Occupational Therapist – Employee Support Program – Full-time

Requisition Details:

Employment Status: Permanent, Full-time (1.0 FTE) 
Program: Occupational Therapy, Employee Support Program
Work Schedule: Days
Number of Hours Bi-weekly: 75
Location: Service areas include Colchester East Hants, Pictou and Cumberland Counties This opportunity is working with front-line staff virtually and in the client’s home. 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. VON is seeking Occupational Therapists to join our Employee Support Program, which provides workplace safety 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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provides instruction on safe use of home health equipment and mobility aids
• Provide training to support the application of safe work practices
• Use a variety of modalities and methods, including consultation, one-on-one face-to-face sessions, virtual sessions, and small group sessions
• Facilitates return to work for employees
• Develops, implements, and evaluates education and awareness programs such as injury prevention
• Conducts ergonomic assessments
• Provides professional support to area program managers and staff as a content expert i.e. safe client handling train-the-trainer
• Collaborates with outside partners to support employee health (e.g., maintains contact with vendors, PTs/OTs, OT Clinics, and Hospital-Based OT services in the community)
• Works with the Occupational Health & Safety Teams of all Home Care agencies

Education, Designations and Experience: 

• Masters in Occupational Therapy (or degree prepared occupational therapy education prior to 2008)
• Valid registration with COTNS and associated liability insurance
• Membership with the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists is preferred
• Experience in a health care environment (i.e. long-term care, acute medicine, rehab unit, rehab clinic, community visiting program)
• Demonstrates knowledge of community resources preferred
• Experience with patients who have musculoskeletal challenges is an asset
• Detailed knowledge of the healthcare system and service delivery model used

Other:

• Must have a personal vehicle and possess both a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
• 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.
• Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment.

Work Conditions and Physical Capabilities: Attention to detail; Lift and carry using appropriate lifting techniques; Bend, push, pull, grip, reach, kneel, crouch using good body mechanics; Walk, sit, stand, climb stairs; Hand movements.