Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital is Canada’s hospital for children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences. Serving more than 9,000 families annually through inpatient and outpatient programs and services, our teams are helping to shape the future of pediatric disability care.
As a top 40 Canadian research hospital and academic hospital fully affiliated with the University of Toronto, Holland Bloorview integrates care, teaching, research and scholarship to advance practice and improve the lives of children and youth with disabilities and developmental differences. All clinical staff are expected to contribute to the academic agenda through one or more of the following activities: supervising students, teaching, academic service, scholarship and/or research.
Holland Bloorview has achieved 100 per cent in four successive surveys by Accreditation Canada, an unprecedented achievement in safety. We are also proud to be recognized among Greater Toronto’s Top Employers, Canada’s Top Employers for Young People and Canada’s Best Diversity Employers.
Here, you will find an inspiring, inclusive, innovative and collaborative work environment, competitive compensation and benefits, and programs that support ongoing learning, professional growth and well-being, so you can do meaningful work while continuing to grow your career. To learn more about the advantages of a career at Holland Bloorview, click here.
Job Summary
The Occupational Therapist works as part of the Communication and Writing Aids (CWAS) program. CWAS is an interdisciplinary team comprised of speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, communicative disorders assistants and assistive technology consultants, working collaboratively with clients, their families and community partners to provide augmentative and alternative communication assessment/intervention. Services are provided at Holland Bloorview, in client homes and in the community. CWAS is an Expanded-Level Clinic (designated by the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) to provide specialized assessment and training for children and youth with complex communication and/or writing needs.
Key Responsibilities
- Assesses and manages clients who require augmentative and alternative communication devices and writing aids, specifically in the areas of positioning and accessing options as they pertain to communication
- Provides client and family-centred care which is goal directed, evidence based and outcome oriented
- Respects the client/family’s rights to make decisions based on their own values, beliefs and experiences
- As a member of a transdisciplinary team, assesses the client’s abilities and trains the client and family in the use of augmentative communication devices/writing aids and strategies
- Addresses challenges in client occupational performance by providing assessment and intervention directed at the person, occupation and environment factors influencing occupational performance
- Provides client intervention in the hospital or in the community
- Provides direct service, consultation, mediation and education to client, family and community providers with focus on maximizing a child’s function in the area of communication in order to impact on self-care, productivity (school and play skills) and leisure (community participation) according to hospital and college policies/standards and evaluate care through outcome measures,
- Provides education both formal and informal to clients/families colleagues, students and others within the organization and the community
- Incorporates quality improvement activities to ensure the delivery of efficient and effective health care and the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment.
- Practice according to organizational policies and standards of practice as set out by the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario and the policies, procedures and standards of care of Holland Bloorview.
- Contribute to the hospital’s academic mission through student supervision and / or academic teaching and / or contribution to research
- Participating in some evening groups, workshops or in-services
- Researching new technology, assessments, or interventions
- Participates in quality improvement initiatives, supports the maintenance of a safe and healthy work environment and advances a culture of client/patient safety through work and daily practices
- Demonstrate strong critical thinking/reasoning and utilize research to establish and support evidence-informed practice.
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Minimum of Bachelor degree in Occupational Therapy required; Masters degree in Occupational Therapy preferred
- Current registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
- Membership in Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists or Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists is an asset.
- Individual Authorizer certified or awaiting IA approval from the Assistive Devices Program
- Must have a minimum of one year work experience as an Occupational Therapist
- Experience in assessing and working with a paediatric clientele that requires augmentative and alternative communication devices/writing aids
- Experience working with variety of paediatric diagnoses in a community based setting preferred
- Ability to work independently in a consultative model and as a member of an Inter-professional team is essential
- Demonstrated initiative and ability to problem solve
- Excellent communication (written and verbal) and interpersonal skills
- Good knowledge of computer hardware/software and adaptations
- Experience with current outcome measures such as Canadian Occupational Performance Measure and Goal Attainment Scaling
- Experience with technology, seating and positioning would be an asset
- Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle for travel in the community
- Willingness to work in a variety of regions including Toronto, Durham, York and Simcoe as required
