Job Description

Physiotherapist

Physiotherapist

POSITION: Physiotherapist
DEPARTMENT: Walking Stick Rehabilitation
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Clinical Services

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the Physiotherapist is responsible for encouraging growth of residents through the provision of programs and services that are in keeping with the philosophy of RK MacDonald Nursing Home and its established policies and procedures. The Physiotherapist will provide programs and services to residents according to established standards and administrative policies. This will involve assessing resident’s needs, and planning, implementing and documenting Physiotherapy services while working as part of a multi-disciplinary team. All services provided are in accordance with residents’ personal choice and preferences with the aim of achieving excellence in the care and well-being of those living in the RK MacDonald community. As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home every person has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Core Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Physiotherapist, as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

Key Responsibilities:

Professional Accountability:

  • Carries out assessments, plan implementation, plan evaluation and education in accordance with RK policies and procedures, the Physiotherapy
  • Code of Ethics, the National Physiotherapy Competency Requirements, and the Physiotherapy Act of NS.
  • Conducts self within legal/ethical/professional obligations and requirements.
  • Performs beyond entry level competencies and within medical directives and delegated medical functions as approved for the practice setting as per the Physiotherapy Act of Nova Scotia.
  • Works as a champion of resident centered care.
  • Respects the individuality, autonomy and confidentiality of the resident and ensures the resident is treated respectfully and uses a person-centred approach involving shared decision making and responsibility with the resident and Substitute Decision Maker.
  • Demonstrates professional integrity and a commitment to the well-being of all residents.
  • Engages in professional development and lifelong learning activities.
  • Orientation of new employees and mentor / preceptor of new and existing employees as appropriate.
  • Acts as a mentor / preceptor for student clinical internships.

Communication and Collaboration:

  • Establishes and maintains effective communication with residents, relevant others and professional colleagues.
  • Maintains an accurate account of care given through clear, concise, written and verbal communication and evaluates, communicates and documents resident response to care in a timely manner.
  • Develops and maintains information systems to ensure appropriate access to accurate, objective, relevant information about the resident and general Physiotherapy services.
  • Collaborates, partners, and communicates with the individual, family, and external service providers when there is a difference between the care plan and the wants, needs and abilities of the resident.
  • Demonstrates effective collaboration and inter-professional teamwork by consulting and sharing information with other health professionals, family and community organizations in a timely manner, provided resident consent is obtained where required, to ensure comprehensive, safe service delivery.
  • Facilitate admission planning and transitions across the health care continuum, ensuring the resident’s needs are met in appropriate setting.
  • Participation in staff meetings or working group meetings.
  • Participation in and /or leadership of program planning, research, continuous quality improvement initiatives, committees, staff education, safety initiatives, and accreditation as requested.
  • Demonstrates effective verbal and non-verbal communication abilities to prevent adverse events.
  • Communicates effectively in special high-risk situations to ensure the safety of residents.

Assessment / Treatment / Education:

  • Participates in screening and prioritizing referrals to Physiotherapy to determine the individual’s need for Physiotherapy Services as required.
  • Identifies the resident, based on each unique situation, and identifies the resident’s support system (e.g., family, significant others, caregivers, community, etc.).
  • Consults with the resident on options for service; explains and obtains resident consent. Services at the RK include:
  • Transfer Code and Mobility Assessments
  • Assessment and provision of slings for ceiling / hoyer lifts
  • Provide clinical education to physiotherapy student interns
  • Investigates Fall Events
  • Physiotherapy assessment and treatment of resident health concerns: orthopedic, neurology, geriatric and cardio-respiratory
  • Supervision of delegated physiotherapy treatments
  • Maintenance and recommending of exercise and related physiotherapy equipment
  • Participation in Walking Stick safety / equipment audits
  • Provides annual Safe Lifting and Transferring In-services for CCA staff
  • Advocates with the resident to establish positive first contact, consults on options for service; educates and collaborates to establish/remind resident of previous signing and document consent.
  • Engages with residents to build rapport and the relationship, to clarify values, organize a schedule and places to meet for assessment.
  • Collaborates with resident to identify priorities for assessment and possible expected outcomes.
  • Collaborates with members of the healthcare team and resident to collect, validate and expand assessment data.
  • Documents and communicates pertinent information in a timely and concise manner.
  • Monitors, through assessment data, the ongoing status of the resident.
  • Recognizes changes in physical performance and engagement, functional abilities, and health care needs and adjusts the care plan accordingly.

Planning:

  • Engages the resident in the goal setting process to identify the resident’s priorities.
  • Engages in critical thinking, analyses and interprets assessment data for the resident, his/her support system and the health care team to identify the resident’s physical performance issues, strengths and weaknesses.
  • Through collaboration with the resident, develops the plan of care based on the analysis of assessment findings, chosen theoretical approaches, clinical best practices, and the resident’s vision for his/her life opportunities.
  • Initiates planning and establishes short- and long-term goals, expected outcomes, a plan of care, and a discharge plan.
  • Applies knowledge of pertinent Physiotherapy and related healthcare research and evidence to care planning; uses current knowledge to justify plan of care.
  • Integrates interdisciplinary and multiagency factors into the care plan.
  • Negotiates and communicates with the resident, his/her support system, the health care team, and service providers when there is a difference between the care plan and the wants, needs and strengths of the resident.

Implementation:

  • Engages the resident in treatment (either individual or group) by providing interventions with an aim to maximize physical and emotional functioning and minimize barriers that impede social engagement. Implementation of the plan involves promotion of safety, choice, and risk engagement.
  • Interventions may occur in resident’s usual environment and may include one or more of the following: remediation, adaptation, compensation, prevention, health promotion, or education. Interventions typically target the person and environment collectively as these elements are inter-related.
  • Teach and coach residents and families in a flexible and creative manner using accurate and consistent information, which may include the development of educational materials.
  • Plans for timely completion of Physiotherapy intervention and follow-up, as required, to meet resident’s needs.
  • Delegates appropriate tasks / activities to a Rehabilitation Assistant, rehabilitation aide, or other members of the health care team.
  • Supervises Rehabilitation Assistants, and Rehabilitation Aides.

Evaluation:

  • Evaluates, communicates, and documents expected and unexpected responses to care, to the resident, his/her support system, and the health care team. Evaluates and monitors broad outcomes including healthy living, and reducing hospitalization.
  • In collaboration with the resident, his/her support system and the health care team monitors resident’s response to interventions and modifies/grades treatments and care plans, as indicated.
  • Discusses observations with and makes recommendations to interdisciplinary team and leaders to influence program development/evaluation.
  • Maintains an accurate account of care given through clear, concise, written and verbal communication and evaluates, communicates and documents resident response to care.
  • Continuously engages in critical thinking, and evaluates plan of care and makes revisions to plan as necessary in consultation and collaboration with other members of the health care team, resident, his/her support system.
  • Consults, collaborates, advocates, educates and engages the resident to optimize services.
  • Protects resident and family confidentiality, privacy and creates an overall environment that is safe and secure.
  • Terminates Physiotherapy Services in agreement with clinical best practices, and/or when maximal therapeutic outcomes / functional gains are achieved.

Other Related Duties:

  • Other duties as assigned by Director of Rehabilitation.

Inter-professional Competencies:

  • Describes one’s roles and responsibilities and scope of practice clearly to other professionals / residents / family members.
  • Describes overlapping aspects of own professional knowledge and skills with other health professionals and paraprofessionals.
  • Recognizes and respects the role, responsibilities and competence of other professions / paraprofessionals in relation to one’s own.
  • Demonstrates respect and trust to ensure that collaborative relationships are fostered.
  • Practices within own scope of practice, code of ethics, standards and/or clinical guidelines while working within a collaborative resident centered relationship.
  • Works with others to assess, plan, provide and review care to maximize health outcomes for individual residents.
  • Gathers assessment data from all health professionals/paraprofessionals / residents / family involved in care.
  • Demonstrates effective sharing of information and exchanging of ideas.
  • Integrates information from each health professional / paraprofessional / resident / family to develop common resident centered goals.
  • Participates effectively and appropriately in an inter-professional health care team to optimize resident safety.

