Occupational Therapist

Job summary

Assess, monitor, and provide occupational therapy to infants and young children with special needs, addressing motor skills, self-care, feeding, and sensory regulation to support participation in daily routines. Coach and educate caregivers, prescribe and monitor equipment, consult with childcare programs, and collaborate with families and other service providers.

Job details

ABOUT US Almost 1.3 million residents call York Region home, making it one of the largest regions in Canada – and the fastest growing with a population that’s expected to grow to more than 2 million by 2051. Our geography, which is comprised of about 1,800 square kilometers over nine different municipalities, is as beautiful, interesting and diverse as our people. Local government is organized in a two-tier structure and we work together with our local municipalities to provide residents and businesses access to a broad selection of services and resources. WHAT WE OFFER Recognized by Forbes as one of Canada’s Best Employers, we offer a collaborative, progressive workplace that takes pride in our organizational culture and is committed to living The 13+ Factors of Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace – aligned with our vision to create strong, caring and safe communities both within and outside our walls. Defined Benefit Pension Program - With the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System (OMERS) defined benefit pension plan, you can confidently retire knowing that you will have income for life. Eligibility from date of hire as a full-time employee and includes employer-matched contributions. Benefits and Wellness - Employees and their loved ones have access to an employee health care spending account, access to a 24/7 Employee and Family Assistance Program and corporate discounts and purchase plans for day-to-day products and services. Casual employees are eligible to receive payment in lieu of benefits and/or vacation. Inclusive and Diverse Workforce - We’re committed to fostering an environment that celebrates all dimensions of diversity and ensures everyone can develop to their full potential, participate freely in society and live with respect, dignity and freedom from discrimination. Our robust Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accessibility program continues to grow, and has been recognized by the United Nations and many other organizations for our leadership. ABOUT THE ROLE Reporting to the Clinical Supervisor, Therapy Services, Early Intervention, this position is responsible for assessing, monitoring, and providing therapy intervention and consultation to infants and young children with special needs and their families in homes, early learning and childcare programs, community settings and Early Intervention Services’ offices. WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING Utilizes the knowledge and skills from the discipline of Occupational Therapy to assess, monitor and provide treatment to infants and young children with a variety of special needs in the areas of fine and visual motor, self care, feeding and sensory integration/regulation, while optimizing their participation in daily routines. Participates in the intake process and eligibility screening for therapy services within the Region. Completes Occupational Therapy assessments and re-assessments and delivers services as per the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario Standards and EIS guidelines. Completes prescription of appropriate therapeutic programs and provides verbal instruction and written guidelines to caregivers. Provides caregiver coaching and education through a routines-based model of intervention. Provides therapy intervention in collaboration with Early Interventionists, physiotherapists and other internal and external partners to optimize client outcomes. Completes equipment assessment, prescription and monitoring; assists families with seeking funding options for recommended equipment; provides written guidelines and instructions to families/caregivers and early learning and childcare (ELCC) staff with regards to safe use of equipment. Provides consultation and education to ELCC programs regarding implementation of therapeutic strategies to optimize a child’s participation, acceptance, and inclusion in all aspects of the childcare program. Assumes the role of service coordinator for family and child as necessary. Performs other duties as assigned, in accordance with Branch and Department objectives. WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR Successful completion of a University Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy or approved equivalent combination of education and experience. Current registration as an Occupational Therapist with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario. Minimum two (2) years experience working as an Occupational Therapist, including experience working with children with special needs. Valid Ontario Class “G” Driver’s Licence and reliable vehicle for use on corporate business. Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check. Experience and training in implementation of neuro-developmental treatment, sensory integration and feeding assessment and intervention. *Hiring for Richmond Hill and Vaughan locations

What you’ll do

Assess, monitor, and provide occupational therapy to infants and young children with special needs, addressing motor skills, self-care, feeding, and sensory regulation to support participation in daily routines. Coach and educate caregivers, prescribe and monitor equipment, consult with childcare programs, and collaborate with families and other service providers.

Requirements

Requires a master's degree in Occupational Therapy or an approved equivalent combination of education and experience, current registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario, and at least two years of occupational therapy experience, including work with children with special needs. Candidates must have a valid Ontario Class G driver's licence, access to a reliable vehicle, a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check, and experience or training in neuro-developmental treatment, sensory integration, and feeding assessment and intervention.

Benefits

• Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Health Care Spending Account
• Employee and Family Assistance Program
• Corporate Discounts and Purchase Plans
• Payment in Lieu of Benefits and/or Vacation for Casual Employees

Listed skills

• interdisciplinary collaboration · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Occupational Therapy Assessment
• Pediatric Therapy
• Fine and Visual Motor Skills
• Self-Care Intervention
• Feeding Assessment and Intervention
• Sensory Integration and Regulation
• Caregiver Coaching and Education
• Routines-Based Intervention
• Therapeutic Program Prescription
• Equipment Assessment and Prescription
• Neuro-Developmental Treatment
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
• Child Development
• Early Intervention
• Client and Family Consultation

Job areas

• Healthcare
• Social Services
• Government & Public Sector