Occupational Therapist, Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Timber Creek

Detailed Overview

• Under the general direction of the Manager, for administrative and daily operational issues and the Clinical Chief, Occupational Therapy or designated Fraser Health occupational therapist, for clinical practice issues, and in conjunction with the members of the multidisciplinary team, provides expertise based on current theories, concepts and principles of evidence-based practice and client-centered care;
• develops, implements, revises and evaluates treatment plans based on learning needs of client / caregiver and / or staff, client outcomes, theory and research;

ensures clinical objectives are met through participation in the development of standards, procedures and protocols; participates in the development of quality improvement and risk management activities as well as research and special projects.

• Responsibilities Provides occupational therapy assessment, consultation and interventions for clients to maximize physical function and promote independence and safety;
• determines the appropriate use of recognized occupational therapy assessment tools (e.g. neurobehavioral cognitive exams, ADL / IADL assessment) and conducts appropriate assessments;
• recommends specialized strategies and adaptations to clients for activities of daily living. Collaborates with colleagues, client and caregivers to develop individual treatment and discharge goals, utilizing the self-management model of living with chronic illness;
• provides treatment and / or teaching to clients and caregivers in order to restore, develop or maintain functional status;
• identifies the resources required for treatment, including tests, materials, equipment and funding and initiates requests for external funding as required;

provides verbal and written reports to the interdisciplinary team regarding progress towards care plan goals. Provides continuous assessment of the client's ability to perform activities of daily living by participating in both group and individual activities related to the realm of personal life, leisure, education and work.

• Provides occupational therapy clinical expertise, consultation and leadership in evidence-based practice to staff and clients by consulting with experts, collaborating with members of interdisciplinary teams, evaluating clinical practice and recommending changes to existing standards;
• provides education on interventions and resources to assist the client. Attends client care conferences and family meetings and presents information related to occupational therapy assessments;

recommends related interventions and participates in the development of the client care plan. Records, maintains and updates client records such as assessments, interventions and statistical data in accordance with departmental and facility policies.

Demonstrates occupational therapy interventions to designated staff and students in accordance with established guidelines.

Provides input to the Manager, or designate, and Clinical Chief, or designated Fraser Health occupational therapist, regarding the development, revision, implementation and evaluation of occupational therapy practices, policies and procedures, audits and continuous quality improvement activities.

Participates in orientation and in-service training of staff, students, and volunteers. Acts as a consultant on physical care issues such as transfers, mobility.

Participates in product and equipment trials and reports observations under the direction of the Manager, or designate, and Clinical chief, or designated Fraser Health occupational therapist, in accordance with established procedures.

Develops and maintains effective and efficient communication links with the community by liaising with community agencies and sevice providers.

Observes, identifies, assesses, and assists with managing potential emergency situations involving clients and develops short term strategies to deal with such situations.

Identifies clinical research projects and under the direction of the Manager, or designate, and Clinical Chief, or designated Fraser Health occupational therapist, participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of same.

Performs other related tasks as required. Qualifications Education and Experience Graduation from an approved school of Occupational Therapy.

Two years recent related clinical experience working with clients with acute, or serious and persistent mental illness. Current full registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of BC (COTBC).

Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT). Valid Class 5 BC driver's license with access to personal vehicle for business purposes.

Skills and Abilities Ability to provide comprehensive assessment for clients who are living with a mental illness Demonstrated knowledge of current developments and trends in occupational therapy.

Knowledge of Psychiatric disorders, medications and side effects. Working knowledge of psychosocial rehabilitation and recovery principles Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.

Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Ability to operate related equipment. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as required in a multidisciplinary environment.

Ability to organize work. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.