Occupational Therapist

About Autism Nova Scotia…

Autism Nova Scotia is a national leader in providing social, educational, and employment supports for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, caregivers, and professionals. Our vision is a society where people with ASD can live their lives to the fullest. This vision informs our day-to-day operations and provides a philosophy that revolves around person-focused supports, strength-based approaches, and community-oriented learning opportunities.

Autism Nova Scotia delivers programming in Halifax and in nine communities across Nova Scotia through our Regional Autism Centres. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.

Position: Occupational Therapist

Department: Pinwheel Wellness Centre

Time: Part Time – 22.5 hrs./wk.

Accountability: The Occupational Therapist is accountable to the PWC Supervisor.

Pinwheel Wellness Centre Team

The Pinwheel Wellness Centre (PWC) team works as an interdisciplinary community mental health team through Autism Nova Scotia. This team consists of 3 Registered Counselling Therapist, 1 Registered Social Worker, 2 Registered Occupational Therapist and 1 Sexuality Educator.

PWC supports Autistic adults (ages 19 +) who are experiencing co-occurring mental health difficulties, while building capacity for a more expansive professional support system for Autistic individuals through providing professional clinical practicum for students in counselling, social work, occupational therapy, and health promotion programs.

PWC addresses the multi-jurisdictional challenge that Autistics have seen firsthand; specifically, the lack of mental health support and service capacity for Autistic individuals. PWC is in Bedford Place Mall, Bedford, Nova Scotia. PWC client access in-person, video and tele services through PWC.

Responsibilities Include:

• Manages a caseload of clients through the Pinwheel Wellness Centre and carries out home visits, in-person, telephone, and video sessions;
• Developing and running group programming;
• Developing and implementing support plans alongside clients and their circle of supports;
• Assessing for and recommending assistive technology as appropriate to enhance occupational performance;
• Supporting clients in accessing their communities and fostering independence within their life;
• Assisting clients with occupational choices and assessment in functional goal setting plans;
• Working from a person-directed approach to supporting client's goals;
• Conducting, interpreting, and utilizing standardized assessments of occupational function;
• Supervising Occupational Therapy students completing their clinical placements;
• Demonstrates professionalism, adheres to standards of their professional practice;
• Supports program operations;
• Attends team rounds, team meetings, participant planning meetings and case conferences;

Education and Experience:

• Graduate of a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved Occupational Therapy Program required;
• Licensed member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS) required;
• Registered member of the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists (NSSOT) required;
• Registered, or eligible for membership, in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) required;
• Professional lability insurance required;
• Clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist supporting Autistic people.
• Experience working with Autistic people in community or residential settings required;
• Experience in assessments in functional goal setting plans required;
• Experience and knowledge of working from a neuro-affirming lens;
• Experience and knowledge of interoceptive awareness programming;

Skills

• Demonstrated knowledge of the mental health, autism and community services offered within Nova Scotia required;
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of clinical case management required;
• Demonstrated ability to assess risk of harm to self and others required;

• Demonstrated strong working knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting Autistic individuals/individuals with autism required;

• Demonstrated excellent communication skills (written and verbal) required;

• Demonstrated strong computer literacy and ability to learn new programs;
• Demonstrated strong working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Excel, and Google Docs required;
• Demonstrated strong professional judgment, problem solving, and conflict resolution required;
• Demonstrated strong administrative skills required;
• Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines, prioritize workload, maintain flexibility to respond to competing demands, and ensure effective organization, time management, and manage projects independently required;
• Demonstrated self-starter who can work independently, as a member of an inter-disciplinary team and collaboratively with community partners and families required;
• Demonstrated strong organizational skills, analytical skills and keen attention to detail required;
• Proficiency or experience in internal communication software (such as MS Teams) and external communication software (such as Zoom) considered an asset

Requirements

• A Valid criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check is required for this position;
• First Aid certification;
• Non-violent crisis intervention certification, or willingness to acquire;
• Valid Driver's license and access to reliable transportation for travel;

What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...

You'll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, aboriginal persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and women in non-traditional roles.

You'll make a difference.

You'll be surrounded by passionate and committed individuals who work together to improve quality of life through our services

You'll find a place to grow and develop.

We support professional development through training courses and support to help our professionals working with autistic people gain the knowledge they need to succeed and thrive. With a lot of opportunity for professional development and collaborative projects, you'll continue to grow and learn throughout your career.

Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted and expected to provide at least three recent, relevant references. The successful candidate maybe required to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements where applicable.

Please Note: We encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups. Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify.