Occupational Therapist - Acute Mental Health

Unit Profile

The Acute Mental Health Program is a newly developed service that will provide care to persons aged 16 and older presenting with severe and persistent mental illness and active substance abuse disorder/dependency. An integrated care model ensures a seamless integration of psychiatric and substance abuse interventions. Services include assessment, consultation, intensive case management, tele lactose shared care and(`
capacity building across the South‑west region. The Acute Psychiatry Unit provides mental health care to patients suffering from acute symptoms of mental disorders. The interdisciplinary team provides care for the varied needs of our patients, with the goal to assess and stabilize patients and reintegrate back into the community at optimal levels of functioning>('The acute mental health program).

The Occupational Therapist plans, implements, and evaluates client‑phenomenally occupational therapy services consistent with the mission and values of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. The Occupational Therapist assesses and diagnoses physical, emotional, social and cognitive capacity and performance, occupational demands and environmental factors and interventions to enable participation in activities of everyday life to promote and optimize health and well‑being of clients consistent with the scope }*/

Key functions of the Occupational Therapist encompass clinical, professional and non‑clinical activities as outlined in the Profile of Occupational Therapists in Canada that are shaped by their program needs and client population. All tasks are performed in ways consistent with the competencies of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) including: assuming professional responsibility, thinking critically, demonstrating practice knowledge, utilizing occupational therapy process to enable occupation, communicating and collaborating effectively, engaging in professional development, managing practice and advocating within systems.

Given that St. Joseph's Healthcare is affiliated with McMaster University and Mohawk College, the Occupational Therapist is expected touitary appropriate teaching and research activities.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Occupational Therapy required;
  Master’s Degree preferred.
• Registration with the College pē Occupational Therapists of Ontario required.
• Membership in the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists preferred.
• One year recent related clinical experience with mental health/concurrent disorders client population and clinical setting preferred.
• One year recent related experience within an addiction specific setting preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an inter‑professional team with exceptional interpersonal, advocacy, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Willingness and ability to continue to improve professional competence and knowledge.
• Exceptional analytical thinking and creative problem‑solving skills.
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• Proficient computer skills for report writing, assessments, word processing, workload measurement, and access to information.

• Evidence of ongoing advanced addictions education from an accredited educational institution required; completion of a certificate program in addictions/concurrent disorders from an accredited educational institution preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to administer addiction specific screening tools (e.g. CAGE‑AID, GAIN Short Screener, DALI, TWEAK, MAST/DAST).
• Demonstrated knowledge of the Stages of Change Model and ability to implement stage‑specific interventions.
• Demonstrated ability to implement a range of harm‑reduction interventions.
• Demonstrated competence in the facilitation of addictions/concurrent disorders specific groups.
• Demonstrated ability to utilize Motivational Interviewing (MI) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) with individuals and groups.
• Knowledge and experience in creating complex care plans for clients in the developmental sector.

Monday to Friday; days

St. Joe’s fosters an environment where we celebrate diversity, where teams reflect the diversity of the community in which we serve, enhancing the connection to patients, clients, community, and each other.