Occupational Therapist

POSITION SUMMARY

Reporting to the Manager of the Brant Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) Team, the Occupational Therapist participates as a member of a multidisciplinary team to provide assessment, treatment, rehabilitation and crisis intervention/support services to individuals with serious and persistent mental illness as well as complex physical health issues in the clients' environment of choice (e.g.: ACTT meet with clients in their homes or in the community).

The Occupational Therapist assesses and diagnoses physical, emotional, social and cognitive capacity and performance, occupational demands and environmental factors and interventions to enable participation in activities of everyday life to promote and optimize health and well-being of clients consistent with the scope of practice of occupational therapy. ACTT interventions are unique client goal driven and some clients might need ADL and IADL assistance. The program operates seven days per week, 365 days a year. Some weekend, evening and holiday shift work will be required. All tasks are performed in ways consistent with the competencies of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy required. Masters Degree/ Clinical Masters is preferred

• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) as well as a current professional association registration (OSOT, CAOT) or eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

• Minimum of 2-5 years experience providing OT interventions in an outpatient mental health setting is preferred.

• Registered/certified as an authorizer with Assistive Devices Program or willing to obtain

• Demonstrated success in complex clinical case management and ongoing outreach servicing individuals with schizophrenia or related psychotic disorders

• Comprehensive knowledge base of major mental disorders and treatment modalities of psychiatric conditions.

• Skilled in performing occupational therapy assessments, and able to implement a broad range of current Occupational Therapy theory, practices, treatment techniques and best practice strategies in mental health

• Excellent assessment, crisis intervention, critical thinking/problem-solving skills, and sound clinical judgement.

• Organizational skills to identify needs and establish priorities among competing demands.

• Sound knowledge of the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation (SPI) and commitment to the delivery of recovery-oriented services

• Knowledge and experience in harm reduction, substance abuse and addiction counselling is considered an asset

• Knowledge of the Brantford and Six Nations communities, in particular the service systems (e.g., social, vocational, financial, housing) in both communities for individuals with serious mental illness, a strong asset

• Demonstrated capacity to work effectively in a team

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

• Demonstrated ability to be flexible in work assignments

• Demonstrated commitment to personal professional development

• Sound knowledge and understanding of systems issues and Mental Health Legislation and Reform

• Knowledge and experience in facilitating group activities will be considered an asset

• Experience in forensic/dual diagnosed/developmental delay will be an asset

• Knowledge of housing, social, financial work and other community resources

• Good working knowledge of the ACT model

• Ability to work effectively under pressure

• Ability to provide clinical supervision and direction to assigned support staff and students

• Research and critical appraisal skills

• A good attendance record is essential

• Demonstrated computer skills and organizational skills

• Valid driver’s licence, insurance for transporting clients and use of a car is required

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identifying targeted outcomes in partnership with the client, interprofessional team, family and /or other caregivers

• Providing ongoing assessment, consultation, coordination, implementation, outreach and evaluation for clients referred by other interprofessional team members for OT-specific interventions

• Determining client's occupational performance goals through the use of standardized and non-standardized assessment tools and observation

• Providing complex case management and outreach services to assigned caseload

• Developing and implementing individualized and group treatment/rehabilitation plans

• Providing clinical supervision and assigning service components to support staff; monitoring progress and providing feedback

• Maintaining accurate timely documentation, clinical and statistical records

• Maintaining any relevant OT equipment and recommending acquisition of equipment and supplies

• Attending relevant educational activities as approved by Manager/Director

• Participating in program evaluation and research