Occupational Therapist - Health Services for Community Living (HSCL)

Detailed Overview

Provides occupational therapy to clients of all ages, and / or adults and transitioning youth with developmental disabilities, with acute, rehabilitative, chronic or palliative health care needs in community-based settings;

educates clients, caregivers and staff regarding rehabilitation interventions; advocates for clients with community agencies and funding sources.

Care is client-centered, based on goals and outcomes determined in collaboration with the client and caregivers in order to provide safe and quality client care.

Responsibilities Provides occupational therapy services to referred clients through assessment, consultation and interventions that promote functional independence and occupational performance;

assesses client's cognitive, perceptual, self-care such as activities of daily living and / or instrumental activities of daily living, physical and leisure status.

Collaborates with client / family / caregiver and other healthcare professionals to formulate treatment goals; develops, implements and evaluates care plan;

discharges client when appropriate; identifies environmental barriers in the home and makes recommendations for modifications to ensure access for clients with disabilities.

Prescribes and recommends specialized and adaptive aids and equipment to clients for activities of daily living; educates clients / family / caregivers and staff through individual and / or group sessions on independent living skills and occupational performance, use of environmental and equipment adaptations, body mechanics, lifts and transfers;

develops resource materials as required. Coordinates rehabilitative services with the client and other health service providers such as home care nursing, case management, home support and community resources such as mental health, group homes, substance abuse programs and volunteer groups, as needed.

Acts as a client advocate by providing information and liaising with funding agencies and community resources; determines appropriate tasks for delegation;

monitors and reviews specific tasks with the client, caregiver and / or home support worker to ensure a high standard of care and client safety.

• 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;
• generating alternative appropriate approaches, as requested. Maintains patient records and reports statistics to accepted standard to ensure legal and data requirements are met;

identifies staff learning needs; develops and provides orientation and education related occupational therapy; assists with the facilitation of student placements, as assigned.

Provides input to the Manager regarding the purchase of supplies, equipment and repairs of equipment required for occupational therapy programs.

• 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;

participates on various committees, projects and delegated tasks to assist in the development of community programs, as required.

Maintains knowledge in current developments in evidence-based occupational therapy and practice by reviewing relevant literature, consulting with other health care professionals and attending relevant educational programs.

Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Education and Experience Current full registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of BC and eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Two years' recent, related clinical experience in a community or home health setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Valid BC Driver's License and access to personal vehicle for business-related purposes. Skills and Abilities Demonstrated knowledge of current developments in occupational therapy.

Demonstrated understanding of the scope of practice of other health care disciplines. Demonstrated knowledge of community resources.

Ability to organize and prioritize workload. Ability to problem solve and exercise judgment in professional practice. Demonstrated leadership and teaching skills.

Ability to work with effectively independently and in a team based environment. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Ability to deal effectively with conflict. Ability to operate related equipment including applicable software applications.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.