Occupational Therapist

Detailed Overview

In accordance with the Residential Care and Assisted Living (RCAL) Program Vision, Mission, and Values the Occupational Therapist, Residential Care provides consultative services and interventions consistent with the scope of practice for the profession. Reporting clinically to the Professional Practice Chief, Occupational Therapy and administratively to the Manager, Clinical Services, the Occupational Therapist employs professional and RCAL standards to provide occupational therapy services which includes assessment, delegation, intervention, evaluation and education; coaches and mentors clients and families on maintaining a level of functional/activities of daily living (ADL) that enables the client to enjoy a safe, quality of life experience. Responsibilities Provides Occupational Therapy assessment at move in and/or when client's functional/ADL status changes, in accordance with evidence-based practice; assesses client's cognitive, perceptual, self care [Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL)] status and determines the most appropriate mobility equipment, seating, positioning, and adaptive equipment to maximize function and promote safety. Collaborates with the client, family and interdisciplinary team in the development of a care plan to support and optimize the client's ADL function including meal management. Develops and implements treatment plans to address complex care situations, including seating issues, pressure relieving devices, adaptive technology and environmental controls. Prescribes and recommends specialized and adaptive aids and equipment to clients to support physical functioning and promote safety. Identifies tasks that are appropriate for a delegation of tasks to Rehabilitation Assistants; monitors and reviews specific tasks with Rehabilitation Assistants, nursing staff, clients/families to ensure a high standard of care. Evaluates the effectiveness of individual client care plans and treatments and participates, as necessary, in care conferences and other related meetings. Acts as a client advocate by liaising with equipment providers, community resources and other community agencies on behalf and in the interest of the client. Completes required documentation, reports and statistics in accordance with professional standards and RCAL program, (e.g. InterRai, Care Plans). Promotes a safety culture in the workplace by acting as resource on fall prevention, special equipment, eating management and least restraint for staff/client/family for safe resident handling. Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities by assisting with the development, evaluation and monitoring of policies, procedures and standards related to occupational therapy; generates alternative appropriate approaches to above, as requested. Participates in research and/or special projects related to occupational therapy by collaborating with other interdisciplinary staff; identifies practices/issues that require research; collects and interprets data for further analysis and input as required. Assists with the facilitation of student placements as assigned. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy. One year's recent experience with a geriatric population or individuals with chronic diseases or an equivalent combination of eduation, training and experience. Current full registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - BC (CAOT-BC). Skills and Abilities Ability to serve as a role model exemplifying evidence-based gerontological practices. Ability to teach and facilitate the learning of others. Ability to lead others. Ability to develop and maintain rapport with residents, interdisciplinary team members and other stakeholders. Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing. Ability to work independently and as a member of the interdisciplinary team. Ability to plan, problem solve, organize and prioritize work in a continually changing complex environment. Ability to operate related equipment including a personal computer and relevant software applications. Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.

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