Position Specifications

Certification / Registration / Designation

  • Eligible for registration with the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists.
  • Eligible for membership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association.

Special Knowledge and Skills:

  • Thorough knowledge of Physiotherapy practice, with an interest in program development and evaluation skills
  • Demonstrated accountability and responsibility.
  • Strong resident focus and ability to build solid resident relationships.
  • Demonstrated collaboration and teamwork skills with the resident at the Centre.
  • Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities.
  • Demonstrated planning, organization, and time management skills.
  • Commitment to promoting a culture that supports safety, ethical practices and organizational health.
  • Demonstrated good attendance in current and past employment.
  • Exemplary work history as demonstrated in current and past employment.
  • Computer skills (e.g., statistics input, word processing, email, etc.).
  • Annual Cardio-pulmonary Resuscitation certification (BCLS).
  • Physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position.
  • Physiotherapy is a diverse profession and additional courses/education/training in many specialized areas of practice may be required, e.g., stroke rehabilitation, seating, splinting, mental health services, etc.

Judgement and Initiative:

  • Identifies the need for and coordinates Physiotherapy services to maintain and enhance the physical and social performance and engagement of the resident.
  • Continuously engages in critical thinking, and evaluates plan of care and makes revisions to plan as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the resident, his/her support system and other members of the health care team.
  • Articulates rationale for decisions that are based on clinical best practice, current theory and research
  • Intervenes when standards of practice are violated or not upheld.
  • Refers to appropriate professionals for issues beyond the profession’s scope of practice and the individual’s personal competence.
  • Seeks direction or assistance from other health care professionals as required.

Type and Level of Supervision Exercised:

  • Delegates appropriate tasks/ activities to a Rehabilitation Assistant, rehabilitation aide, or other members of the health care team.
  • Supervision of Rehabilitation Assistants, and Rehabilitation Aids.
  • Acts as a mentor / preceptor for students.

Key Relationships:

  • Engages with resident to build rapport and the relationship, clarify values, organize a schedule and places to meet for assessment.
  • Collaborates with resident to identify priorities for assessment and possible expected outcomes.
  • Collaborates and communicates effectively with resident, his/her support system, team member(s) and internal/external resources to implement and coordinate plan of care/services.
  • Collaborates and works consultatively with team members, all levels of management, and other departments and agencies both internal and external to the organization.
  • Engages with Professional Associations.
  • Act as a Communicator, to promote of the profession of Physiotherapy, and the concepts of physical performance, functioning and social engagement.

Physical Demand

Physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position, including working in awkward positions; sitting; stretching/reaching; on feet, standing/walking; pulling/pushing; lifting more than 40 lbs.; transferring residents; crouching; and manual dexterity.

Mental and Visual Demand

These include but are not limited to:

  • Active listening / counselling / interviewing
  • Clinical reasoning and critical thinking
  • Observation
  • Providing training/instruction to patients/students/families/caregivers
  • Report Writing/documentation
  • Data entry/computer use
  • Health Record review
  • Making presentations
  • Driving

Working Environment and Unavoidable Hazards:

Work is inside in resident’s rooms and Physiotherapy spaces

Safety (resident, worker & workplace)

Demonstrates good stewardship in the identification, reporting & mitigation of unsafe Acts or conditions

  • Contribute to a culture of resident safety.
  • Work in teams for resident safety.
  • Communicate effectively for resident safety.
  • Manage safety risks.
  • Optimize human and environmental factors.
  • Recognize, respond to and disclose adverse events.

