Occupational Therapist / OT Lead
Progressive Life Centre (PLC) + Progressive Steps Training & Consultation (PSTC)
Ajax, Ontario
Part-time or Full-time | Flexible Schedule | Some Home/Community Work
About the Role
PLC and PSTC are looking for an Occupational Therapist to help us build OT services across both organizations.
This is not a role where you will simply inherit an established caseload. We are looking for an OT who wants to help shape the service, including assessment pathways, session structure, fees, documentation, caseload expectations and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Initially, the role will be approximately:
- 50% PLC: grant-funded work supporting adults with developmental disabilities through Social Enterprise and Living Well
- 50% PSTC: developing and providing OT services for children, teens and adults
As the PSTC caseload grows, we expect the role to shift toward primarily PSTC clinical services.
About PLC + PSTC
Progressive Life Centre is a registered charity in Ajax supporting adolescents and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Programs focus on independence, wellness, employment and community participation.
PLC operates from an approximately 9,000 sq. ft. centre with a teaching kitchen, laundry, gym, fitness centre, sensory space, therapy rooms and vocational areas.
Progressive Steps Training & Consultation provides clinical services to children, teens and adults with autism and developmental disabilities. Behaviour Analysis is currently our primary clinical discipline, and we are expanding toward a multidisciplinary model that includes OT and future SLP services.
OT will maintain its own professional identity and scope while collaborating with other disciplines when clinically appropriate.
Key Areas of the RolePSTC Clinical Services
- Complete OT assessments and provide individual intervention and consultation
- Support areas such as sensory needs, daily living skills, executive functioning, motor skills, community participation and employment
- Help develop OT referral, assessment, session and documentation processes
- Help establish client fees, indirect-time practices and caseload expectations
- Collaborate with families and other clinicians
- Help build a sustainable OT caseload
PLC Programs
Initial priorities include:
Social Enterprise
- Support PLC Cleaning Crew and WeCandle
- Assess task, environmental, sensory and workplace barriers where appropriate
- Recommend accommodations, adaptive strategies, ergonomic supports and task modifications
- Consult with staff and Job Coaches to increase worker independence and success
Living Well
- Consult on daily living, routines, sensory/environmental needs and participation
- Provide staff coaching and practical recommendations
- Complete individual OT assessment/intervention when clinically appropriate
Clinical Approach
We are looking for an OT whose practice is:
- Neurodiversity-affirming
- Trauma-informed
- Person-centred and collaborative
- Focused on meaningful, functional outcomes
- Respectful of autonomy and individual differences
- Comfortable working alongside Behaviour Analysts and other professionals
We do not expect one OT to specialize in every area of practice. We value clinicians who understand their strengths and recognize when consultation, mentorship or referral is appropriate.
Qualifications
Required:
- Registered and in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
- Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program
- Experience working with autistic children with significant sensory, regulation and behavioural needs
- Strong clinical reasoning, communication and documentation skills
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Valid Ontario driver's licence and reliable transportation
- Vulnerable Sector Check
Assets:
- Experience with adults with autism or developmental disabilities
- Vocational assessment, supported employment or workplace accommodations
- Sensory processing, executive functioning, adaptive equipment or environmental modification
- Physical disabilities or complex developmental needs
- Community-based OT
- Interdisciplinary practice
OT Lead Opportunity
As our first OT, you will help establish the clinical foundation for the service.
This may include:
- Selecting assessment tools and resources
- Developing referral and clinical pathways
- Identifying equipment and space needs
- Establishing documentation processes
- Helping define the OT service model and fees
- Contributing to future OT staffing and service growth
We are looking for someone who is interested in both excellent clinical practice and building a sustainable service.
Schedule & Compensation
Our preference is for someone interested in growing into a substantial or full-time position, but we are open to part-time arrangements for the right candidate.
Scheduling is flexible based on client needs and may include some evenings and occasional Saturdays.
Pay: $45.00-$60.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Flexible schedule
- On-site gym
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- Vision care
Licence/Certification:
- college of occupational therapists of ontario license (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Ajax, ON L1S 2E9
