Job Description

Reporting to the Manager, Seniors Mental Health Behavioural Unit, the Occupational Therapist will work within the Seniors Mental Health inpatient program at our West 5th Campus. The O.T. will collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams to assess individual needs and to plan, implement and evaluate comprehensive programs for seniors with a diagnosed mental illness such as a mood disorder or late onset psychosis with age related issues, which complicates recovery. The Program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling the symptoms, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the older adult. The O.T. in the Mental Health & Addictions Program (MHAP) is committed to the alleviation of stigma and discrimination related to mental health and addictions, as well as reduction of the use of seclusion and restraints in all our services.   QUALIFICATIONS:• Baccalaureate or Clinical Masters in Occupational Therapy• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)• Ability to implement a broad range of current Occupational Therapy theory, practices, treatment techniques and best practice strategies in Seniors mental health populations• Observation, analytical, clinical reasoning skills and evaluative skills• Strong seating and therapeutic surface assessment skills essential• Ability to exercise independent judgement and responsibility and to work under minimal supervision• Ability to plan and coordinate multiple Occupational Therapy services and other resources for clients• Certification in the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) for Dementia Care an asset• Demonstrated knowledge and effective application of cognitive and other mental status related assessment/observation tools• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to foster collegial relationships within the program’s interdisciplinary team and across sectors of care (e.g. Long Term Care Homes, acute care, community-based services etc.)• Ability to establish effective linkages and alliances with local and regional community services, caregivers, the client and family• Participates in clinical and administrative team meetings, special projects, continuous quality improvement activities and program development, as required• Organizational skills to identify needs and establish priorities among competing demands• Effective interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills• Ability to provide clinical supervision and direction to assigned support staff and students• Research and critical appraisal skills• Wheelchair and seating assessment and intervention skills and willingness to obtain ADP authorization   RESPONSIBILITIES:• Working within the enabling occupation model, responsibilities include:• Completing functional assessments• Assessing performance components and environmental barriers• Establishing targeted outcomes• Using best practice methods: plan, develop and implement intervention (group and individual) in collaboration with the client/family/caregiver and multidisciplinary team• Staff and student supervision• Program evaluation and research• Occasional coverage for Seniors Mental Health Behavioural Unit