Professional Qualification / Education / Experience

  • Minimum of 3 years recent experience in a Long Term Care setting and/or Community
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Physiotherapy or Masters of Science in Physiotherapy Entry Level, from an accredited University.
  • Registered member of the Nova Scotia College of Physiotherapists
  • Safety courses such as, BCLS, CPR, CPI and WHIMIS
  • Current membership with the Canadian Physiotherapy Association with active participation in professional activities preferred
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to organize, develop and initiate ideas and programs.
  • Commitment to working in an interdisciplinary approach.
  • Demonstrate good communication skills, verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
  • Good Attendance and Work Record
  • Alzheimer and Related Dementia course
  • Criminal Records check – including Vulnerable Sector Search

Approved by: Director of Clinical Services

Please note:  This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

Physiotherapist

Supervising Registered Nurse

POSITION: Supervising RN
DEPARTMENT: Nursing
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director of Clinical Services

The Supervising RN is accountable to the Director of Clinical Services in the provision of front-line leadership to the nursing and support staff and ensures that the mission, vision and core values, expected behaviors, leadership philosophy, ethics, safety, quality and inter-professional collaboration are integrated within the Home. The Supervising RN is responsible for monitoring the quality outcomes [see Appendix A] as they relate to the care provided by our nursing care partners.

The Supervising RN is accountable and responsible to role model our core values; demonstrate excellence in practice and to provide staff with assistance, support in the delivery of holistic, person-centered care. They must possess excellent communication and interpersonal skills to ensure effective communication with all members of the care team, especially the resident and their family.

Cultural Philosophy:

  • Constructive / Participatory Leadership

Cultural Norms:

  • Achievement based thinking
  • Self-actualized thinking
  • Humanistic – encouraging based thinking.
  • Affiliative based thinking –

Core Values:

  • Compassion Accountability Respect: Excellence Safety:

Key Responsibilities

Implicit in this role is the responsibility for supervising and participating in the day-to-day provision of quality care for all residents. The Supervising RN is responsible to utilize leadership and management skills to identify and solve problems. In supporting our vision of an alive and vibrant community built on meaningful relationships that celebrates and encourages a uniqueness of spirit and character the Supervising RN is responsible for building and developing, for supporting and encouraging the development and continuance of a cohesive, responsive, cooperative care team that maintains a continual focus on a holistic approach to living. As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home, the Supervising RN has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Core Values and our philosophy of person-centred care, the Supervising RN represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

Leadership: accountable to inspire care partners to role model our core values and to coach and build a team that will achieve the vision – “leading care partners to excellence”

  • Excellent attendance
  • Self –educator
  • Ability to host / Chair team meetings
  • Ability to present education sessions on a variety of care related topics
  • Knowledgeable of and monitors compliance with the provincial LTC Facility Program Requirements
  • Responsible for the efficient and effective day to day functioning of all nursing care areas
  • Supports staff and manages the first level of discussion with Incident Reports and care partner / family conflict and addressing resident unmet needs, i.e. behaviors
  • Models our core values creating an atmosphere that empowers staff to contribute to the delivery of high quality care
  • Provides a visible, identifiable presence that invites feedback and discussion
  • Contributes to the delivery of organizational objectives
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal relationships with staff, residents, families and other care providers
  • Enhancing staff satisfaction by creating a challenging and positive work environment

Clinical Care Coordination and Supervision: accountable for the delivery of safe and competent, resident focused care – “be the expert in geriatric nursing”

  • To be familiar with the resident population in order to make safe and appropriate decisions about care plans and care staff assignments
  • Provides safe and competent direct clinical care [e.g. assessments and treatment] to support/direct care delivered by the RN Team Lead / LPN / CCA care partners
  • Monitors resident care plans to ensure they are person-centred and focused on achievable goals and outcomes
  • Provides leadership, education, direction and coordination to staff ensuring safe & effective clinical practices are occurring
  • Enhances the resident experience by performing rounds and building relationships
  • Leads the admission process ensuring that the focus of care is holistic and person rather than medically centered

Human Resources: accountable to maximize employee performance in service to the Mission, Vision & Core Values of the Home – “promoting excellence in care”

  • Monitors skills and competencies of nursing care partners and ensures that the skills are kept current taking appropriate proactive or corrective action when required
  • Conducts annual performance reviews with all staff and assists each staff person in developing goals and action plans specific to their performance review and learning needs
  • Conducts care area staff meetings at least monthly, preferably bi-weekly

Family Relations: accountable for the recognition and inclusion of family as care givers. Responsible for establishing and maintaining compassionate and respectful relationships with family members and recognizing the critical role they continue to play in the lives of those entrusted in our care – “ensuring the resident’s voice is heard”.

