Occupational Therapist, Specialized Seniors Clinic

Location: New Westminster

Detailed Overview

Reporting administratively to the Manager, Clinical Services and clinically to the Clinical Practice Leader, Occupational Therapy, works as a member of the interdisciplinary team providing occupational therapy services to older and/or geriatric adults with chronic conditions; provides education to clients, caregivers and staff regarding rehabilitation interventions and advocates for clients with community agencies and funding sources; provides care that is family centered and emphasizes the promotion, maintenance and restoration of health based on the chronic disease management model;

participates in quality improvement activities such as providing input into program standards, procedures and protocols to ensure clinical objectives are identified and met; participates in special and/or research projects related to older adult and/or geriatric clients. Responsibilities Provides occupational therapy assessment, consultation and interventions for older and/or geriatric adults to maximize physical function and to promote independence and safety; determines the appropriate use of recognized occupational therapy assessment tools such as neurobehavioral cognitive exams, ADL/IADL assessments, feeding assessments) and conducts appropriate assessments;

prescribes and recommends specialized and adaptive aids and equipment to clients for activities of daily living (ADL). Collaborates with interdisciplinary team members, 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 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. Evaluates the effectiveness of direct clinical care and education provided to the client and caregivers; provides input to the interdisciplinary team regarding changes required to improve efficiency and/or effectiveness of service. Provides education and training for clients/family/caregivers and staff through individual and/or group sessions on independent living skills and occupational performance, use of environmental and equipment adaptations, body mechanics, lifts and transfers;

develops resource materials as required. Provides geriatric clinical expertise, consultation and leadership in evidence-based practice to staff and clients 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 and others for the purpose of promoting safety in the home and modification to environmental barriers;

acts as a client advocate by providing information and liaising with funding agencies and community resources. Maintains knowledge of current developments in evidence-based Occupational Therapy and geriatric practice by methods such as reviewing relevant literature, consulting with other health care professionals and attending relevant education programs to enhance the delivery of client care; sets measurable performance goals and objectives in collaboration with the Manager, Clinical Services.

Assists with research and special projects related to Occupational Therapy and Geriatrics by collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, collecting data and providing input for further analysis as required. Completes required reports, records and workload statistics; maintains files and records in accordance with program standards and procedures. In collaboration with the Manager or designate, assists with the development and monitoring of policies and procedures and standards related to Occupational Therapy;

identifies staff learning needs and develops and provides orientation and education related to Occupational Therapy and Geriatrics; assists with the facilitation of student placements, as assigned. As a member of the interdisciplinary team, assists in the development and implementation of operational plans, vision, philosophy and mission for Specialized Geriatric Clinic in collaboration with the Manager. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education and Experience Graduation from an approved school of Occupational Therapy. One year recent, clinical related experience in working with older and/or geriatric clients or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience. Current full registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC and eligible for membership in the BC Society of Occupational Therapists and/or Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Valid BC Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle for business-related purposes.

Skills and…