Occupational Therapist, Employee Support Program - Temporary, Part-time 0.7

VON Canada; Halifax; On-site; CAD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

VON Canada is seeking an Occupational Therapist for a part-time role focused on supporting employees in home care services. The position involves therapy service delivery, collaboration with health care teams, and requires a Master's degree in Occupational Therapy along with relevant registration. Flexibility for remote and onsite work is included.

Qualifications

• Valid registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia.
• Experience in a health care environment preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides therapy services to individuals in the community.
• Collaborates with stakeholders for client-centered care.
• Assesses patients' ability to function safely in home/community.

Skills

Communication

Collaboration

Time Management

Education

Masters in Occupational Therapy

Job description

Requisition Details:u00A0 u00A0 Employment Status: Temporary, Part-time (0.7 FTE)u00A0
Program: Occupational Therapy, Employee Support Program
Work Schedule: Days
Number of Hours Bi-weekly: 52.5 Anticipated End Date: September 2026 On Call: No Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.u00A0 u00A0 VON is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join our Employee Support Program, which provides workplace safety consultation and training to nurses, CCAs, and other care workers delivering home care services. The Occupational Therapist collaborates with home care organizations, their Occupational Health & Safety teams, and employees to assess needs, address concerns, and develop recommendations to prevent injuries and ensure smooth return-to-work transitions.u00A0u00A0 u00A0 This opportunity involves working directly with front-line staff and, where necessary, accompanying them to clients' homes. Travel is required within the service area. When not delivering services in the field, the Occupational Therapist may work from home and/or the VON office. u00A0 Job Summary:u00A0 u00A0 The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides support services to staff delivering home care services to agencies and their employees. The Occupational Therapist (OT) is responsible to provide therapy services to individuals in the community within the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards, and quality and risk management. u00A0The OT works collaboratively with other stakeholders (families, principals, teachers, educational assistants, Therapy Assistants, other support personnel) and other community services u00A0to provide therapy services using a client-centred care approach and evidence-based practices.u00A0 u00A0 Key Responsibilities:u00A0

• Provides instruction on safe use of home health equipment and mobility aids.
• Provides training to support application of safe work practices.
• Use a variety of modalities and methods including consultation, one to one face to face session, virtual and small group sessions. u00A0
• Facilitates return to work for employees.u00A0
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills and attitudes as outlined in the Occupational Therapy standards and guidelines for an evidence-based practice, in order to assess, plan, evaluate progress (for potential discharge) and document patient plan of care within a patient centered approach to therapy goals.
• Assesses patientu2019s ability to function safely in the home/community environment i.e.u00A0 Activities of Daily Living (ADLu2019s), Instrumental ADLu2019s, equipment needs etc.
• Assesses patientu2019s cognitive ability to function independently within the home/community environment.
• Assesses patients from a holistic approach i.e. mental health status, social contacts, spiritual, and physical needs that may potentially impact the patientu2019s ability to maintain independence in home environment.
• Develops a client-centered plan with the patient/family and health care team (i.e. Care Coordinator, Physiotherapist, Personal Support Worker (PSW), Nursing, etc.).
• Provides education and recommendations to patient/family pertaining to the patientu2019s therapy goals.
• Provides assistance with funding sources to obtain equipment and/or home/vehicle modifications (porch lifts, ramps, grab bars, stair glides, etc.) as applicable.
• Monitors patient outcomes and progression towards therapy goals.
• Modifies patientu2019s care plans as required based on patient outcomes.
• Documents patient outcomes and current care plans in the electronic patient chart according to the funder and College of Occupational Therapist of Ontario (COTO) guidelines.
• Communicates with funding agency as required regarding patient outcomes and status changes.
• Manages and maintains caseload of clients and responds appropriately to changes in volume.
• Completes and updates the written care plan (electronic copy) with information collected from the patient, his/her family and any other healthcare or educational professionals involved.
• Utilizes verbal and non-verbal communication skills effectively with the patient/family as required.
• Demonstrates professional code of conduct / communication with all members of the health team as per VON guidelines and policy.u00A0

External and Internal Relationships:

• Collaborates with outside partners as needed to support employee health (i.e. maintains contact with vendors, PTs/OTs, OT Clinics, Hospital Based OT services in community).
• Works with the Occupational Health & Safety Teams of all Home Care agencies.

Education, Designations and Experience:

• Masters in Occupational Therapy (or degree prepared occupational therapy education prior to 2008).
• Valid registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia and associated liability insurance.u00A0
• Member with the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapist (NSSOT) is preferred.
• Experience in a health care environment (i.e. long term care, acute medicine, rehab unit, rehab clinic or community visiting program).
• Demonstrates knowledge of community resources preferred.
• Provided care to patients of varying diagnoses across the lifespan (stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), falls, dementia, Parkinsonu2019s, Chronic Lung Disease, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), developmental delay, learning disability etc.)
• Experience with patients who have musculoskeletal challenges an asset.u00A0
• Paediatric experience for OTu2019s working in the school environment.
• Detailed knowledge of the healthcare system and service delivery model used.

Skill Requirements:

• Ability to utilize computer software program(s) on a hand held device (i.e. phone or tablet).
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of technology for documentation of patient outcomes.
• Strong communicate skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work interdependently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to adjust to working in different social and economic environments.u00A0
• Ability to respond to changes in patient caseloads and care needs.u00A0
• Demonstrates excellent time management skills to balance client visits, paperwork and urgency of referrals.u00A0
• Demonstrates a passion for serving the community and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Other:

• Work locations will vary and travel is a requirement
• Possibility to work from home and/or VON office
• Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driveru2019s license and proof of vehicle insurance
• Willingness to travel regularly during the day as well to support sites and attend meetings
• A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required.
• A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
• Ability to speak French is an asset.u00A0u00A0
• The ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.