  • Maintain open and respectful lines of communication with family by ensuring family is invited and welcomed as a partner in care planning
  • Welcomes and encourages family feedback

Continuous Quality Improvement & Occupational Health and Safety: accountable for the continuous quality improvement and safety initiatives that will make every important aspect of the resident’s experience better. Responsible for ensuring standards of practice, codes of ethics and health and safety are understood and followed – “driving continuous growth creating a safe and healthy environment”

  • Investigates Safety Event and Fall Reports involving residents to ensure corrective strategies are implemented in care planning in an effort to reduce reoccurrences.
  • Participates in implementing and evaluating quality initiatives – see (Appendix) Quality Outcomes
  • Ensures safe work practices are adhered to at all times
  • Ensures staff adherence to infection control practices

Supports

The RN Supervisor will have the support of the Director of Clinical in administering their roles and responsibilities as outlined in this job description

Educational Qualifications

  • RN, B.Sc.N. preferred
  • Current registration with CRNNS
  • Certificate in gerontology nursing [or willingness to obtain]
  • Current CPR, WHIMIS ,CPI
  • Certificate in Gentle Persuasive Approach
  • Certificate in P.I.E.C.E.S.

Experience Required

  • Five years nursing experience in Geriatric Nursing
  • Previous supervisory experience an asset

Knowledge & Skills Required

  • Demonstrated flexibility
  • Demonstrated leadership abilities
  • Evidence of the ability to motivate others
  • Strong resident focus and ability to build relationships
  • Commitment to supporting a culture that supports and lives our mission, vision & values
  • Demonstrated self confidence in protecting the rights and well-being of residents as opposed to those of our care partners
  • Demonstrated critical thinking & problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated commitment to self-learning and continuous professional education
  • Effective and compassionate communication & interpersonal skills
  • Self-confidence in addressing conflict and securing resolution

Competencies

Competence means the ability to integrate and apply the knowledge, skills and judgement required to practice safely and ethically in a designated role and practice setting.

  • Ongoing professional development and competence is required
  • Maintains an awareness of current trends and issues in gerontological nursing care
  • Identifies, achieves and maintains own professional development needs

Please note:  This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

Approved by: Director of Clinical Services

Physiotherapist

Occupational Therapist

Please note:  This is not a job listing, this is a job description. For current opportunities click here.

POSITION: Occupational Therapist
DEPARTMENT: Walking Stick Rehabilitation
RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Rehabilitation Services

Reporting to the Director of Clinical Services, the Occupational Therapist is responsible for encouraging growth through the provision of programs and services to residents according to established standards and administrative policies.  This will involve promotion of health and optimal occupational performance; prevention of disability; assessing resident’s needs, and planning, implementing, evaluating and documenting a plan of care. Occupational Therapists work as part of a multi-disciplinary team.  As an employee of the RK Mac Donald Nursing Home every person has a responsibility to be involved in providing a stimulating environment for the residents. In keeping with the philosophy of RK MacDonald Nursing Home and the established policies and procedures of RK MacDonald Nursing Home, all services provided are in accordance with residents’ personal choice and preferences with the aim of achieving excellence in the care and well-being. In keeping with our Mission, Vision and Core Values and our philosophy of Resident Centered Care, the Occupational Therapist, as a partner in the provision of care and support of our Residents, represents the home in a positive, professional, efficient and confidential manner.

