Occupational Therapist, Employee Support Program - Temporary, Part-time 0.7 Job Listing at VON Canada in Halifax, NS (Job ID oopawfwd)

Description

Requisition Details:    Employment Status: Temporary, Part-time (0.7 FTE) 
Program: Occupational Therapy, Employee Support Program
Work Schedule: Days
Number of Hours Bi-weekly: 52.5 Anticipated End Date: September 2026 On Call: No Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.    VON is seeking an Occupational Therapist to join our Employee Support Program, which provides workplace safety consultation and training to nurses, CCAs, and other care workers delivering home care services. The Occupational Therapist collaborates with home care organizations, their Occupational Health & Safety teams, and employees to assess needs, address concerns, and develop recommendations to prevent injuries and ensure smooth return-to-work transitions.     This opportunity involves working directly with front-line staff and, where necessary, accompanying them to clients' homes. Travel is required within the service area. When not delivering services in the field, the Occupational Therapist may work from home and/or the VON office.   Job Summary:    The Occupational Therapist (OT) provides support services to staff delivering home care services to agencies and their employees. The Occupational Therapist (OT) is responsible to provide therapy services to individuals in the community within the framework of VON policies, procedures, standards, and quality and risk management.  The OT works collaboratively with other stakeholders (families, principals, teachers, educational assistants, Therapy Assistants, other support personnel) and other community services  to provide therapy services using a client-centred care approach and evidence-based practices.    Key Responsibilities: 

• Provides instruction on safe use of home health equipment and mobility aids.
• Provides training to support application of safe work practices.
• Use a variety of modalities and methods including consultation, one to one face to face session, virtual and small group sessions.  
• Facilitates return to work for employees. 
• Demonstrates knowledge, skills and attitudes as outlined in the Occupational Therapy standards and guidelines for an evidence-based practice, in order to assess, plan, evaluate progress (for potential discharge) and document patient plan of care within a patient centered approach to therapy goals.
• Assesses patient's ability to function safely in the home/community environment i.e.  Activities of Daily Living (ADL's), Instrumental ADL's, equipment needs etc.
• Assesses patient's cognitive ability to function independently within the home/community environment.
• Assesses patients from a holistic approach i.e. mental health status, social contacts, spiritual, and physical needs that may potentially impact the patient's ability to maintain independence in home environment.
• Develops a client-centered plan with the patient/family and health care team (i.e. Care Coordinator, Physiotherapist, Personal Support Worker (PSW), Nursing, etc.).
• Provides education and recommendations to patient/family pertaining to the patient's therapy goals.
• Provides assistance with funding sources to obtain equipment and/or home/vehicle modifications (porch lifts, ramps, grab bars, stair glides, etc.) as applicable.
• Monitors patient outcomes and progression towards therapy goals.
• Modifies patient's care plans as required based on patient outcomes.
• Documents patient outcomes and current care plans in the electronic patient chart according to the funder and College of Occupational Therapist of Ontario (COTO) guidelines.
• Communicates with funding agency as required regarding patient outcomes and status changes.
• Manages and maintains caseload of clients and responds appropriately to changes in volume.
• Completes and updates the written care plan (electronic copy) with information collected from the patient, his/her family and any other healthcare or educational professionals involved.
• Utilizes verbal and non-verbal communication skills effectively with the patient/family as required.
• Demonstrates professional code of conduct / communication with all members of the health team as per VON guidelines and policy. 

• Collaborates with outside partners as needed to support employee health (i.e. maintains contact with vendors, PTs/OTs, OT Clinics, Hospital Based OT services in community).
• Works with the Occupational Health & Safety Teams of all Home Care agencies.

• Masters in Occupational Therapy (or degree prepared occupational therapy education prior to 2008).
• Valid registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia and associated liability insurance. 
• Member with the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapist (NSSOT) is preferred.
• Experience in a health care environment (i.e. long term care, acute medicine, rehab unit, rehab clinic or community visiting program).
• Demonstrates knowledge of community resources preferred.
• Provided care to patients of varying diagnoses across the lifespan (stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), falls, dementia, Parkinson's, Chronic Lung Disease, Congestive Heart Failure (CHF), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), developmental delay, learning disability etc.)
• Experience with patients who have musculoskeletal challenges an asset. 
• Paediatric experience for OT's working in the school environment.
• Detailed knowledge of the healthcare system and service delivery model used.

• Ability to utilize computer software program(s) on a hand held device (i.e. phone or tablet).
• Demonstrates proficiency in the use of technology for documentation of patient outcomes.
• Strong communicate skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work interdependently and collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to adjust to working in different social and economic environments. 
• Ability to respond to changes in patient caseloads and care needs. 
• Demonstrates excellent time management skills to balance client visits, paperwork and urgency of referrals. 
• Demonstrates a passion for serving the community and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

• Work locations will vary and travel is a requirement
• Possibility to work from home and/or VON office
• Must have personal vehicle and possess both a current driver's license and proof of vehicle insurance
• Willingness to travel regularly during the day as well to support sites and attend meetings
• A current and original copy of a satisfactory Criminal Records Check is required.
• A Vulnerable Sector Search and/or Child Abuse Registry Check may be required.
• Ability to speak French is an asset.  
• The ability to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.

Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.