Occupational Therapist, Inpatient Psychiatry Unit - Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre

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Reporting administratively to the Manager, Mental Health and Substance Use Services and clinically to the Professional Practice Chief, Occupational Therapy, the Occupational Therapist provides Occupational Therapy services to patients/clients in the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit (IPU) by using a variety of modalities and in accordance with professional practice standards and clinical policies and practices. Participates as a member of the interdisciplinary team in care planning, discharge planning, resource linkage and education from an Occupational Therapy perspective. Participates as a member of local committees and planning bodies as assigned.

1. Provides occupational therapy assessments, consultations and interventions to psychiatric patients/clients to maximize function and to promote independence and safety.  Determines the appropriate use of recognized occupational therapy assessment tools (e.g. neurobehavioural cognitive exams, ADL/IADL assessments and conducts appropriate assessments.
2. As a member of the interdisciplinary care team, collaborates with colleagues, patients/clients and caregivers to develop individual treatment goals. 
3. Provides treatment and/or teaching to patients/clients and caregivers in order to restore, develop or maintain functional status.  Identifies the resources required for treatment, including tests, materials, equipment and funding and initiates requests for external funding as required. 
4. Facilitates the group therapy process through the use of cognitive, behavioural, psycho-educational, problem-solving and crisis intervention methods.
5. Facilitates transitioning back to the community. 
6. Prepares written assessments/reports including recommendations to facilitate patient/client success in the rehabilitation.  Monitors and evaluates patient/client outcomes.
7. Role models and demonstrates occupational therapy techniques and practices to staff and students, provides information based on application of theories, concepts and principles; ensures compliance with standards of practice and supports staff  to provide excellence in quality patient/client care based on best practices.
8. Provides clinical expertise, consultation and leadership in evidence-based occupational therapy practice to patients/clients and/or staff by reviewing literature, consulting with experts, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team, evaluating clinical practice and making recommendations for changes to existing standards.
9. Maintains client records by documenting client assessments, preparing progress notes and writing reports in accordance with established professional/organizational standards, policies and procedures.
10. Promotes continuous quality improvement by participating on local committees and planning bodies, engaging in program/practice evaluation, identifying opportunities for improved effectiveness and engaging in ongoing professional development.
11. Maintains workload statistics in accordance with professional standards.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Baccalaureate degree in Occupational Therapy. One (1) year's recent, related experience in a psychiatric setting or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current full registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).  Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - BC (CAOT-BC).

Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge and understanding of psychosocial aspects of mental health issues. Familiarity with DSM IV criteria.
• Knowledge of behavioural management strategies and techniques.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and policies.
• Thorough knowledge of rehabilitation practices in Psychiatry.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing with clients, families, the health care team and community agency personnel.
• Demonstrated ability to teach and provide consultation to clients, families and health care professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate and deliver in-services, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups.
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload in a complex environment.
• Ability to operate related equipment. 
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.