Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinabek territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.

CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system. Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024 and 2025 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada's Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist (OT) within the Neurodevelopmental Health Department at CHEO provides services to children and youth with autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays, and other neurodevelopmental conditions, including those with challenging behaviors. The Occupational Therapist will assess and address both functional and psychosocial needs, working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team to promote independence, enhance daily living skills, and improve quality of life. Key responsibilities include direct clinical intervention, caregiver education, and the development of individualized therapeutic plans tailored to the needs of each child and family. Within the Extensive Needs Program, the OT role will be involved with children with complex medical, behavioural and social issues. The Occupational Therapist provides treatment, assesses patients; provides consultative services to patients and their families, community agencies, and other allied health professionals; participates in teaching activities; assures quality care; and participates in research activities and planning.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

• Clinical assessment, analysis, development, and implementation of occupational therapy plan based on patient’s needs and goals for the service.
• Conduct feeding assessments and provide treatments
• Work with a multidisciplinary team supporting children and youth with autism, developmental delays, neurodevelopmental conditions, and challenging behaviors.
• Assess functional baseline (ADLs, IADLs, home/community functioning, leisure/vocational strengths).
• Assess psychosocial functioning (emotional regulation, executive skills, sensory processing).
• Evaluate environmental factors impacting daily functioning and behaviors.
• Recommend adaptive equipment, environmental modifications, and psychosocial rehabilitation needs.
• Provide psychosocial rehabilitation per care plan.
• Facilitate pet therapy sessions.
• Provide parent/caregiver education and coaching on daily living needs.
• Consult on adaptive/augmentative communication needs with Speech Language Therapists and Behavior Analysts.
• Provide therapy individually, with families, or in therapeutic groups across settings (home, inpatient, placements).
• Liaise with CHEO inpatient unit and community providers.
• Develop referral pathways for OT services within the program.
• Establish and build a respectful relationship with patients, families, team members and others involved in the workforce. This includes collaboration, advocacy, shared overlapping roles, supportive working environments, participation and support in evidence-informed team decision making.
• Represent department on committees and participate in quality improvement initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing education, professional practice meetings, and research.
• Engage in ongoing learning and professional development for continuing competence including self-assessment and reflection, and motoring developments in practice.
• Continue to build an understanding of human diversity by promoting equity in practice, anti-oppression behaviour, culturally safer and inclusive relationships, and equitable access to occupational participation and occupational therapy for all patients.
• Supervise students and engage in teaching.
• Comply with Occupational Health and Safety Act and CHEO policies.
• Perform other related duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapist of Ontario (COTO) (Essential)
• Minimum of two (2) years’ experience in occupational therapy
• Experience in paediatrics working with children and youth with complex profiles, including autism spectrum disorder, developmental delays and/or other neurodevelopmental conditions (Preferred)
• SOS Feeding therapist (or SOS Feeding therapy certification) (Preferred)
• Knowledge of necessary feeding assessment protocols and associated treatment options (Preferred)
• Related experience within a mental health setting (Preferred)
• Skills in the assessment of activities of daily living, psychosocial functioning, and sensory processing (Essential)
• Knowledge and experience working with parents/caregivers in a coaching capacity (Essential)
• Communicate effectively, orally and in writing (Essential)
• Demonstrated ability to work inter-professionally and the ability to function well in an interdisciplinary team (Essential)
• Demonstrated excellence in interpersonal skills (Essential)
• In depth understanding of behavioural principles, child development, and autism (Essential)
• Comprehensively use relevant computer technology and communication devices (Essential)
• Knowledge of adaptive and augmentative communication strategies (Preferred)
• Skills in the assessment and ability to provide therapy for feeding challenges (Preferred)
• Complete mandatory training and refreshers within designated timeframes (Essential)
• Access to Vehicle and Valid Driver’s License (Essential)
• Ability to travel to provide service to clients throughout all of Cornwall and Renfrew (Essential)
• Ability to attend last-minute meetings in Cornwall and Renfrew (Essential)
• Flexible hours including evening, weekend, and holiday work may be required.
• Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) Certification (Essential)
• Vulnerable Sector Check (Level 3) (Essential)
• Bilingualism (French/English) (Preferred)

*Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Please note that this position will be based out of Ottawa. Please note that location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer. All OPSEU members shall be granted an interview upon passing the pre-screening. Pre-screening might include testing.

Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.

Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.

Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at

TalentAcquisition@cheo.on.ca . All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

CHEO is committed to providing a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors. Consistent with that commitment, all applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to receive their COVID-19 booster shots when eligible to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Upon hiring, presentation of government issued documentation confirming full vaccination must be provided, or presentation of supporting documentation of a valid medical contraindication or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.