Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist

Health Administration · Eskasoni Health Centre

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Occupational Therapist provides professional occupational therapy involving the assessment of motor function, neurodevelopment, perceptual, and/or personal-social development and treatment of clients using a population health approach in an interdisciplinary team of health providers in a First Nation community. The primary goal is supporting the Eskasoni First Nation community in meeting their health care needs that include Eskasoni Health, Eskasoni School and Kiknu Long Term Care facility. As a member of an interdisciplinary team, the occupational therapist will provide direct care to scheduled and unscheduled patients across the lifespan with a variety of health conditions and socioeconomic factors. The physiotherapist evaluates patient outcomes, provides consultation to, and consults with other team members.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

This position reports to the Health Services Lead of the Eskasoni Health Centre

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide outpatient service at Eskasoni Health that include Mental Health and Home and Community Care clients
• Provide outpatient service at Eskasoni School to clients on an ongoing basis
• Provide direct service to clients that reside at Eskasoni Kiknu Long Term Care Facility
• Administers and interprets standardized and non-standardized tests and evaluations to assess clients with occupational therapy related concerns such as level of independence in activities of daily living, seating, and mobility, swallowing and meal texture, pressure reduction and skin integrity, splinting.
• Develops individualized treatment plans based on clinical records, observation, and referral; confers with interdisciplinary staff regarding an overall treatment plan for clients.
• Evaluates the progress of clients in relation to occupational therapy treatment provided through use of tests and observation; confers with nursing staff and physicians regarding effectiveness of treatment.
• Prepares progress reports, funding requests, and statistical reports relating to occupational therapy treatment programs and client needs and maintains treatment records as required.
• Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team; gives evaluation and progress reports on clients.
• Designs and produces adaptive equipment, utensils, splints, or other orthotic devices as needed for use by clients; instructs clients and staff in the proper use of the equipment.
• Coordinates management of facility equipment; contacts suppliers for service and maintenance of wheelchairs, gerichairs and power wheelchairs.
• Provides staff training on ergonomics, seating assessment, skin integrity, equipment and other related topics as required.
• Ensures client safety by following and applying all standard operational procedures, safe work practices and training provided.
• Participates in continuing education to maintain credentials and increase expertise and knowledge.

NOTE: This is a brand-new position at the Eskasoni Health Centre. The first few months of the job will be focused on building a successful occupational therapy clinic. The above are basic and prime responsibilities; related and allied duties may be assigned from time to time as may become necessary to the operation of Eskasoni Health Programs and Services.

KNOWLEGDE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology as related to the practice of occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the use of adaptive equipment, wheelchairs, positioning chairs, utensils, and splints.
• Knowledge of the potential hazards associated with equipment, tools, and materials used in occupational therapy.
• Knowledge of the theory and practice of administering, scoring, and interpreting a variety of standardized and non-standardized tests relating to assessment of occupational therapy needs.
• Ability to observe and make written reports on resident behavior, performance, or response.
• Displays an elevated level of initiative, effort, and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Demonstrates responsible behavior and diligence.
• Aligns behavior with the needs, priorities, and goals of the organization in a culturally acceptable way.
• Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
• Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, considering the audience and the nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy.
• Current registration with the provincial Association of Occupational Therapists.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certification.
• Comprehensive knowledge in caring for clients across the health continuum and throughout the client's lifespan.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of First Nation/Indigenous cultural practices and healing approaches.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate cooperatively with other members of a team toward common goals.
• Demonstrated ability to function independently in the role with recognized decision-making and critical thinking skills.
• Physically able to perform assigned duties.
• Completed Criminal and Vulnerable Sector Records Check.
• Valid Driver's License.

Term: Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: Based on qualifications and experience

Benefits: A comprehensive benefit package including extended health, life, and disability insurance as well as a generous pension plan provided.

Please forward a resume for the attention of: Maxine Stevens, HR Manager

Open until filled