Occupational Therapist

Position Scope:

Directly responsible to the Director of Rehabilitation Services, Recreation and Quality Improvement Program. The Occupational Therapist is part of the care team and will assess residents for initial and ongoing needs to help maintain or improve their functional performance with respect to their daily activities and mobility. Care is to be provided in accordance with the philosophy, objectives and policies of Mountains and Meadows Care Group.

KEY FUNCTIONS

• Assess residents for seating or positioning, equipment (wheelchairs, power mobility assessments, six-month checks for power mobility, specialized cushions). Secures funding for same either privately, through the Red Cross, or private insurance.
• Assess resident’s level functioning with respect to their ADL’s (washing, dressing, toileting, feeding) and make recommendations for adaptive aids/equipment as needed.
• Assess residents that have increased risk of skin breakdown for pressure injury prevention and suggests specialized equipment to maintain/improve skin integrity.
• Manages RED CROSS equipment and keeps an inventory of this equipment. This includes the initial assessment for the equipment, paperwork/ordering of equipment, receipt, follow-up if required. The tracking of equipment, returning equipment in clean, good working order and keeping an inventory can be delegated to the PTA/Rehab assistant.
• Works with local vendors to trial equipment and obtains quotes ensuring residents needs are met.
• Assists residents to reach functional goals ensuring resident-centered approach to care.
• Assesses resident’s ability to use certain equipment (seatbelts, wheelchairs, power wheelchairs, specialized mattresses, heel booties, eating devices, commodes, shower chairs, versa frames, dressing aids, cooking aids) ensuring safety of residents.
• Provide rehab assistant with instructions to follow-up with resident’s specific OT programs.
• Provide transfer of information to other occupational therapists when a resident is being transferred.
• Participates in Wound Care Working Group and Fall Prevention Working Group and other committees as requested by the Director of Resident Care.
• Assessing and prescribing pressure redistributing equipment through the Red Cross.
• Maintains progress notes and chart on resident's progress. Attends IDCs as schedule permits.
• Communicates resident’s progress with other therapeutic team members and house staff.
• Assesses and prescribes assistive or adaptive equipment as needed.
• Maintains open communication with residents, family members, and staff, keeping them abreast of the resident's conditions and any changes.
• Participates in department/team meetings as requested.
• Provides staff training as requested by the Director of Resident Care
• Takes an active interest in continuing education pertaining to the therapeutic care of the elderly and other related topics.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an Accredited University Occupational Therapist Program
• Registered with College of Occupational Therapists NS (COTNS)
• Excellent verbal or written communications
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Able to work with a minimum of supervision
• Excellent time management skills, multitasking skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision.
• Problem identification and problem resolution skills
• High degree of resourcefulness, flexibility, and adaptability
• Strong moral and ethics, along with a commitment to patient privacy