing emotional distress or crisis related to illness. Applies sound critical thinking and decision making skills while working within scope and seeking guidance as needed. Shows effective self-management, initiative, accountability, and engagement in self-directed learning. Highly organized with the ability to manage supplies and respond flexibly to changing priorities. Demonstrated ability to identify and manage conflict appropriately and contribute positively as a team member. Open to change and committed to learning new skills and adapting to new areas of care.

Minimum 2 years clinical experience as a TA supporting OT, PT and/or SLP in an acute care setting. Minimum 1 year experience in adult cancer care. Experience working with patients with advanced illness, who are palliative and/or receiving end of life care. Experience using Connect Care. Intermediate computer skills including Microsoft Suite. Experience with positioning, wheelchairs/cushions and equipment/supplies management. Experience facilitating groups.