Occupational Therapist, Residential Care/Home Health-Hope

Detailed Overview

Provides occupational therapy to residents / clients for an assigned area with rehabilitative, chronic or palliative health care needs in residential and community-based settings;

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

Care is resident / client-centred, based on goals and outcomes determined in collaboration with the resident / client and caregivers.

Participates in the development of quality improvement and risk management activities as well as research and special projects.

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

assesses client's cognitive, perceptual, self-care (Activities of Daily Living, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living), physical and leisure status.

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

facilitates ongoing occupational therapy interventions for residents / clients that may be implemented by other staff members.

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 residents / clients for activities of daily living.

Educates residents / 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 services such as home care nursing, case management, home support and community resources such as mental health, group homes, substance abuse programs, volunteer groups, as needed.

Acts as a resident / client advocate by providing information and liaising with funding agencies and community resources.

Develops goals and objectives, policies and procedures for the Activity program in collaboration with the Manager, Clinical Services.

Conducts standardized individual recreation / leisure assessments of each resident and develops an appropriate care plan;

reassesses as required. Utilizes the individual assessments to develop, plan, organize, coordinate, implement, monitor and evaluate a wide range of therapeutic recreation and social programs designed to meet resident needs.

Determines appropriate tasks for Delegation of Tasks; instructs, monitors and reviews specific tasks with the residents / client, caregiver, staff and / or home support worker to ensure a high standard of care.

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 resident / client 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, Clinical Services 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 Residential Care / Home Health 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 Graduation from an approved school of Occupational Therapy.

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

Current registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of BC and eligible for membership in the BC Society of Occupational Therapists.

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 and how to access them.

Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing. Ability to organize and prioritize workload.

Ability to problem solve and exercise judgment in professional practice. Demonstrated leadership and teaching skills. Ability to work independently and in a team based environment.

Ability to operate related equipment. Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.