Occupational Therapist

Requisition Details:  

Employment Status:Permament, Part Time (0.6 FTE)
Program Name: South West Ontario Therapy Program - Sarnia/Lambton
Work Schedule: Days, Evenings, Weekends
On Call: Yes  

Job Summary:  

The Occupational Therapist (OT) is responsible to provide therapy services to individuals in the community within the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards, and quality and risk management.  The OT works collaboratively with other stakeholders (families, caregivers, other healthcare professionals) and other community services to provide therapy services using a client-centred care approach, as well as evidence based practices.

New Grads Welcome to apply

  

Key Responsibilities:  

• Demonstrates knowledge, skills and attitudes as outlined in the Occupational Therapy standards and guidelines for an evidence-based practice, in order to assess, plan, evaluate progress (for potential discharge) and document patient plan of care within a patient centered approach to therapy goals.
• Assesses patient's ability to function safely in the home/community environment (e.g. Activities of Daily Living - ADL's, Instrumental ADL's, equipment needs, etc.)
• Assesses patient's cognitive ability to function independently within the home/community environment.
• Assesses patients from a holistic approach i.e. mental health status, social contacts, spiritual, and physical needs that may potentially impact the patient's ability to maintain independence in home environment.
• Develops a client-centered plan with the patient/family and health care team (e.g. LHIN Care Coordinator, Physiotherapist, Personal Support Worker, Nursing, etc.).
• Provides education and recommendations to patient/family pertaining to the patient's therapy goals.
• Provides assistance with funding sources to obtain equipment and/or home/vehicle modifications (e.g. porch lifts, ramps, grab bars, stair glides, etc.) as applicable.
• Monitors patient outcomes and progression towards therapy goals.
• Modifies patient's care plans as required based on patient outcomes.
• Documents patient outcomes and current care plans in the electronic patient chart according to the funder and College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) guidelines.
• Communicates with funding agency as required regarding patient outcomes and status changes.
• Manages and maintains caseload of clients and responds appropriately to changes in volume.
• Completes and updates the written care plan (electronic copy) with information collected from the patient, his/her family and any other healthcare or educational professionals involved.
• Utilizes verbal and non-verbal communication skills effectively with the patient/family as required.
• Demonstrates professional code of conduct/communication with all members of the health team as per VON guidelines and policy.

External and Internal Relationships:  

• Collaborates with the interdisciplinary team to ensure patient's care needs are met and therapy goals are progressing to meet patient individual goals.
• Works collaboratively with the community services (Physiotherapist, Speech Language Pathologist, Nursing, Social Worker, Personal Support Worker) to ensure a safe transition to community and patient goals are met.

Education, Designations and Experience:  

• Masters in Occupational Therapy (or degree prepared occupational therapy education prior to 2008).
• Valid registration with COTO and associated liability insurance.
• Membership with the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists is preferred.
• Experience in a health care environment (i.e. long term care, acute medicine, rehab unit, rehab clinic, community visiting program).
• Demonstrates knowledge of community resources preferred.
• Provided care to patients of varying diagnoses across the lifespan (stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, falls, dementia, Parkinson's Disease, Chronic Lung Disease, Congestive Heart Failure, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, developmental delay, learning disability, etc.).
• Experience with patients who have musculoskeletal challenges an asset.
• Detailed knowledge of the healthcare system and service delivery model used.

Skill Requirements:  

• Ability to utilize computer software program(s) on a hand held device (i.e. smartphone).
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of technology for documentation of patient outcomes.
• Strong communicate skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work interdependently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to adjust to working in different social and economic environments.
• Ability to respond to changes in patient caseloads and care needs.
• Demonstrates excellent time management skills to balance client visits, paperwork and urgency of referrals.
• Demonstrates a passion for serving the community and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Other:  

• Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance.
• Willingness to travel regularly during the day as well to support sites and attend meetings.
• A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required.
• A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
• Ability to speak French is an asset.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment.

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Attention to detail; Lift and carry using appropriate lifting techniques; Bend, push, pull, grip, reach, kneel, crouch using good body mechanics; Walk, sit, stand, climb stairs; Hand movements.  

VON Canada is committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities and to providing accessibility accommodations for candidates who require them. If you are in need of accessibility support, please visit our website at  for further details.  

VON Canada is committed to meeting the needs of persons with disabilities and to providing accessibility accommodations for candidates who require them. If you are in need of accessibility support, please visit our website at for further details.

VON Canada is committed to embracing and celebrating equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) as fundamental to living out our values of Respect, Compassion, and Excellence in all that we do.