Occupational Therapist, AIS

The Opportunity

Reporting to the Clinical Manager of Adolescent Intensive Services (AIS), and under the direction of the Team Leader, the Occupational Therapist is a member of the inter-disciplinary team and provides clinical intervention within an OT scope of practice to youth who are experiencing mental health and addiction challenges. Adolescent Intensive Services provides evidenced-based treatment services to adolescents (13 up to 19 years old) and their families who present with mental health and/or addictions disorders. Responsibilities will include, but are not limited to: conducting, interpreting and utilizing standardized assessments of occupational function; using functional assessments to establish occupational identities and roles; assisting clients with occupational choices; contributing with remediating the impairments associated with illness; assessing for and recommending assistive technology as appropriate to enhance occupational performance; providing individual and/or group intervention on a direct, consultative, or monitoring basis; providing input into discharge, case management and transition/after care planning. As necessary, appropriately supervises the implementation of recommended interventions for occupational performance by other members of the interdisciplinary team. The Occupational Therapist provides leadership and support around the client’s treatment plan, participates in clinical rounds, team meetings, and client conferences, carries out home and school visits, and supports program operations. The OT demonstrates professionalism, adheres to standards of their professional practice and maintains the principles of client and family-centered care.

This position may involve travel outside Halifax Regional Municipality.

Hours of Work

Monday-Friday; 7.5 hour shifts, some evening hours may be required.

Your Qualifications

• Graduate of a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved Occupational Therapy Program required.
• Licensed member, or eligible for licensure, of the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS) required.
• Registered member of the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists (NSSOT) required.
• Registered, or eligible for membership, in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) required.
• Successful completion of a Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada Basic Life Support  Program within the last 12 months required or successful completion of a BLS Renewal Challenge Certificate required.
• Nonviolent Crisis intervention (NCI) Certification required.
• Minimum two (2) years clinical experience as an Occupational Therapist with child and adolescent populations required, five years preferred.
• Minimum two (2) years experience working in a mental health and addictions setting strongly preferred. Experience working in an adolescent residential setting an asset.
• Demonstrated knowledge of adolescent substance use/misuse required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of mental health and addiction disorders and evidenced treatment modalities preferred.
• Working knowledge of a Harm Reduction, Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care and Family/Client Centred Care.
• Experience in assessment in functional goal setting treatment planning required.
• Experience in creating and delivering evidence-based individual, family, and group interventions preferred.                                            
• Ability to assess risk of harm to self and others, and triage appropriately preferred.
• Demonstrated excellent communication, problem solving, conflict resolution, leadership and administrative skills required.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize workload, maintain flexibility to respond to competing demands, and ensure effective organization and time management required.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as a member of an inter-disciplinary team and collaboratively with community partners and families required.
• Knowledge of the mental health and addictions services offered within the IWK Health Centre, the community, and the Nova Scotia Health Authority preferred.   
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of clinical case management.
• Valid Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for travel.
• Competency in other languages an asset.