About the Position
Elves Special Needs Society is a non-profit organization supporting individuals with disabilities and complex needs. The Elves Adult Program has provided Community Access Day Program services to adults with severe disabilities for more than 50 years.
We are seeking a compassionate and collaborative Occupational Therapist (OT) to provide assessment, intervention, consultation, equipment support, and interdisciplinary care focused on independence, participation, safety, and quality of life.
Experience working with seniors or individuals with complex medical needs in a community setting is preferred. Experience or willingness to work within a multidisciplinary team is an asset.
The Occupational Therapist reports to the Elves Adult Program Director and the Elves Executive Director.
What You’ll Do
Occupational Therapy Assessment & Intervention
- Conduct comprehensive occupational therapy assessments to identify individual strengths, needs, goals, and barriers to participation.
- Assess functional abilities related to physical, communication, sensory, interaction, cognitive, and daily living skills.
- Complete functional assessments and sensory assessments as appropriate.
- Develop individualized intervention plans based on assessment findings, individual goals, and the needs of the program.
- Plan, organize, implement, and support appropriate treatment and targeted activities through individual and group-based interventions.
- Review progress and adjust interventions and treatment plans based on changing needs.
- Evaluate treatment effectiveness and outcomes.
- Participate in multi-professional case conferences and team meetings to review treatment success, progress, and ongoing needs.
- Support transitional planning and continuity of care.
Consultation & Collaborative Support
- Provide consultation to families, instructors, paraprofessionals, caregivers, and other members of the support team regarding the most enabling and appropriate supports for individuals with special needs.
- Collaborate with families and caregivers to identify strategies and resources that promote participation, independence, safety, and quality of life.
- Liaise with physicians, psychologists, parents, guardians, caregivers, and other healthcare and community professionals.
- Provide updates and clinical recommendations during on-site and community clinics and other relevant appointments.
- Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary/interdisciplinary team serving individuals with diverse and complex needs.
Equipment, Assistive Devices & AADL
- Support assessment, recommendations, referrals, and access to appropriate equipment and assistive devices.
- Assess and recommend mobility equipment, adaptive equipment, assistive devices, and self-care supports.
- Support individuals and families in accessing equipment, materials, and other resources required to meet functional needs.
- Assist families in navigating referrals and community supports for equipment and home-based needs.
- Coordinate and/or support the ordering of mobility equipment, assistive devices, and incontinence aides.
- AADL authorization experience is an asset.
- Liaise with equipment vendors, healthcare providers, and other service providers as required.
- Support equipment trials, recommendations, implementation, and follow-up.
Physical, Medical & Complex Needs
- Support assessment and referrals related to complex physical needs and medical needs.
- Identify functional concerns and make appropriate referrals to healthcare and community services.
- Work collaboratively with the multidisciplinary team to support individuals with complex and changing needs.
- Assist families in identifying appropriate supports for their adult family member in the home and community.
- Provide recommendations that promote safe participation and independence across program, home, and community environments.
Feeding, Dysphagia & Eating-Related Needs
- Support assessment and referrals related to feeding, dysphagia, swallowing, and other eating-related concerns.
- Collaborate with appropriate healthcare professionals and members of the interdisciplinary team regarding feeding and swallowing needs.
- Support the implementation of recommended strategies and interventions within the program environment, within the scope of occupational therapy practice.
Caseload & Clinical Administration
- Manage an assigned caseload, prioritizing needs according to clinical urgency, individual goals, and program requirements.
- Maintain accurate and timely clinical documentation, case notes, reports, assessments, and records.
- Prepare reports and other documentation as required.
- Communicate with families, caregivers, physicians, healthcare providers, and community agencies by telephone, email, and other appropriate methods.
- Maintain appropriate administrative and budgetary records related to occupational therapy services.
- Participate in team meetings, case conferences, program planning, and other professional activities.
Supervision, Training & Professional Support
- Provide oversight and support to Occupational and Physical Therapy Assistants, as applicable.
- Train students and supervise the work of Occupational Therapy Assistants.
- Provide education and training to instructors, paraprofessionals, families, and other staff regarding occupational therapy recommendations and strategies.
- Contribute to a collaborative learning environment and support the ongoing development of team members.
What You Bring
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Current registration with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT).
- Minimum 1 year of practicum and/or paid occupational therapy experience.
Asset
- Experience working with seniors and/or individuals with severe disabilities or complex medical needs.
The successful candidate will work Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. An immediate start is available. Compensation will be determined based on qualifications and relevant experience, along with a competitive benefits and pension package.
Why Join Elves?
At Elves, you will be part of a collaborative and supportive team that has been serving individuals with disabilities for more than 50 years.
Your clinical expertise will directly contribute to helping adults participate meaningfully in their daily lives, strengthen their independence, access appropriate supports, and achieve their individual goals.
Pay: $36.00-$49.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
- RRSP match
- Vision care
Experience:
- practicum and/or paid occupational therapy: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Registration with Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (preferred)
Work Location: In person