Key Responsibilities

Professional Accountability

  1. Carries out assessment, plan implementation, plan evaluation and education in accordance with RK policies and procedures, the Occupational Therapy Code of Ethics, the National Occupational Therapy competency requirements, and the Occupational Therapy Act of Nova Scotia.
  2. Conducts self within legal/ethical/professional obligations and requirements.
  3. Performs beyond entry level competencies and within medical directives and delegated medical functions as approved for the practice setting as per the the National Occupational Therapy competency requirements, and the Occupational Therapy Act of Nova Scotia.
  4. Works as a champion of person-centered care.
  5. Respects the individuality, autonomy and confidentiality of the resident and ensures the resident is treated respectfully and uses an resident centred approach involving shared decision making and responsibility with the resident and Substitute Decision Maker.
  6. Demonstrates professional integrity and a commitment to the well-being of all residents.
  7. Engages in professional development and lifelong learning activities.
  8. Orientation of new employees and mentoring / preceptors new and existing employees as appropriate.
  9. Acts as a mentor / preceptor for student clinical internships.

Communication and Collaboration

  1. Establishes and maintains effective communication with residents, relevant others and professional colleagues.
  2. Maintains an accurate account of care given through clear, concise, written and verbal communication and evaluates, communicates and documents resident response to care in a timely manner.
  3. Develops and maintains information systems to ensure appropriate access to accurate, objective, relevant information about the resident and general occupational therapy services.
  4. Collaborates, partners, and communicates with the individual, family, and external service providers when there is a difference between the care plan and the wants, needs and abilities of the resident.
  5. Demonstrates effective collaboration and inter-professional teamwork by consulting and sharing information with other health professionals, family and community organizations in a timely manner, provided resident consent is obtained where required, to ensure comprehensive, safe service delivery.
  6. Facilitate admission planning and transitions across the health care continuum, ensuring the resident’s needs are met in appropriate setting.
  7. Participation in staff meetings or working group meetings.
  8. Participation in and /or leadership of program planning, research, continuous quality improvement initiatives, committees, staff education, safety initiatives, and accreditation as requested.
  9. Demonstrates effective verbal and non-verbal communication abilities to prevent adverse events.
  10. Communicates effectively in special high-risk situations to ensure the safety of residents.

Assessment / Treatment / Education

  1. Participates in screening and prioritizing referrals to Occupational Therapy to determine the individual’s need for Occupational Therapy Services as required. Identifies the resident, based on each unique situation, and identifies the resident’s support system (e.g., family, significant others, caregivers, community, etc.).
  2. Consults with the resident on options for service; explains and obtains resident consent. Services at the RK include:
    • Seating prescription – assessment and maintenance
    • Assessment and provision of Individual Specialized Equipment
    • Administration of the Red Cross Specialized Equipment
    • Dysphagia Assessment
    • Pressure Management – Wound care
    • Activities of Daily Living Assessment
    • Administration of wheelchair safety audits and maintenance
    • Administration of specialized mattress program
    • Assessment and provision of slings for ceiling / hoyer lifts
    • Transfer Code and Mobility Assessments
    • Mental Health and Behavioural Assessments
    • Provide clinical education to occupational therapy student interns
    • Provides annual Safe Lifting and Transferring In-services for CCA staff
  1. Selects an appropriate theoretical approach to address the resident’s occupational performance issues.
  2. Advocates with resident to establish positive first contact, consults on options for service; educates and collaborates to establish/remind resident of previous signing and document consent.
  3. Engages with resident to build rapport and the relationship, clarify values, organize a schedule and places to meet for assessment.
  4. Collaborates with resident to identify priorities for assessment and possible expected outcomes.
  5. Collaborates with members of the healthcare team and resident to collect, validate and expand assessment data.
  6. Documents and communicates pertinent information in a timely and concise manner.
  7. Monitors, through assessment data, the ongoing status of the resident.
  8. Recognizes changes in occupational performance and engagement, functional abilities, and health care needs and adjusts the care plan accordingly.

