Occupational Therapist, Forensic Outreach

St. Joseph's Health Care, London; St. Thomas; On-site; CAD 30,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare facility in St. Thomas, Ontario is seeking a dedicated Occupational Therapist to join their Forensic Psychiatry Program. This full-time role emphasizes the psychosocial rehabilitation model, supporting patients as they transition from inpatient care to community living. Ideal candidates are required to have a current registration and possess strong communication and organizational skills, as they will collaborate closely with community partners to facilitate effective patient integration.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated knowledge of major mental illnesses.
• Experience providing rehabilitation for serious mental illness.
• Knowledge of community resources and the Mental Health Act.

Responsibilities

• Bridge transitions from inpatient care to the community.
• Provide intensive rehabilitation support.
• Work closely with community partners.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Organizational skills

Critical thinking

Problem-solving

Patient-centered approach

Knowledge of psychotropic medications

Supervisory skills

Flexibility

Education

Current registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario

Tools

Microsoft Office

Cerner

Job description

Please enter or validate your "Education Experience" in your profile.
Note: EFFECTIVE March 1, 2025 all external PSW (Personal Support Worker) hires will be required to be registered with https://hscpoa.com/public/public-register

Jul 18, 2025

CARING FOR THE BODY, MIND & SPIRIT SINCE 1869

Occupational Therapist, Forensic Outreach - 1 position

Forensic Outreach
Southwest Centre for Forensic Mental Health Care - St. Thomas, ON
Full Time
Salary Range: $40.36 - $56.30 /hour

The Forensic Psychiatry Program has adopted the Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Recovery Model as its overarching philosophical framework. This philosophy is built on a set of principles and values that emphasize client and family involvement in decision making, client choice, the provision of a range of services to meet treatment, rehabilitation and support needs, and a commitment from mental health service professionals to achieving the best possible outcomes for clients based on their stated preferences, wishes, desires and life plans. As part of the forensic system, this must also be accomplished within the parameters defined by the Ontario Review Board within each patient's Disposition order. The Forensic Psychiatry Program is also highly invested in both education and research and has various connections with the University of Western Ontario.

This OT will work as part of our transition team to bridge patient transitions from inpatient care to the community and at key transition points in the patient's community re-integration. The role will work closely with our community partner Indwell: The Station, to provide intensive rehabilitation support for individuals residing within the transitional apartments within that program. Focus will be to help these individuals successfully reintegrate into the community.



Essential Qualifications

• Current registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
• Knowledge of a Safety Culture in a Health Care Setting in compliance with the OHSA
• Ability and commitment to act as a supervisor under OHSA
• Demonstrated knowledge of major mental illness from a biopsychosocial perspective
• Knowledge, skills, and recent experience providing assessment, treatment and rehabilitation of individuals with serious mental illness
• Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in applying the principles of psychosocial rehabilitation and the practices of case management
• Knowledge of psychotropic medications, symptom management, and community resources
• Knowledge of the Mental Health Act and other relevant legislation
• Excellent communication skills; both written and verbal
• Excellent organizational, time management, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Must be capable of establishing positive interpersonal relationships and able to work as an effective team member
• Demonstrated experience using a patient-centered approach
• Self-directed, self-motivated to accomplish specified outcomes
• Demonstrated commitment to evidence-based practice
• Knowledge of and ability to mobilize community resources
• Experience in the development of teaching materials and the teaching of clients, family, and caregivers
• Working knowledge and experience with theories and principles of guiding adult learning and patient self-management approaches
• Proven flexibility and a high level of initiative
• Familiarity with outcome measurement related to clinical practice
• Flexibility in adapting to varying caseload needs
• Knowledge of computer systems (e.g. workload measurement, Cerner, Microsoft Office)
• Valid Ontario Driver's license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle as extensive travel may be required throughout Southwestern Ontario

Preferred Qualifications

• Proficiency in French would be an asset.
• Assistive Devices Program (ADP) Authorizer
• Minimum of 2 years full time related experience as an Occupational Therapist
• Experience in both hospital and community service delivery
• Demonstrated interest and/or experience in research communication and program evaluation
• Demonstrated ability to work with and direct support personnel

Immunization Requirements

• Provide vaccination records or proof of immunity against measles, mumps rubella, varicella (chicken pox), Hepatitis B, COVID-19 and influenza.
• Provide documentation of the Tuberculosis skin testing

Posting date: July 16, 2025
Submission deadline: July 22, 2025

Michelle Robertson, Human Resources

Your interest in this opportunity is appreciated.
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