Occupational Therapist, Older Adult - Peace Arch Hospital

Fraser Health • White Rock, BC

9d • Onsite

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Program Coordinator and Clinical Chief, Occupational Therapy and in conjunction with the members of the multidisciplinary Older adult specialty 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 patient /caregiver and/or staff, patient 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.

Requirements

• Graduation from an approved school of Occupational Therapy.
• Two (2) years recent related clinical experience working with older adult clients in mental health programs.
• Current full registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
• Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - British Columbia (CAOT - BC).
• Ability to provide comprehensive assessment for older adults whom 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.

Responsibilities

• Provides occupational therapy assessment, consultation and interventions for patients 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, swallowing/dysphasia assessment) and conducts appropriate assessments; prescribes and recommends specialized and adaptive aids and equipment to patients for activities of daily living.
• Collaborates with colleagues, client and caregivers to develop individual treatment 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 geriatric clinical expertise, consultation and leadership in evidence-based practice to staff and patients 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 that assist the client to groups such as Community Health Workers for the purpose of promoting safety in the home (when applicable) and modification to environmental barriers.
• Attends patient care conferences and family meetings and presents information related to occupational therapy assessments; recommends related interventions and participates in the development of the patient care plan.
• Records, maintains and updates patient/resident/client records such as assessments, interventions and statistical data in accordance with departmental and hospital policies.
• Demonstrates, patient occupational therapy interventions to designated staff and students in accordance with established guidelines.
• Provides input to the Program Coordinator and Clinical Chief 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 on such topics as mechanical lifts, positioning and back care.
• Identifies and makes recommendations to the team and family supports, regarding procedures, purchase, general maintenance and repair of equipment.
• Participates in product and equipment trials and reports observations under the direction of the Coordinator and Clinical chief in accordance with established procedures.
• Observes, identifies, assesses, and assists with managing potential emergency situations involving patients and develops short term strategies to deal with such situations.
• Identifies clinical research projects and under the direction of the Program Coordinator and Clinical Chief, participates in the development, implementation and evaluation of same.
• Performs other related tasks as required.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level