Occupational Therapist at Canuck Place Children's Hospice

Occupational Therapist

Locations: Abbotsford Hospice (50%) and Vancouver Hospice (50%)

Reporting to: Clinical Operations Manager

Job type: Independent Contractor, initial 9-month term (possibility for an extension)

Job status: 0.5 FTE (up to 80 billable hours per month)

Anticipated Start Date: January 2026

Compensation: $70.00-$80.00 an hour

ABOUT US

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice (CPCH) is British Columbia’s recognized pediatric palliative care provider. For over two decades, through the many programs and services we provide, we have made a significant difference in the lives of children with life-threatening illnesses and the families who love them. Be part of a talented and innovative team that takes pride in supporting and providing the highest quality pediatric palliative care.

Please submit your cover letter and your resume at https://www.canuckplace.org/about-us/careers/ by November 26, 2025.

YOUR ROLE

Make a lasting impact on the lives of children with medical complexity.

We’re looking for a compassionate, innovative Pediatric Occupational Therapist to join our interdisciplinary team and help shape the future of pediatric palliative and complex care.

In this role, you’ll go beyond traditional OT practice—helping us enhance safety, communication, and quality of life for children with complex medical needs. You’ll be a vital contributor to our quality improvement initiatives, driving excellence in care for children with behavioral and sensory complexities.

You’re a pediatric OT who thrives on complexity and compassion—someone who brings both clinical excellence and creative thinking to every situation. You believe in meeting children and families where they are, and you find purpose in helping others navigate care with dignity, comfort, and joy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Quality Improvement & Safety

o Participate in the development, implementation, and evaluation of quality improvement initiatives focused on enhancing care for children with behavioural complexity.

o Support continuous improvement in patient safety and care outcomes across all programs.

o Ensure compliance with policies, procedures, and best-practice standards to maintain a safe environment for children, families, staff, and volunteers.

Clinical Care & Assessment

o Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments and contribute to individualized care plans that enhance comfort, communication, and functional ability.

o Provide clinical recommendations to improve safety and quality of interventions, including patient transfers, management of hyperkinetic movements, and behavioural regulation.

o Offer consultative support for children receiving symptom management or end-of-life care in hospice, home, or community settings.

Environment & Program Development

o Identify and implement environmental modifications at hospice locations to promote patient and staff safety while improving quality of care.

o Develop and apply innovative, evidence-informed solutions to complex assessment and treatment challenges.

Collaboration & Family Engagement

o Collaborate with children, families, and community supports to design and implement child-specific interventions that promote autonomy, sensory regulation, and communication.

o Partner with families and community providers to ensure continuity of care that aligns with each child’s goals and best practices in pediatric occupational therapy.

Interdisciplinary Teamwork

o Collaborate with the interdisciplinary care team to initiate, implement, and evaluate care plans across the continuum of care.

o Work closely with advanced practice nurses on quality improvement initiatives.

o Partner with the nurse educator to support professional development and provide “just-in-time” training to direct care staff.

o Collaborate with clinical leaders (including charge RNs) to respond to emergencies and patient/family incidents.

Ethics, Advocacy & Research

o Promote ethical decision-making and child/family advocacy in all aspects of care.

o Participate in research projects and contribute to advancing evidence-based pediatric palliative and complex care practices.

Organizational Culture & Values

o Demonstrate and support CPCH’s Mission, Vision, and Values in daily practice.

o Contribute to a culture of compassion, collaboration, and continuous learning.

o Protect the health, wellness, and safety of self and others by following safe work practices and promptly reporting hazards or unsafe conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Two (2) years related experience including one (1) year working with a pediatric population with diverse abilities and needs

• Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy (OT)

• Experience and familiarity with assessment tools (standardized tests, etc.)

• Experience and familiarity with equipment and resources available for children living in British Columbia with diverse needs

• Knowledge of current research and literature in the Occupational Therapist (OT) field

• Registered member of the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC (CHCPBC)

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Clinical Expertise: Demonstrates excellence in pediatric occupational therapy practice, with strong clinical judgment and experience providing care to children with complex needs and their families.

• Consultative Competence: Skilled in providing expert recommendations, guidance, and education to interdisciplinary teams and community partners.

• Leadership & Mentorship: Proven ability to mentor, coach, and support the learning and professional growth of colleagues.

• Communication & Collaboration: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across all levels of an interdisciplinary care team.

• Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Demonstrates creativity, sound decision-making, and strong evaluative and strategic planning abilities.

• Adaptability & Independence: Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively, including in unfamiliar or community-based settings.

• Professionalism & Feedback: Confident in providing constructive feedback and modeling high standards of professional conduct.

• Organizational Skills: Strong ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain documentation standards, and meet organizational goals.

• Safety & Preparedness: Knowledge of emergency procedures and commitment to maintaining a safe clinical environment.

• Technical Proficiency: Able to safely and effectively operate equipment and technology relevant to occupational therapy practice.

• Physical Readiness: Physically able to perform the duties and demands of the position.

Please note:

• Evidence of Health Canada approved vaccinations must be provided prior to your first day of work.

• Flexibility is necessary, as this position may require occasional weekend and evening work and travel within and outside the Lower Mainland.

• A valid BC Driver’s license with a clear driving record and access to a vehicle is required for this role.

• Contractor must provide Canuck Place with a clearance certificate from their provincial workers’ compensation board

RECRUITMENT PROCESS

We understand that the recruitment process is not a one size fits all, our inclusion values and flexibility extend to your hiring experience. Canuck Place is committed to providing inclusive access and accommodations throughout the application and selection process. We are continuously working to improve our systems, policies, and practices to ensure our employees, in all their diversity, can succeed. Should you require accessibility accommodation through the recruitment process, please contact our People & Culture team at [email protected] and we will work with you to meet your needs.

Canuck Place Children’s Hospice hires on the basis of merit and is strongly committed to equality and diversity within its community and to a welcoming and inclusive workplace. We especially welcome applications from Indigenous persons, visible minority group members, persons with disabilities, people of all sexual orientations, genders and gender identities, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please submit your cover letter and your resume at https://www.canuckplace.org/about-us/careers/ by November 26, 2025. Applications will be reviewed as they are received.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those candidates who have been short-listed will be contacted.