Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist

Job Summary

Shuswap Children’s Association, originally the Shuswap Exceptional Children’s Association, was founded in 1982 by a group of parents of children with support needs who found they were unable to access services for their children. They were joined by community professionals, service providers, and others who shared the goals of the parents.

As a leader within the organization and the community and under the direction of the policies and procedures outlined in the Shuswap Children’s Association program manuals, it is the responsibility of the Physiotherapist or Occupational Therapist to provide services to children birth to school age with support needs, including assessment, treatment planning and progress evaluations. You work as a family-centered practitioner, on an outreach basis and as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

Job Responsibilities

Physiotherapy Program Responsibilities

• • Meet with families requesting physiotherapy to determine needs and to prioritize the level of children’s needs
  • Conduct assessments through formal and informal means:
  • Assess children’s abilities in the areas of physical development, movement, balance, coordination, strength, and musculoskeletal development and determine how the child’s development relates to functional abilities
  • Assess for the presence of plagiocephaly and/or torticollis and recommend activities to gain range of motion, improve head shape, and promote symmetrical, early development as needed
  • Interpret and report assessment results to parents and, with parental consent, to other members of the multidisciplinary team
  • In collaboration and consultation with the family and/or caregiver, develop and implement individualized treatment plans, which include the identification of needs, goals, tasks, and time frames for each child receiving physiotherapy
  • Develop treatment plans that are practical and easy to incorporate into the child’s daily life, both at home and in childcare settings
  • Teach and guide parents and/or caregivers on the best methods for how to implement suggestions into daily living activities
  • Evaluate children’s progress on a regular basis and update treatment plan as needed
  • With parental/caregiver consent, upon discharge provide distribute a written document of progress to members of the multidisciplinary team as required
  • Treat, follow-up and discharge in relation to the individual child’s physical performance and the family’s goals and priorities, using techniques and practices specific to pediatrics
  • Organize and/or participate in team meetings regarding children on the caseload
  • Keep up to date on resources and services available to families in the community and beyond
  • Work in collaboration with BC Children’s Hospital and Sunny Hill Health Centre for Children to provide services to children and families living in the Shuswap region
  • Advocate for the equipment needs for children receiving physiotherapy services and assist families in securing such equipment
  • Implement physiotherapy services in accordance with the philosophy and policies of the Shuswap Children’s Association
  • OR

Job Responsibilities

Occupational Therapy Services

• • Assess, through formal and informal means, fine motor, perceptual, sensory-integrative, and self-help skills of children referred to the program
  • Interpret and report assessment results effectively to parents and, with parental consent, to other team members
  • Develop and implement an individualized treatment plan, including identification of needs, goals, tasks, and time frames, for each child receiving occupational therapy
  • Ensure treatment plans are practical and easy to incorporate into the child’s daily life, both at home and in a child care setting
  • Teach parents and/or caregivers how to implement suggestions into daily living activities
  • Provide training to families and/or caregivers and children in the optimal methods of self-care (dressing, eating, toileting, bathing, sleeping and personal hygiene)
  • Evaluate children’s equipment requirements, including seating and wheelchair needs
  • Work with families to help them attain aids and/or equipment that will benefit their children in attaining their developmental goals
  • Fabricate simple splints or assisted devices as required
  • Implement occupational therapy services in accordance with the philosophy and policies of Shuswap Children’s Association
  • Maintain professional skills through ongoing training and professional development
  • In collaboration with the Behaviour Consultant, provide occupational therapy services to clients in the Nest program as required
  • Work collaboratively with other Early Years programs offered by Shuswap Children’s Association who may require occupational therapy services, assistance, or guidance

Administration

• • Develop, implement, and maintain appropriate caseload management strategies
  • Ensure the maintenance of program and client records and statistics in a timely manner
  • Ensure that all appropriate documentation is accurate and complete
  • In collaboration with the Executive Director develop program and services to meet the needs of the changing community as needed
  • In collaboration with the Executive Director, develop the annual budget, review quarterly financial statements, and establish program goals for the upcoming operational year
  • Ensure the maintenance of program equipment and supplies, including maintenance of inventory Ensure the confidentiality of all client records
  • Maintain professional skills through ongoing training and professional development
  • Attend job related meetings, including staff and program committee meetings and regional therapy meetings/conference calls

Community Responsibilities

• • In collaboration with the Administration department, market and promote the program in the community
  • Utilize all available resources to assist families and children
  • In collaboration with other services providers located throughout the Shuswap region, develop, and host education/information sessions to parents, professionals, and the community
  • Keep up to date on resources and services available to families in the Shuswap region

Education, Training and Experience

• • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physical Therapy OR Occupational Therapy
  • Current registration with the College of British Columbia as a physical therapist or occupational therapist
  • Eligibility for membership in the Canadian Association for Physiotherapists or Occupational Therapists
  • Experience in pediatrics is an asset. We do encourage new graduate applicants or those who are interested in making a transition to a new area of practice
  • In-depth knowledge about child development is considered an asset
  • Experience working with Nucleus and databases is considered an asset
  • Experience in analyzing data and trends is considered an asset
  • Experience in program management is considered an asset
  • Experience in planning and delivering staff and community training is considered an asset
  • Understanding of typical and atypical child development
  • Experience working with families and infants with a disability or delay is considered an asset

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• • Knowledge of and commitment to the principles and practices of family centered care
  • Competency in the principles and techniques of early intervention
  • Knowledge of the broad medical, social, educational, and behavioural implications of developmental delays
  • Working knowledge of normal child growth and development
  • Ability to be sensitive to the needs of families, which will change over time
  • Creative and flexible approach to supporting families
  • Possession of a non-judgmental, positive, and stereotype-free attitude toward persons with disabilities and their families
  • Ability to work effectively with families and caregivers in an atmosphere of equality and respect
  • Understands and demonstrates respect for the diverse values and cultures of the families involved with the program
  • Strong interpersonal skills that include the ability to work and communicate and collaborate effectively with staff, the Board of Directors, clients, community members, and other service providers
  • Possess a comprehensive knowledge of services, programs, and resources available to families both in the community and elsewhere
  • Ability to work effectively and respectfully with other Shuswap Children’s Association staff and parents/caregivers
  • Good communication, administrative, organizational and time management skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Good planning, financial management, time management and organizational skills
  • Computer skills, including good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and client database software
  • Ability to prepare and provide education regarding physiotherapy as required by those supporting children receiving physiotherapy services from the Shuswap Children’s Association (family members, caregivers, public health, physicians)
  • Ability to work independently, under direction and as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Ability to work under a family-centered model
  • Ability to work collaboratively with a variety of service providers and activity groups
  • Ability to relate to and work effectively with children, particularly those with support needs
  • Ability to advocate for families and children
  • Ability to work on an outreach basis in children’s homes, childcare settings and the community
  • Knowledgeable about community & childcare services

Requirements

• • Valid Class V BC driver’s license
  • Must be able to provide own transportation
  • Criminal Record screening
  • Current First Aid Certification, including C.P.R.

Hours of Work

• • This is a permanent part-time position, working 21 hours/week. Flexible work hours may be required in order to meet the needs of families and caregivers
  • Hourly wage range is $37.68 – 46.61. Starting wage will be commensurate with experience.
  • Eligible for a comprehensive benefit package and RRSP matching after completion of probation
  • Yearly professional development allotment
  • Onsite parking
  • Pediatric mentorship will be provided

Matching RSP, Comprehensive benefit package, EAP package, Long Term Disability, Health/Lifestyle Spending Account