The team at HomeBridge Youth Society is looking to fill an Occupational Therapist role!

POSITION SUMMARY
As an Occupational Therapist (OT) working with youth, your primary role is to support children and adolescents in developing the skills necessary to participate in daily activities and achieve their full potential. This role involves working with youth facing mental health challenges, substance use issues, and various physical, developmental, and cognitive conditions, including autism, ADHD, and sensory processing disorders.

Scope of Work

Assessment

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify a child or youth's strengths and challenges.
• Develop individualized treatment plans based on sensory processing, motor skills, visual perception, and cognitive abilities.
• Utilize a range of standardized and non-standardized assessment tools.

Intervention

• Provide direct, evidence-informed interventions to help youth develop functional life skills.
• Focus areas may include fine and gross motor development, sensory integration, and participation in Daily Life Events (DLE), such as dressing, grooming, and feeding.

Collaboration

• Collaborate with families (when possible and appropriate) to establish meaningful goals and implement supportive strategies.
• Work closely with multidisciplinary team members-including youth care workers, physical therapists, social workers, and educators-to ensure comprehensive care.

Advocacy

• Advocate for the rights and needs of youth and their families.
• Promote awareness of occupational therapy and its impact within the broader community.

Documentation and Evaluation

• Maintain accurate and detailed documentation of assessments, interventions, and progress.
• Regularly evaluate treatment effectiveness and share findings with families and interdisciplinary team members.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia.
• Minimum two years' experience working with youth experiencing emotional and behavioural challenges preferred.
• Experience supporting youth with mental health and/or substance use concerns preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Current First Aid, CPR, and Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) certification preferred.
• Proof of professional liability insurance required.

Conditional Employment Requirements
Employment is contingent upon successful completion of:

• Child Abuse Register screening
• Current Police Check with Vulnerable Sector Search
• Three professional reference checks (from former supervisors or managers)

Hours and Location

Regular hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM-4:30 PM; occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Local travel within the Halifax Regional Municipality is required; access to a reliable vehicle is necessary.

CORE COMPETENCIES

Leadership and Excellence

• Contribute to the reputation and excellence of HomeBridge Youth Society through innovative care, teaching, and research.
• Take accountability for professional decisions, relationships, and actions.
• Engage in lifelong learning and share acquired knowledge with the team.
• Participate in service development initiatives, committees, and care team meetings.
• Demonstrate initiative in improving services and processes.
• Promote the value of occupational therapy internally and externally.
• Actively incorporate current empirical research and best practices.
• Supervise and evaluate occupational therapy students, as applicable.
• Uphold HomeBridge Youth Society policies and maintain a professional demeanor in all interactions.
• Lead by example and actively listen to peers and youth.

Quality Assurance

• Participate in quality improvement and risk management processes.
• Contribute to the development and evaluation of standards and practices.
• Assist in implementing changes to enhance service delivery.
• Identify and mitigate safety risks in the workplace.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide high-quality care and recreational opportunities to youth with emotional, behavioural, mental health, and substance use challenges.
• Conduct assessments, set goals with youth, and implement evidence-based interventions.
• Utilize NVCI and de-escalation techniques to manage behavioural challenges.
• Work collaboratively with youth and the care team to support progress toward treatment goals.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation in accordance with organizational standards.
• Participate in planning and supervising activities, both onsite and in the community.
• Maintain inventory and identify funding resources to support youth engagement and inclusion.
• Foster positive relationships with community partners and promote access to opportunities for youth.
• Promote inclusion, diversity, and cultural sensitivity in all aspects of service.
• Support the role of occupational therapy within HomeBridge Youth Society and consult with youth care teams as needed.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Strong understanding of occupational therapy best practices in youth care settings.
• Knowledge of various health conditions and their functional impact.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to family-centered care and collaborative practice.
• Demonstrated initiative, adaptability, and teamwork.
• Proficiency in planning, time management, and prioritization.

JUDGEMENT & INITIATIVE

• Modify equipment and activities to suit individual needs.
• Monitor and ensure youth safety in all settings.
• Contribute to program development and quality practice initiatives.
• Identify and respond to potential risks appropriately.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND VISUAL DEMANDS

• Participate in a range of physical activities, including use of physical intervention techniques consistent with NVCI training.
• Manage competing priorities in high-pressure situations.
• Remain attentive to youth progress during sessions.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Requires sustained focus, empathy, and cultural sensitivity. Travel between multiple sites and community locations is required. Must be comfortable working independently or within a team, and under stressful conditions. Physical, mental, and emotional demands are inherent in the role.

Hours of work, location and compensation:

· Typical working hours of Monday-Friday 8:30-4:30. Some evening and weekend work may be required

· HomeBridge serves several locations across the Halifax Regional Municipality so local travel will be required. Access to a reliable vehicle is necessary.

· HomeBridge is a Unionized and Tobacco-Free environment

· A comprehensive benefit package is available including an annual salary of $88,000 health and dental coverage, paid vacation and sick time and EFAP

We encourage applicants from indigenous people, black and other racially visible people, people with disabilities and those from the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Please self-identify in your cover letter with relevant information and send your resume and cover letter to:

[email protected]