Position Details

Posting #: 33783

Department: Seniors Mental Health - Occupational Therapy

Employee Type: Temporary, Full Time

If Temporary, Number of Weeks: 52

Union: OPSEU

Openings Remaining: 1

Reason for Posting: This position is for an existing vacancy.

Schedule

Work Days: Monday to Friday

Time of Day: Days

Shift: 7.5 hour

Shift Start: Hours are subject to change based on operational requirements.

This position may be scheduled at any of the following sites: West 5th Campus (Hamilton Mountain)

Application Dates

Opening Date: 10/03/2026

Closing Date: 17/03/2026 Applications must be received online by 12:00 midnight on the Closing Date

Position Description

Position Summary Reporting to the Manager, Seniors Mental Health Behavioural Unit, the Occupational Therapist will work within the Seniors Mental Health inpatient program at our West 5th Campus. The O.T. will collaborate with clients and multidisciplinary teams to assess individual needs and to plan, implement and evaluate comprehensive programs for seniors with a diagnosed mental illness such as a mood disorder or late onset psychosis with age related issues, which complicates recovery. The Program optimizes a variety of proven treatment strategies (pharmacotherapy, group therapies, psychoeducation) with the aim of controlling the symptoms, as well as supporting the recovery and rehabilitation of the older adult. The O.T. in the Mental Health & Addictions Program (MHAP) is committed to the alleviation of stigma and discrimination related to mental health and addictions, as well as reduction of the use of seclusion and restraints in all our services.

Qualifications

• Baccalaureate or Clinical Masters in Occupational Therapy
• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)
• Ability to implement a broad range of current Occupational Therapy theory, practices, treatment techniques and best practice strategies in Seniors mental health populations
• Observation, analytical, clinical reasoning skills and evaluative skills
• Strong seating and therapeutic surface assessment skills essential
• Ability to exercise independent judgement and responsibility and to work under minimal supervision
• Ability to plan and coordinate multiple Occupational Therapy services and other resources for clients
• Certification in the Gentle Persuasive Approach (GPA) for Dementia Care an asset
• Demonstrated knowledge and effective application of cognitive and other mental status related assessment/observation tools
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to foster collegial relationships within the program’s interdisciplinary team and across sectors of care (e.g. Long Term Care Homes, acute care, community-based services etc.)
• Ability to establish effective linkages and alliances with local and regional community services, caregivers, the client and family
• Participates in clinical and administrative team meetings, special projects, continuous quality improvement activities and program development, as required
• Organizational skills to identify needs and establish priorities among competing demands
• Effective interpersonal skills and excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to provide clinical supervision and direction to assigned support staff and students
• Research and critical appraisal skills
• Wheelchair and seating assessment and intervention skills and willingness to obtain ADP authorization

Responsibilities

• Working within the enabling occupation model, responsibilities include:
• Completing functional assessments
• Assessing performance components and environmental barriers
• Establishing targeted outcomes
• Using best practice methods: plan, develop and implement intervention (group and individual) in collaboration with the client/family/caregiver and multidisciplinary team
• Staff and student supervision
• Program evaluation and research
• Occasional coverage for Seniors Mental Health Behavioural Unit

St. Joseph’s Health System (SJHS) and its member organizations are equal opportunity employers and strives for equity, inclusiveness, and diversity in all programs, practices, facilities, and people. We foster a culture of patient and staff safety where all positions comply and work in conjunction with the Mission, Vision, and Core Values . We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. SJHS and its member organizations are committed to a barrier-free recruitment and selection process - please inform us should accommodation be required at any point in the recruitment process (recruit@stjoes.ca).