Planning

  1. Engages the resident in the goal setting process to identify the resident’s priorities.
  2. Engages in critical thinking, analyzes and interprets assessment data for the resident, his/her support system and the health care team to identify the resident’s occupational performance issues, strengths and weaknesses.
  3. Re-evaluates and adjusts theoretical approach (es) as necessary to fit with the resident’s Occupational Performance Issues (OPIs).
  4. Through collaboration with the resident, develops the plan of care based on the analysis of assessment findings, chosen theoretical approaches, clinical best practices, and the resident’s vision for his/her life opportunities.
  5. Initiates planning and establishes short and long term goals, expected outcomes, a plan of care, and a discharge plan.
  6. Applies knowledge of pertinent Occupational Therapy and related healthcare research and evidence to care planning; uses current knowledge to justify plan of care.
  7. Integrates interdisciplinary and multiagency factors into the care plan.
  8. Negotiates and communicates with the resident, his/her support system, the health care team, and service providers when there is a difference between the care plan and the wants, needs and strengths of the resident.

Implementation

  1. Engages the resident in treatment (either individual or group) by providing interventions with an aim to maximize occupational functioning and minimize barriers that impede occupational engagement. Implementation of the plan involves promotion of safety, choice, and risk engagement.
  2. Interventions may occur in resident’s usual environment and may include one or more of the following: remediation, adaptation, compensation, prevention, health promotion, or education. Interventions typically target the person, occupation, and environment collectively as these elements are inter-related.
  3. Teach and coach residents and families in a flexible and creative manner using accurate and consistent information, which may include the development of educational materials.
  4. Plans for timely completion of occupational therapy intervention and follow-up, as required, to meet resident’s needs.
  5. Delegates appropriate tasks / activities to a Rehabilitation Assistant, rehabilitation aide, or other members of the health care team.
  6. Supervises Rehabilitation Assistants, and Rehabilitation Aides.

Evaluation

  1. Engages the resident in treatment (either individual or group) by providing interventions with an aim to maximize occupational functioning and minimize barriers that impede occupational engagement. Implementation of the plan involves promotion of safety, choice, and risk engagement.
  2. Interventions may occur in resident’s usual environment and may include one or more of the following: remediation, adaptation, compensation, prevention, health promotion, or education. Interventions typically target the person, occupation, and environment collectively as these elements are inter-related.
  3. Teach and coach residents and families in a flexible and creative manner using accurate and consistent information, which may include the development of educational materials.
  4. Plans for timely completion of occupational therapy intervention and follow-up, as required, to meet resident’s needs.
  5. Delegates appropriate tasks / activities to a Rehabilitation Assistant, rehabilitation aide, or other members of the health care team.
  6. Supervises Rehabilitation Assistants, and Rehabilitation Aides.

Other Related Duties

Other duties as assigned by the Director of Clinical Services

Inter-professional Competencies

  1. Describes one’s roles and responsibilities and scope of practice clearly to other professionals / residents / family members.
  2. Describes overlapping aspects of own professional knowledge and skills with other health professionals and paraprofessionals.
  3. Recognizes and respects the role, responsibilities and competence of other professions / paraprofessionals in relation to one’s own.
  4. Demonstrates respect and trust to ensure that collaborative relationships are fostered.
  5. Practices within own scope of practice, code of ethics, standards and/or clinical guidelines while working within a collaborative person-centered relationship.
  6. Works with others to assess, plan, provide and review care to maximize health outcomes for individual residents.
  7. Gathers assessment data from all health professionals/paraprofessionals / residents / family involved in care.
  8. Demonstrates effective sharing of information and exchanging of ideas.
  9. Integrates information from each health professional / paraprofessional / resident / family to develop common resident centred goals.
  10. Participates effectively and appropriately in an inter-professional health care team to optimize resident safety.

POSITION SPECIFICATIONS

Minimum Formal Education

Education preparation accepted by the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia for Registration with the Nova Scotia College of Occupational Therapists.

Certification / Registration / Designation

  1. Eligible for registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia.
  2. Eligible for membership with the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists and the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.

