Occupational Therapist (Part-Time)

PLEA Community Services is currently seeking a Regular Part-Time Occupational Therapist for our Asante and Adult Services teams teams located in Maple Ridge and Abbotsford. The proposed start date for this position is September 21, 2026. This position requires BCGEU membership.

The Occupational Therapist plans, develops implements and evaluates individually designed programs of educational, vocational and recreational activities for clients with physical and/or developmental disabilities to maintain, improve or restore physical and/or mental functioning.

Hours of Work:

The usual hours of work in this position are Monday to Friday, based on a flextime scheduling arrangement, including days and evenings, of 21 working hours per week. Flextime scheduling arrangements allow employees to pick the start/end times of their shifts to meet client needs. Shifts must include the program's core hours of 12:00pm to 2:00pm (the daily straight-time maximum is 10 hours).

Education/Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in Occupational Therapy
• Registration with the BC College of Health and Care Professionals
• Two (2) years recent related experience.

Closing date for Internal Applications: Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 4:30PM. If the position is not filled internally, it will remain open until filled.

Who We Are:

PLEA is an accredited, charitable community services organization that has operated throughout BC for more than 40 years. We deliver community-based services and specialized supported homes to children, youth, adults and families facing significant challenges in their lives. We continually adapt our programs to suit each individual's diverse strengths, needs and circumstances. As a result, we have a strong reputation for helping those we serve to overcome the challenges they face and lead fulfilling lives.

What You Will Do:

• Assess clients' mental, emotional and physical capacities using specialized occupational therapy techniques such as functional ability testing, observation of clients, physician referral notes and other standardized tests and procedures.
• Plan and develop individualized programs of occupational therapy designed to enhance capacities such as executive functioning, motor skills, coordination, visual sensory perception, play and self -care skills.
• Implement occupational therapy programs, which may include manual and creative arts, sensory integration, vocational skills development and recreational activities. Monitor and evaluate clients' progress make program adjustments accordingly. Recommend adaptive equipment.
• Provide direct therapy in individual and group settings.
• Support clients' families in determining needs and goals for clients and encourage their participation in case planning. Make home visits and assists families in accessing other programs and services. Refer families to other community services and professionals as appropriate.
• Provide instruction, guidance and advice to families, teachers and other caregivers on the implementation of components of the occupational therapy programs.
• Maintain related records and produce reports as required.
• Liaise with other community service providers and professionals to ensure coordinated and consistent client therapies. Participate in multi-disciplinary team and family conferences, case conferences, team and transition meetings related to client care and services.
• Maintain current knowledge on literature and research in the field. Provide up to date best practice information.
• Provide consultative and education services to clients' families, caregivers, professionals and the general public.
• Participate in the review of agency policies, procedures and standards related to occupational therapy services.
• Protect and uphold confidentiality.
• Perform other related duties as required.

What You Will Bring:

• Demonstrated ability to promote behavioural changes through a variety of occupational therapy approaches and interventions, including with clients who may be reluctant to engage.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to build trusting and effective relationships with clientele, agency staff, professionals, Family Caregivers, and families.
• Demonstrated skills in working with families in crisis and facilitating individual, family and group counselling.
• Exceptional conflict management and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, take initiative, make sound decisions in high pressure situations and be accountable for results.
• Demonstrated organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multi-task and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive clinical reports.
• Demonstrated ability to be sensitive and understanding of individuals' social realities including issues of race, culture, religion, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, poverty and lifestyle.
• Demonstrated knowledge of counselling issues and trends.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office suite, database systems and web-based conferencing tools.

PLEA Benefits and Perks:

• Eligibility to enroll in health/welfare benefits on the first day of the month following the completion of the probation period, including access to the annual physical activity fund (for fitness-related items or activities) and the annual education fund (to take part in career-related courses or training events).
• Access to the Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP): counselling support services and wellness resources for employees and their immediate family members.
• Discounted gym membership at Club 16 Trevor Linden and She's Fit.
• Perkopolis membership: an exclusive discount program for a variety of products and services (clothes, furniture, dining, auto, events, etc.)
• Agency-Sponsored Social Events (i.e., summer barbecue, annual holiday party, and team days).

PLEA offers the Municipal Pension Plan to eligible employees as per the plan's criteria.

Minimum Requirements:

• Satisfactory Criminal Record Clearance
• Must possess a valid Basic First Aid certificate (formerly OFA Level 1) or be willing to obtain one prior to hire.
• Must have access to a personal vehicle for work-related travel. This position requires travel in the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Class 5 or 7N B.C. Driver's License and suitable driver's abstract/claims history.
• Documentation that the applicant is legally authorized to work on an ongoing basis in Canada.

Note: PLEA conducts primary source verification of applicant's credentials including education, training, work history, and licensure.