Occupational Therapy Assistant, Temporary Full Time

Veterans Health Administration•Toronto, ON

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

VHA Home HealthCare (VHA) is seeking an Occupational Therapy Assistant for their MGH2Home Program. This is a temporary, full-time, short-term transitional program (up to 90 days) aimed at improving client transitions from hospital-to-home. The program links Michael Garron Hospital (MGH), Spectrum Health Care, VHA Home HealthCare, and WoodGreen to facilitate earlier discharges for adults with complex needs, enabling them to reintegrate into their homes and communities. As part of a multi-disciplinary team, you will work collaboratively with clients, families, and other healthcare professionals to address complex health and social needs, developing a single, unified care plan. In this role, you will provide client-centered clinical care under the supervision of an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist, conducting home visits as recommended. Your responsibilities will include assisting and supervising clients with prescribed exercise programs, ADL training, mobility (walking, transfers, stairs), and positioning using proper body mechanics. You will also provide client and family education, assist with motor and balance activities, monitor and report changes in health status, and participate in program planning and quality improvement initiatives. Documentation in client records and data collection are also key aspects of this role.

Requirements

Diploma as an OTA/PTA from an accredited college program
Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience, preferably in the community working with geriatric clients with variable diagnoses and multiple co-morbidities
Skilled communicator with a successful track record of coaching/mentoring clients to participate in a professional manner
Current First Aid Certificate and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certificate required
Evidence of continuous education
Sound critical thinking, good judgment, and problem-solving skills
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team
Demonstrated understanding and practice of rehabilitation principles and techniques

Responsibilities

Assist/supervise the client with his/her individual prescribed exercise programs or ADL training
Assist/supervise client with walking, transfers, stairs, safe mobility, and positioning using proper body mechanics
Provide client/family education and support to address physical, functional, and self-care needs as assigned
Assist with gross motor, fine motor, and balance activities
Monitor and report changes in health status to the Physiotherapist and Occupational Therapist
Participate in program planning, quality improvement, and evaluation
Document in the client record and collect required data as requested