Occupational Therapist, Forensic Program

Occupational Therapist – Forensic Program – 1 position

Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care – St. Thomas, ON
Temporary Full Time
Salary Range: $40.36 - $56.30 /hour

Temporary employment anticipated to extend until October 16, 2026, subject to the availability of work. Currently assigned to B2 Treatment Unit South. New graduates are welcome to apply

The Forensic Psychiatry Program has adopted the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Model as its overarching philosophical framework. This philosophy is built on a set of principles and values that emphasize client and family involvement in decision making, client choice, the provision of a range of services to meet treatment, rehabilitation and support needs, and a commitment from mental health services' professionals to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients based on their stated preferences, wishes, desires and life plans. As part of the forensic system, this must also be accomplished within the parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order. The program is also highly invested in education and research with connections to the University of Western Ontario.

An opportunity exists within Forensic Services for an Occupational Therapist to provide comprehensive assessment, treatment and rehabilitation to individuals with serious mental illness using the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation/client‑centered care within the context of an interdisciplinary team approach.

Essential Qualifications

- Valid registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

- Demonstrated knowledge of major mental illness from a bio‑psychosocial perspective

- Knowledge, skills, and recent experience providing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with serious mental illness

- Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in applying the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and the practices of case management

- Knowledge of psychotropic medications, symptom management, and community resources

- Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation

- Excellent communication skills; both written and verbal

- Excellent organizational, time management, critical thinking and problem‑solving skills

- Must be capable of establishing positive interpersonal relationships and able to work as an effective team member

- Demonstrated experience using a patient‑centered approach

- Self‑directed and self‑motivated to accomplish specified outcomes

- Demonstrated commitment to evidence‑based practice

- Knowledge of and ability to mobilize community resources

- Experience in the development of teaching materials and the teaching of clients, family, and caregivers

- Working knowledge and experience with theories and principles of guiding adult learning and patient self‑management approaches

- Proven flexibility and a high level of initiative

- Familiarity with outcome measurement related to clinical practice

- Flexibility in adapting to varying caseload needs

- Knowledge of computer systems (e.g., workload measurement, Cerner, Outlook, Microsoft Office)

- Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA

- Travel within the catchment area is required

Preferred Qualifications

- Proficiency in French would be an asset.

- Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Authorizer

- Minimum of 2 years full‑time related experience as an Occupational Therapist

- Experience in both hospital and community service delivery

- Demonstrated interest and/or experience in research communication and program evaluation

- Demonstrated ability to work with and direct support personnel

Teaching and Research

- St. Joseph's Health Care London through its affiliation with Western University and Fanshawe College is a leading research and teaching hospital. As an employee of St. Joseph's, you will be expected to engage in role related teaching and research activities in addition to any of your clinical duties.

Immunization Requirements

- Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps rubella, varicella (chickenpox), Hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza.

- Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing.

Posting date: January 16, 2026
Submission deadline: January 22, 2026

Michelle Robertson, Human Resources

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated.
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Only those under consideration will be contacted.

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