Elves Special Needs Society is seeking a compassionate, collaborative, and skilled Physiotherapist to join our multidisciplinary team supporting individuals with special needs and complex medical needs.

You will play an important role in helping students participate safely and successfully in learning, play, mobility, and everyday activities.

The Physiotherapist reports to the Executive Director and works closely with our interdisciplinary team, teaching staff, families, and external healthcare providers.

What You’ll Do

Physiotherapy Assessment, Treatment & Support

- Conduct on-site assessments and standardized and/or validated motor assessments as appropriate.
- Complete motor, functional, mobility, and range of motion assessments.
- Develop and implement individualized goals and treatment plans.
- Develop and implement therapeutic play and classroom-based physiotherapy programs.
- Provide recommendations and guidelines for physical therapy equipment use.
- Communicate appropriate precautions and contraindications related to physiotherapy treatment.
- Monitor individual progress and modify treatment approaches as required.
- Provide physiotherapy services that support participation in educational, recreational, daily living, and community activities.

Consultation with Families, Teaching & Resource Staff

- Consult with families regarding physiotherapy assessments, goals, treatment plans, and interventions.
- Provide consultation to teaching and resource staff regarding positioning and handling of individuals in the classroom and during various activities.
- Provide recommendations and strategies to support safe positioning, mobility, transfers, handling, and participation.
- Consult with teaching and resource staff regarding switch choices and placement.
- Provide consultation and support to staff and families implementing physiotherapy programs and recommendations.

Equipment, Orthotics & Specialized Services

- Assess and provide authorization for Alberta Aids to Daily Living (AADL) equipment, including mobility and self-care equipment.
- Coordinate specialized and adjunctive services, including:
- Orthoses and orthotist services.
- Mobility, positioning, self-care, and other adaptive equipment.
- Equipment vendors and other equipment services.
- Coordinate and/or attend GRH Seating Clinic appointments with individuals and their parent/guardian or support person, when possible.
- Attend GRH Orthopedic Treatment Clinic appointments and other relevant clinic appointments,



when necessary.
- Collaborate with families, healthcare professionals, vendors, and other service providers to ensure appropriate equipment and supports are identified, accessed, and implemented.

Respiratory Assessment & Treatment With appropriate training and in collaboration with nursing, provide or support respiratory assessment and treatment (chest care) as appropriate. This may include:

- Postural drainage.
- Percussion and vibration.
- Complex airway and equipment management.
- Other respiratory assessment and treatment techniques as authorized by the Registered Nurse.

Home-Based Support When time permits, or when Home Care is unable to provide the required service, home visits may include:

- Assessment of equipment use and needs in the home.
- Instruction and demonstration of physiotherapy treatment programs for individuals and families.
- Home-based physiotherapy support upon approval from the Elves Executive Director.

Staff Training, Education & Protected Handling Provide and coordinate lifting and carrying in-services for permanent, relief, temporary, and practicum staff. Training may include:

- One-person lifts and carries.
- Two-person lifts and carries.
- Zero-lifting policy.
- Use of the mechanical lift.
- Efficient and biomechanically sound lifting techniques.
- Safety considerations for staff and individuals during lifting and handling tasks.

Additional responsibilities include:

- Coordinate and provide physiotherapy-related in-services as requested or required.
- Attend in-services, rounds, relevant courses, and career development opportunities to maintain and upgrade knowledge and skills.
- Provide education and training related to physiotherapy, mobility, positioning, equipment, safe handling, and other relevant clinical topics.

Interdisciplinary & Community Collaboration

- Participate in team meetings, parent-team meetings, and resource team meetings.
- Provide consultation to staff and families for individuals participating in the Elves Outreach Program.
- Collaborate with healthcare, community, educational,



and other agencies involved in the care and support of individuals attending Elves or transitioning to or from Elves.

Collaborative partners may include, but are not limited to:

- Alberta Health Services (AHS).
- Schools and Program Unit Funded sites, including Getting Ready for Inclusion Today (GRIT).
- Student Health Initiative Program.
- Consulting Services Outreach, Edmonton Public Schools.
- Edmonton Public and Separate Schools, as applicable.
- Rosecrest.
- Group Homes.
- Other healthcare, community, school, and support agencies as required.

Leadership & Team Support

- Supervise Physiotherapy Assistant(s).
- Provide clinical guidance and support to staff involved in implementing physiotherapy recommendations and programs.
- Assist with or coordinate fundraising projects related to physiotherapy.
- Provide emergency or urgent classroom support in accordance with Elves School Program protocols or as requested by the Executive Director.
- Maintain appropriate clinical documentation, communication, and professional standards.

What We’re Looking For

Required

- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Physiotherapy, or equivalent.
- Current registration/licensure with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta.
- Personal professional malpractice insurance.
- Strong communication, organization, assessment, and clinical decision-making skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with children, families, educators, healthcare professionals, and community partners.

Assets

- Experience working with children with special needs or complex medical needs.
- Experience working within a collaborative rehabilitation or interdisciplinary team.

Why Join Elves? At Elves Special Needs Society, your work has a meaningful impact on individuals and families. You will be part of a collaborative team that works across clinical, educational, community, and family environments to support individuals with diverse needs.

The Impact You’ll Make

Every day, you’ll have the prospect to help children build mobility, independence, comfort, safety, and participation in their school and community environments. Your clinical expertise will support not only the students you work with, but also the families, educators, and care teams who surround them.

Pay: $35.00-$45.00 per hour

Benefits

- Dental care
- Disability insurance
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- RRSP match
- Vision care

Work Location: In person

📌 PHYSIOTHERAPIST (Edmonton)
🏢 Elves Special Needs Society
📍 Edmonton