Specialty Occupational Therapist

Role and Facility Information

Occupational Therapist 1, Provincial Assessment Centre

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services

Coquitlam, BC

The Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services to the defined client population, such as individuals with concurrent psychiatric and/or substance abuse/misuse disorders, homelessness and physical health needs, or individuals with a developmental disability and concurrent mental health and/or behavioural issues. Works independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team to enable clients to achieve and maintain optimal health outcomes.

What you’ll do

- Assess clients who are affected by complex substance use, mental health and medical issues by considering their personal context, goals, interests, needs, safety, environment and resources by utilizing an evidence-based approach, reviewing records, gathering information relevant to the situation, interviewing the client, and determining suitability of services to ensure occupational performance issues important to the client are addressed.

- Plan outcome oriented occupational therapy services by collaborating with the client, caregivers/family and other health care providers; identify client and therapist expectations for service and define an approach and focus for service; establish and prioritize expected outcomes; discuss service implementation options; and determine sources and duration of service to meet identified short and long-term client goals.

- Implement occupational therapy services utilizing diverse intervention approaches by carrying out the plan, engaging the client in activities associated with occupational roles and the client’s goals, assessing and modifying the implementation, and identifying completion criteria to promote, develop, maintain and/or restore occupational potential. Act as a group leader/co-leader in the provision of groups to meet the rehabilitation and psycho-educational needs of clients in the areas behavior and development; and by supporting case managers with clients.

- Use knowledge and skill in the area of professional practice to independently manage a complex caseload. Coordinate care for clients by applying case management principles, carrying out health, psychosocial, functional/environmental and safety/risk assessments, identifying problems, addressing issues in collaboration with clients and families and work with the appropriate physicians, interdisciplinary team members and/or clients/families to identify and utilize community supports and agencies. Participate or lead inter-agency and/or multidisciplinary team case management coordination as required.

- Provide education and counseling to clients/families regarding the functional and rehabilitation issues of clients in the areas of behavior and development, personal life, education, leisure and work; and provide information and guidance to other caregivers, health service providers, staff and other community agencies.

What you bring

- Baccalaureate in Occupational Therapy.

- Two (2) years’ recent, related experience working in a psychiatric setting with individuals who have complex mental health and addictions issues or equivalent.

- Current full registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC). - Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).

You will also have knowledge of:

- The principles of recovery in mental illness.

- Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.

- The Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.

- Community, social and mental health resources.

- How to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.

- Awareness of and commitment to learning and understanding the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s 94 Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight Report (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), and other related reports.

- Commitment to upholding the shared responsibility of creating lasting and meaningful reconciliation in Canada as per TRC (2015) and BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019).

- Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities impacting indigenous communities and familiarity with Indigenous Cultural Safety and anti-racism and accompanying reports (BC DRIPA, TRC, etc.).

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.

Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.

Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.

Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.

PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).

Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Full-Time (1.00 FTE)

Wage: $40.84 to $50.80 per hour

Location: 2721 Lougheed Hwy.Coquitlam, BC V3C 4J2

Applications will be accepted until position is filled.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday; 0800-1600

Requisition # 153542E

As per the current Public Health Order, full vaccination against COVID-19 is a condition of employment with PHSA as of October 26, 2021.

What we do

BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services (BCMHSUS) cares for people with complex mental health and substance use challenges.

BCMHSUS is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

PHSA and BCMHSUS are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

Reconciliation is an ongoing process and a shared responsibility for all of us. The BC Governments’ unanimous passage of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act was a significant step forward in this journey—one that all health authorities are expected to support as we work in cooperation with Indigenous Peoples to establish a clear and sustainable path to lasting reconciliation. True reconciliation will take time and ongoing commitment to work with Indigenous Peoples as they move toward self-determination. Guiding these efforts Crown agencies must remain focused on creating opportunities that implement the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Mandate.

Terms