The North Simcoe Muskoka (NSM) Specialized Geriatric Services (SGS) Program, a regional program under the leadership of Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, was established in 2016 to advance the care of older adults living with complexity/frailty in the NSM region and their care partners. With a mandate for leadership and advocacy, clinical service, education and mentorship, research and ethics, the program collaborates with a broad variety of partners from within and outside the NSM health system to improve patient outcomes, build capacity and foster system change.

The SGS Program is currently seeking a permanent full-time Occupational Therapist to work as part of a highly collaborative, specialized, interprofessional team. The individual, with both expertise in the Occupational Therapist role and in the care of older adults, will support both geriatric medicine and geriatric mental health teams within the NSM SGS program and across the region to advance quality of care and specialized geriatric services. The work will include leadership, clinical service, knowledge translation to build system capacity, and evaluation.Please note: This position offers a hybrid work environment consisting of in-office and remote work. The main leadership office site of the NSM SGS program in Barrie. Travel within and outside the NSM region is required for this role.

Key Accountabilities:

• Builds system capacity by
  • Monitoring, identifying, trialing (as appropriate) and evaluating leading practices related to the role and the care of complex older adults.
  • Promoting a learning environment; Educating and mentoring members of the NSM SGS interprofessional team, other regional health care providers and partners, older adults and their care partners, health care students and, as appropriate leaders, policy makers and the public to optimize the quality of care and health outcomes.
  • Advancing rehabilitative care in the region and the NSM Rehabilitation Strategy, including developing, implementing and evaluating a community-based regional cognitive rehabilitation program.
  • Providing leadership (Co-Chair) to the NSM Geriatric Occupational Therapy Community of Practice.
• In collaboration with SGS providers, provides direct clinical consultation in more complex cases:
  • Supports Comprehensive Geriatric Assessments with emphasis on the assessment of cognition, functional independence, home safety and energy-conservation; Initiates assessments & administers standardized tests to identify performance in specific neurocognitive and functional domains, clarify diagnoses, and to identify appropriate interventions.
  • Collaborates with older adults, care partners, members of the SGS interprofessional team and health system partners to contribute to collaborative treatment plans, utilizing Occupational Therapy best practice initiatives and with consideration of the Occupational Therapy scope of practice.
  • Documents assessment results, evaluations, patient progress, clinical summaries, etc. according to College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO), Waypoint/SGS standards and PHIPA legislation; provides timely and concise consultation notes as a part of the SGS team and to referring / primary care partners.
• Liaises with regional partners and organizations to understand the clinical environment and geriatric service needs.
• Uses research and leading practices to inform clinical care, education and planning. As appropriate, leads or participates in quality improvement initiatives to influence clinical practice, planning and/or policy.
• As appropriate, represents the NSM SGS program locally, regionally and provincially
• Actively attends and engages in regular team meetings and events for education, team building and communication.
• Performs all work at all times in compliance with all hospital policies and procedures and legislation (Occupational Health &Safety Act, Fire Code, WHMIS, etc.) relevant to health and safety, security (including relational/therapeutic security) and potential risk hazards, and in particular, “duties of the worker” as defined in Section 28 of the OH&S Act.
• Manager has the right to assign additional duties/ responsibilities.

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario; in good standing.
• Graduate of a degree program in Occupational Therapy from a recognized University; Masters preferred.
• Minimum five years recent experience working with older adults and caregivers essential; Minimum three years recent experience working within a Specialized Geriatric Services team in geriatric medicine and/or geriatric mental health essential; Experience in a regional role an asset.
• P.I.E.C.E.S., Gentle Persuasion Approach (GPA), Positive Approach to Care (PAC), Montessori training preferred
• Knowledge and experience administering standardized and comprehensive assessment and screening tools
• Proven success required in:
  • Interpersonal engagement and team-building.
  • Decision-making, critical thinking and conflict resolution.
  • Risk management and optimizing patient safety.
  • Influencing change at a service, organization and system level.
  • Project management and program planning/implementation/evaluation.
  • Managing competing demands and priorities within defined timelines.
  • Innovation, creative approaches to clinical and thinking outside the box.
  • Working autonomously and being self-directed
• Proven technology skills with familiarity with electronic communication devices, proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and excellent technology trouble-shooting skills
• Models and promotes core ethical practice, Waypoint Values, and reflects an optimistic and positive attitude
• Proven written and verbal communication skills, with French language proficiency an asset
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle as travel is required for this role
• You must meet the requirements of our COVID-19 Immunization Policy by providing proof of full vaccination, or a request and receipt of an accommodation under the Ontario Human Rights Code, including a medical exemption.

How do I apply?

Waypoint employees apply through the Employee Self-Service portal at https://employees.waypointcentre.ca and external applicants apply to http://www.waypointcentre.ca/i_want_to/join_your_teamby quoting Job ID WC23-128. This position is open until filled. Attach your cover letter and resume detailing why you are interested in this opportunity and how you meet the qualifications and key accountabilities specified.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment, where all employees feel valued and respected. Waypoint offers accommodation for applicants with disabilities as part of our recruitment process. If you are contacted to arrange an interview, please advise us if you require an accommodation.

All applicants are thanked for their interest in this position, however, due to high volumes only those selected for an interview will be contacted.