About Optima Living
Founded in 2007 by two friends inspired by their families’ dementia journeys, Optima Living was created to provide a more home-like experience in seniors housing and care. What began as a personal mission has grown into one of Western Canada’s leading senior living and continuing care providers.
Today, Optima Living offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, Supportive Living, Long-Term Care, Brain Health, and Memory Care across Alberta and British Columbia. Our innovative approach includes Spark, Your Wellness, Your Way; our proprietary brain health and care model. As the only Top 10 Canadian senior living and care provider focused exclusively on Western Canada, we proudly serve more than 4,300 residents.
Guided by our North Star, Let us welcome you home™, we are committed to People, Place, and Community. With a resident-first philosophy and a focus on innovation, we are redefining aging with purpose creating communities where seniors live with dignity, connection, and joy.
Position Summary
Reporting to the Director of Care and working collaboratively within the interdisciplinary team, the Occupational Therapist is responsible for assessing, planning, implementing, documenting, and evaluating individualized therapy services that support residents' mobility, function, safety, independence, and well-being. The role also provides education to team members on safe resident handling and mobility practices.
All duties and responsibilities are carried out in alignment with Optima Living’s mission, vision, and values, promoting person-centered care by respecting the uniqueness, dignity, and self-determination of residents to promote maximum personal and functional independence. These duties are performed within the framework of established organizational policies and procedures, industry best practices, while adhering to applicable regulations and standards.
Responsibilities
- Obtains and reviews available therapy and exercise programs during the resident move-in process to support individualized therapy planning.
- Assesses new and existing resident for functional and cognitive ability to determine the need for physical rehabilitation program.
- Plans and supervises resident rehabilitation programs, including mobility training, wheelchair transfers, and range of motion exercises.
- Performs seating, positioning, and wheelchair assessments to promote comfort, safety, and pressure injury prevention.
- Evaluates feeding performance, functional mobility, and equipment needs to support resident functional performance.
- Assesses resident needs for mobility devices or changes to mobility devices such as walkers, wheelchairs, and bars etc.
- Collaborates with nursing and care team member to develop, implement, and evaluate individualized therapy plans.
- Evaluates assessment outcomes and maintains accurate documentation in accordance with organizational standards.
- Coordinates with service providers and provides recommendations to families as needed
- Educates team members and families on various therapy-related exercises and services
- Provides guidance and support to team members for modifications of environment to ensure team member safety when dealing with individual resident transfer issue.
- Assists with implementing team member education programs that support therapy-related services.
- Ensures supplies are ordered and inventory is managed according to set guidelines.
- Directs and oversees the activities of the Rehabilitation Aide as required.
- Completes and maintains required Alberta Aids to Daily Living documentation, assessments, and authorizations
- Collaborates with external therapy professionals, as required, to support resident care.
- Promptly reports unsafe conditions, incidents, or concerns to supervisor, General Manager or Health & Safety Committee.
- Identifies maintenance issues and reports them following established maintenance procedures.
- Responds promptly during emergency codes in alignment with organizational standards and protocols.
- Contributes to quality improvement initiatives by sharing ideas and providing feedback.
- Demonstrates knowledge of and compliance with Occupational Health and Safety regulations.
- Ensures adherence to infection control policies and procedures through regular audits, observations, and investigations.
- Maintains strict confidentiality of resident medical and personal information in accordance with privacy legislation.
- Completes orientation upon hire and annual mandatory education as assigned.
- Supports new team members through their orientation process.
- Participates in team meetings and stays informed on relevant internal communications.
- Performs other duties as required to support operational needs.
Qualifications & Experience
- Completion of a recognized occupational therapy accredited program
- Registered with the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists and the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT)
- Alberta Aids to Daily Living authoriser is an asset
- Experience in occupational therapy is an asset
- Ability to maintain current knowledge through continuing education and professional development.
- Experience in a residential care or mental health environment is an asset.
- Knowledge of therapeutic techniques, exercise programs, mobility support, and safe transfer practices is required.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Communicates in an approachable and respectful manner with the temperament to deal tactfully and cooperatively in all interactions.
- Strong written communication skills with the ability to present professional documents with clarity.
- Demonstrates the ability to effectively organize, prioritize and problem solve.
- Ability to manage and resolve difficult and challenging situations effectively and respectfully.
- Experienced in crisis intervention.
- Physical and mental ability to carry out the duties of the position including adherence to provincial health legislation.
- Ability to safely operate equipment according to established protocols.
- Computer literacy skills required.
- Flexibility to work a variety of shifts.
Conditions of Employment
- Clear Police Information
- Check Clear Vulnerable Sector Check
- Successful completion of all mandatory Provincial Health Requirements
- Active CPR and First Aid Certification
