Occupational Therapist I

The Royal Alexandra Hospital is Western Canada’s biggest and busiest hospital, providing specialized care to a diverse population from a catchment area that includes 1/3 of Canada’s land mass. As a teaching hospital, the Royal Alexandra Hospital embraces continuous quality improvement and evidence-based practice. Over 500,000 patients per year receive expert care from programs that include: Level 2 Trauma/ICU, Accredited Stroke, Orthopedic Surgery, General Surgery and Neurosurgery, CK Hui Heart Centre and Cardiac ICU, Lois Hole Hospital for Women, Indigenous Health Program, and many other inpatient and outpatient clinical areas. Our Rehabilitation Department is proud to be an integral part of the highly specialized care that is provided at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. New staff members in our department have access to a very robust orientation and mentorship program which includes demonstration of skills with a buddy, attendance to in-services on clinically relevant topics, and an extensive library of supplemental learning material tailored to our various areas of practice. Ongoing professional development is promoted through professional practice lead events, participation in quality improvement initiatives, opportunities to rotate through other service areas, potential for learning of advance practice, and supervision and support of students. Our department includes Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Recreation Therapists, Speech-Language Pathologists and Therapy Assistants. We endeavor to create a climate of safety and inclusivity where we support one another to reach our goals, and work as a team to provide the highest level of care to our patients. We encourage healthy lifestyles by providing secure bike storage, a Light Rail Transit Station, a Fitness Centre and other wellness activities. 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). Heart and Stroke CPR (BLS-HCP) is required. Demonstration of strong clinical reasoning and problem-solving skills are required. Experience working successfully as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary team is required. Conflict resolution and strong communication skills are required. Must be able to work independently and within a team environment. Knowledge and ability to use computer applications such as Microsoft Office (Excel, Word and Outlook). Work tasks and charting is computer based so there are extensive repetitive motion tasks. Must be able to tolerate long periods of sitting or standing as well as repetitive movements. Must be able to participate in hands on care of patients (i.e. transfers, bariatric clients, bending, reaching, twisting, and walking distances). Must be able to lift and carry 10-15 kg regularly if needed. A minimum of 1-year recent experience in an adult inpatient acute care setting is preferred. Experience with the complex medical patient populations (end of life, chronic disease management, and dementia) is preferred. Experience with Connect Care is preferred. Experience working with the marginalized population with a good understanding of inner-city clients and resources is preferred. Experience in the assessment and treatment of patients within the geriatric population is an asset. Knowledge of community resources; equipment acquisition; continuum of care and discharge planning is an asset. Experience in mentoring Occupational Therapy students is an asset. AADL Authorizer qualifications is an asset.