Location

Location: St. Catharines, ON

Division

Clinical Services

JOB SUMMARY

The Occupational Therapist is a member of an interdisciplinary team who provides comprehensive functional psychosocial assessments as well as therapeutic interventions for persons with severe and persistent mental illness. The Occupational Therapist provides interventions that focus on skill development, routine building and reintegration to work, school, and other meaningful activities. They provide psychoeducation, supportive counselling, psychotherapy using evidence-based treatment for clients and families. They play a key role in crisis de-escalation and act as an external resource to other mental health and community service providers. Services are provided in the home or at community locations convenient for the client.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION

- Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Must be registered as a member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO).

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

- Minimum of 4 - 5 years of clinical occupational therapy experience in a mental health setting is required.
- Clinical experience in community mental health preferred.
- Experience with functional assessments and occupational performance models preferred.
- Knowledge of community resources relevant to the provision of mental health and related services
- Formal training in evidence based best practice and treatment is preferred.
- Working knowledge of relevant provincial legislation (e.g., Mental Health Act, Child and Family Services Act, Personal Health Information Protection Act, Health Care Consent Act, Substitute Decisions Act) pertaining to services provided by a community agency is preferred.
- Formal training in mental health assessment and a working knowledge of mental health diagnosis are required.

SKILLS

- Ability to work with persons with mental illness and other co-occurring disorders using evidence-based practice to develop life roles, independence,



and a balanced lifestyle by establishing therapeutic relationships.
- Ability to work independently and in an interdisciplinary team.
- Must demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Computer literacy required.
- French language is an asset.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

- Must provide own transportation and be able to travel throughout the Niagara Region to other offices, work locations, or sites as authorized by the Corporation for business reasons. Employees who use their personal vehicles for approved Region business shall ensure they are adequately insured with their personal insurance carrier. It is the employee's responsibility to possess and maintain a valid driver's license of the appropriate class to carry out their job in accordance with Corporate Policy.
- Support clients in their travel to locations in the community when it is relevant to the client’s recovery plan as per program policy (which allows the option of staff transporting clients in their personal vehicle).
- In accordance with Corporate Criminal Records Check policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records check, including vulnerable sector screening, and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate prior to commencing employment.
- Be available to work flexible schedule including weekend and/or evening hours as required.
- Vaccinations as recommended in Public Health policy.

About Us

Niagara Region serves a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000 and is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara.



Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and community partners, the Region delivers high-quality programs and services that support the well-being of individuals, families and communities. Nestled between Lakes Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula is home to fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls, vibrant modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, and communities rich in history, recreation and culture. With a temperate climate, breathtaking countryside and easy access to neighbouring New York State, Niagara attracts more than 14 million visitors each year, along with recent residents and businesses. Niagara Region values diversity in background and experience and is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the community it serves, strengthening programs and services across Niagara. While specific qualifications are important for certain roles, we invite individuals from diverse backgrounds to apply. Our recruiters will evaluate your suitability for the role.

Closing Statement

Uncover the wonder of the Niagara Region and join a team dedicated to meeting tomorrow’s challenges TODAY! Let us know why you would be an excellent team member by submitting your online application.

We thank all candidates for their interest however, only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

We confirm that we do not use AI in screening of applicants, and this position is an existing vacancy.

If you require an accommodation for the application process in accordance with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, the alternate formats for contacting us are as follows:

- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: (phone hidden) or 1-(phone hidden)
- Bell Relay: 1-(phone hidden)
- In-person: Sir Isaac Brock Way, Thorold, ON L2V 4T7 – Human Resources Department

📌 Occupational Therapist (St. Catharines)
🏢 Niagara Region
📍 St. Catharines