Occupational Therapist, Acquired Brain Injury Services

Detailed Overview

The Occupational Therapist provides specialized community-based occupational therapy services to individuals with Acquired Brain Injury (ABI); provides consultation and education to client case managers/primary therapists, other program areas and contracted agencies regarding rehabilitation; develops rehabilitation services through development of partnerships in the community. Responsibilities Provides occupational therapy assessment, consultation and interventions to referred clients to maximize physical function and promote independence and safety;

determines the appropriate use of recognized occupational therapy assessment tools (e.g. neurobehavioral cognitive exams, ADL/IADL assessment, swallowing/dysphagia assessment, seating) and conducts appropriate assessments. Collaborates with colleagues, clients and caregivers to develop individual treatment goals, utilizing the self-management model of living with chronic illness; provides treatment and/or teaching to clients and caregivers in order to restore, develop or maintain functional status;

identifies the resources required for treatment, including tests, materials, equipment and funding; provides verbal and written reports to the interdisciplinary team regarding progress towards care plan goals. Develops and monitors treatment rehabilitation plans for ABI clients. Provides clinical services to an assigned individual caseload. Acts as a consultant/resource to the family, care team, and community agencies in the provision of rehabilitation services.

Recommends appropriate community resources, i.e. vocational services, semi-independent living program, etc. Determines appropriate tasks for Transfer of Function; instructs, monitors and reviews specific tasks with the client, caregiver and/or home support worker to ensure a high standard of care. Develops and monitors rehabilitations services to meet rehabilitation needs of ABI clients by liaising with program areas and other community agencies and services to facilitate the integration of rehabilitation strategies.

Strengthens existing partnerships and develops new partnerships to provide rehabilitation services; monitors and evaluates rehabilitation programs provided by contracted service providers. Develops contracts for services, monitors contracted services, and reviews invoices prior to payment. Completes required reports, records and workload statistics; maintains files and records in accordance with program standards and procedures. Acts as a group leader, co-leader or support staff in a wide range of therapeutic groups such as activity, life skills, psycho-educational, and insight-oriented groups by: assisting with the coordination of Skills Building Group;

planning specific group activities to meet the goals of the particular client group; ensuring the group process is therapeutic; observing, evaluating and reporting individual client responses to the treatment team. Provides in-service instruction/training to Fraser Health staff and community agencies related to ABI and the principles and process of rehabilitation with ABI clients. Participates in quality improvement and risk management activities for Acquired Brain Injury Services by evaluating clinical practice and generating recommendations for alternative approaches.

Represents service area at various committees and/or meetings as assigned. Provides instruction, feedback and supervision to students as assigned. Performs other related duties as assigned. Qualifications

Education and Experience Graduation from an accredited school of Occupational Therapy. Two years' recent, related experience in ABI or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. Current full registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists - BC (CAOT-BC). Valid B.C. driver's license and access to a personal vehicle for business related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the broad health system, community resources and volunteer agencies, and their roles and responsibilities in providing a continuum of care. Knowledge of disability issues and the needs of adults living with permanent injury and illness. Knowledge of behavioural management strategies and techniques. Knowledge of relevant legislation, standards and policies. Comprehensive knowledge of rehabilitation practices in ABI rehabilitation. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with clients, families, other members of the health care team and community agencies.

Demonstrated ability to independently manage and prioritize caseload/workload and make decisions. Demonstrated ability to teach and provide consultation to clients, families, and healthcare professionals. Demonstrated ability to develop, coordinate, and deliver in-services, presentations, psycho-educational and support groups. Ability to work effectively with others, including as…