Special Knowledge and Skills

  1. Thorough knowledge of Occupational Therapy practice, with an interest in program development and evaluation skills
  2. Demonstrated accountability and responsibility.
  3. Strong resident focus and ability to build solid resident relationships.
  4. Demonstrated collaboration and teamwork skills with the resident at the centre.
  5. Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
  6. Demonstrated leadership abilities.
  7. Demonstrated planning, organization, and time management skills.
  8. Commitment to promoting a culture that supports safety, ethical practices and organizational health.
  9. Demonstrated good attendance in current and past employment.
  10. Exemplary work history as demonstrated in current and past employment.
  11. Computer skills (e.g., statistics input, word processing, email, etc.).
  12. Physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position.
  13. Occupational Therapy is a diverse profession and additional courses/education/ or training in many specialized areas of practice may be required, e.g., stroke rehabilitation, seating, splinting, mental health services, etc.
  14. Experience with the Red Cross Specialize Equipment Program
  15. Experiences managing Responsive Behaviors or willingness to learn

Judgement and Initiative

  1. Identifies the need for and coordinates occupational therapy services to maintain and enhance the occupational performance and engagement of the resident.
  2. Continuously engages in critical thinking, and evaluates plan of care and makes revisions to plan as necessary in consultation and collaboration with the resident, his/her support system and other members of the health care team.
  3. Articulates rationale for decisions that are based on clinical best practice, current theory and research
  4. Intervenes when standards of practice are violated or not upheld.
  5. Refers to appropriate professionals for issues beyond the profession’s scope of practice and the individual’s personal competence.
  6. Seeks direction or assistance from other health care professionals as required.

Type and Level of Supervision Exercised

  1. Delegates appropriate tasks/ activities to a Rehabilitation Assistant, rehabilitation aide, or other members of the health care team.
  2. Supervision of Occupational therapy assistants, rehabilitation assistants, and occupational therapy aides.
  3. Acts as a mentor / preceptor for students.

Key Relationships:

  1. Engages with resident to build rapport and the relationship, clarify values, organize a schedule and places to meet for assessment.
  2. Collaborates with resident to identify priorities for assessment and possible expected outcomes.
  3. Collaborates and communicates effectively with resident, his/her support system, team member(s) and internal/external resources to implement and coordinate plan of care/services.
  4. Collaborates and works consultatively with team members, all levels of management, and other departments and agencies both internal and external to the organization.
  5. Engages with Professional Associations.
  6. Act as a Communicator, to promote of the profession of Occupational Therapy, and the concepts of occupational performance, occupational functioning and occupational engagement.

Physical Demand

Physical capabilities to perform the duties of the position including working in awkward positions; sitting; stretching/reaching; on feet, standing/walking; pulling/pushing; lifting more than 40 lbs.; transferring residents; crouching; and manual dexterity.

Mental and Visual Demand

These include but are not limited to:

  • Active listening / counselling / interviewing
  • Clinical reasoning and critical thinking
  • Observation
  • Providing training/instruction to patients/students/families/caregivers
  • Report Writing/documentation
  • Data entry/computer use
  • Health Record review
  • Making presentations
  • Driving

Working Environment and Unavoidable Hazards:

Work is inside in resident’s rooms and Occupational Therapy spaces

Safety (resident, worker & workplace)

Demonstrate good stewardship in the identification, reporting & mitigation of unsafe Acts or conditions

  1. Contribute to a culture of resident safety.
  2. Work in teams for resident safety.
  3. Communicate effectively for resident safety.
  4. Manage safety risks.
  5. Optimize human and environmental factors.
  6. Recognize, respond to and disclose adverse events.

Professional Qualification / Education / Experience

  • Minimum of 3 years recent experience in a Long Term Care setting and/or Community with emphasis on adaptive equipment [Red Cross Specialized Equipment Program] and responsive behaviors
  • Bachelor of Science Degree in Occupational Therapy or Masters of Science in Occupational Therapy Entry Level, from an accredited University.
  • Registered member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia.
  • Safety certification such as BCLS, CPR, WHIMIS, CPI
  • Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to organize, develop and initiate ideas and programs.
  • Commitment to working in an interdisciplinary approach.
  • Demonstrate good communication skills, verbally and in writing.
  • Demonstrated physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
  • Good Attendance and Work Record.
  • Alzheimer and Related Dementia course
  • Criminal Records check – including Vulnerable Sector Search