Occupational Therapist, Inpatient Psychiatry Unit (IPU)

Fraser Health Authority; Abbotsford; On-site; CAD 62,000 - 77,000; Full time

Job summary

Fraser Health Authority invites applications for an Occupational Therapist in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit. You will join a multidisciplinary team providing assessments, interventions and education to psychiatric patients, with a focus on maximizing independence and safety.

Requires a Baccalaureate in Occupational Therapy and BC registration; eligibility for CAOT-BC is welcomed. The role emphasizes evidence-based practice, documentation, and ongoing professional development within Fraser Health.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy and current registration in BC.
• 1 year of related experience in a psychiatric setting preferred.
• Eligible for CAOT-BC membership and active professional engagement.

Responsibilities

• Provide occupational therapy assessments, consultations and interventions to psychiatric patients to maximize function and safety.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop individual treatment goals.
• Provide treatment and teaching to patients and caregivers to restore or maintain functional status.
• Facilitate group therapy using cognitive, behavioural, psycho-educational and problem-solving methods.
• Facilitate transitioning back to the community and discharge planning as part of care.
• Prepare written assessments and progress notes; monitor patient outcomes.
• Maintain client records and participate in quality improvement initiatives.

Skills

Psychosocial knowledge

DSM IV familiarity

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Behavioral management

Organizational ability

Education

Baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy

1 year experience in psychiatric setting

Current CHCP BC registration

CAOT-BC eligibility

Job description

Salary

The salary range for this position is CAD $45.15 - $56.17 / hour

Salary

The salary range for this position is CAD $45.15 - $56.17 / hour

Job Summary

Curious to learn what it’s like to work here? Connect with us! We invite you to apply today and find out why employees recommend Fraser Health to their friends as an exceptional place to work. We are committed to planetary health, we value diversity in the work force and seek to maintain an environment of Respect, Caring and Trust. If you're ready to join a team dedicated to providing care and support, apply now! Together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of individuals and families, empowering them on their journey to recovery. To learn more about our MHSU programs and services, read employee insights, and current job vacancies, please visit this site: Fraser Health MHSU Take the next step and apply so we can continue the conversation with you.

Detailed Overview

Reporting administratively to the Manager, Mental Health and Substance Use Services and clinically to the Professional Practice Chief, Occupational Therapy, the Occupational Therapist provides Occupational Therapy services to patients/clients in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit (IPU) by using a variety of modalities and in accordance with professional practice standards and clinical policies and practices. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team in care planning, discharge planning, resource linkage and education from an Occupational Therapy perspective. Participates as a member of local committees and planning bodies as assigned.

Responsibilities

• Provides occupational therapy assessments, consultations and interventions to psychiatric patients/clients to maximize function and to promote independence and safety. Determines the appropriate use of recognized occupational therapy assessment tools (e.g. neurobehavioural cognitive exams, ADL/IADL assessments and conducts appropriate assessments.
• As a member of the interdisciplinary care team, collaborates with colleagues, patients/clients and caregivers to develop individual treatment goals.
• Provides treatment and/or teaching to patients/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.
• Facilitates the group therapy process through the use of cognitive, behavioural, psycho-educational, problem‑solving and crisis intervention methods.
• Facilitates transitioning back to the community.
• Prepares written assessments/reports including recommendations to facilitate patient/client success in the rehabilitation. Monitors and evaluates patient/client outcomes.
• Role models and demonstrates occupational therapy techniques and practices to staff and students, provides information based on application of theories, concepts and principles; ensures compliance with standards of practice and supports staff to provide excellence in quality patient/client care based on best practices.
• Provides clinical expertise, consultation and leadership in evidence‑based occupational therapy practice to patients/clients and/or staff by reviewing literature, consulting with experts, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, evaluating clinical practice and making recommendations for changes to existing standards.
• Maintains client records by documenting client assessments, preparing progress notes and writing reports in accordance with established professional/organizational standards, policies and procedures.
• Promotes continuous quality improvement by participating on local committees and planning bodies, engaging in program/practice evaluation, identifying opportunities for improved effectiveness and engaging in ongoing professional development.
• Maintains workload statistics in accordance with professional standards.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

Baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy. One (1) year's recent, related experience in a psychiatric setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current full registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - BC (CAOT-BC).

Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of psychosocial aspects of mental health issues. Familiarity with DSM IV criteria.
• Knowledge of behavioural management strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and policies.
• Thorough knowledge of rehabilitation practices in Psychiatry.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, the health care team and community agency personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and provide consultation to clients, families and health care professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate and deliver in‑services, presentations, psycho‑educational and support groups.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.

About Fraser Health

Fraser Health is the heart of health care for over two million people in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley in British Columbia, Canada, on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region. People - those we care for and those who care for them - are at the heart of everything we do. Our hospital and community-based services are delivered by a team of 50,000+ staff, medical staff and volunteers. We are committed to planetary health and value diversity in the work force. We strive to maintain an environment of respect, caring and trust. Fraser Health’s hiring practices aspire to ensure all individuals are treated in an inclusive, equitable and culturally safe manner. Together, we are the heart of health care. Learn more >