Occupational Therapist - Mental Health Services

Join Our Team

Imagine being part of an organization that adds value to our community, cares about its staff, and creates a supportive workplace environment. Starling Community Services (formerly Lutherwood) is a progressive, not-for-profit health and social service organization that strengthens people's lives by providing mental health, employment, and housing services to more than 16,000 people annually in Waterloo Region and Wellington County.

We need great people like you to help us realize our mission and support communities where everyone experiences mental wellness, opportunities for employment, a place to call home, and a sense of belonging.

There is one Full-Time permanent Occupational Therapist position available starting on August 1, 2025, working 37.5 hours per week.

Your Role:

Provides direct and indirect specialized occupational therapy services to clients using recognized occupational therapy tools and techniques. Helps clients develop physical or mental functioning or adjust to disabilities by implementing programs involving skills teaching and practice in functional skills, activities of daily living, vocational or prevocational skills, and sensorimotor, educational, recreational, and social activities. Works intentionally from an anti-racist, anti-oppressive perspective to further create a sense of belonging at The Agency. Supports the delivery of the Agency’s treatment model.  

Tasks:

Client Service:

1. Screens, interviews and assesses client's functional capacity, performance, and environmental supports to identify priorities and goals


2. Collaborates with client, caregivers and treatment team in the development and support of treatment goals


3. Provides individual and group occupational therapy (OT) treatment to clients to support rehabilitation and meet psychoeducation, skill development, and other needs.


4. Identifies resources required for treatment, including tests, materials and equipment


5. Designs and instructs clients, families, and caregivers in home exercise programs; recommends and/or provides assistive equipment and outpatient/home health follow-up programs.


6. Develops and assists in the implementation of OT components of discharge/transition planning for clients; connects clients with OT resources in the community; provides follow up support to assist clients and caregivers in implementing ongoing strategies after discharge


7. Provides crisis intervention and emergency services for clients when it is determined that additional intervention is required.


8. Monitors clients’ progress, recommending and implementing adjustments and modifications to the OT components of the treatment plan.


9. Conducts home assessments and community visits as required.
   

Program Development and Implementation:

1. Designs, in collaboration with the Clinical Director and multidisciplinary team, an occupational therapy program for the facility.


2. Delivers, monitors, evaluates and modifies the occupational therapy program to meet client and program needs, documenting and reporting as required.


3. Acts as an occupational therapy consultant to classroom teachers and other care workers.


4. Provides occupational therapy to other service areas when possible.


5. Participates in the development of departmental policies, procedures and services related to the occupational therapy program.


6. Provides consultation and educational presentations/workshops


7. Remains current with best practices in occupational therapy, specifically that which pertains to mental health


8. Participates in regular professional development opportunities


9. Conducts research as needed to develop new treatment methods and to stay up to date on changes within the field.


10. Participates in program development activities as required

Administration:

1. Maintains client documentation, files and records in line with organizational policies and procedures, the Child, Youth and Family Services Act, PHIPA, and licensing and accreditation standards


2. Reviews each session, writing weekly session notes and monthly progress reports (MCRs and POC).


3. Contributes to treatment and discharge plan reports in collaboration with the treatment team.


4. Facilitates referrals to other services and community resources

Your Talents and Experience:

A relevant degree in occupational therapy at the master’s level, and experience in a multidisciplinary treatment setting.  A sound understanding of evidence-based practices. Ability to exercise initiative as a professional in carrying out independent and team functions. Ability to integrate good human relationship skills and professional standards into practice. Ability to work collaboratively and effectively as part of an interdisciplinary team. Alignment with the Agency's commitment to anti-racism and anti-oppression. Ability to work from a trauma-informed perspective.  Available to work flexible hours to meet client needs. Must maintain membership within their regulatory college and professional association in Ontario.  Must have reliable transportation. 

What’s in it for you?

• Rate of Pay: At Starling Community Services all salaries are categorized under a series of "bands" determined during our job evaluation process. When determining rate of pay for external hires, a candidate’s past related experience will be taken into consideration along with where others with similar experience currently fall within the band. 


• Note: most new team members will start between the starting salary and the mid-point of the range. 


• Job Band H (hourly wages): Min - $29.51, Mid - $32.04, Max - $36.33


• A positive work culture, inclusive workplace policies, and employee wellness initiatives

• Enrollment in a defined pension plan with the Heath Care of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP).


• Enrollment in our Modular Health and Dental Benefits plan with Sun Life, after 3 months of continuous employment.


• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program which provides free and confidential counselling, resources and services.


• 3 Weeks paid vacation (accumulated bi-weekly)


• 15 hours of personal time per year.


• Paid sick time (accumulated monthly) to a maximum of 300 hours.


• 11 paid holiday benefits per year plus a floater day.


• Discounted GRT passes through membership with Travel Wise.


• Employee Referral Incentive Program.


• Professional development and tuition reimbursement opportunities.
  


• Staff appreciation events.
  

If you are community-focused and share our values and antiracism commitment, we want you to grow with us. Please submit your application through BambooHR, in confidence, no later than 4 pm on July 11, 2025.

This is an internal and external posting.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If you don't have every single requirement and the exact level of experience listed in our description, but the skills and experience needed for the role still resonate with you, please consider applying. Diversity of experience and skills combined with passion is a key to innovation and quality; therefore, we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply to our positions. Please let us know if you require any support submitting your application or during the interview process by contacting Human Resources at [email protected] or by calling 519-707-1958 ext. 1247.

Our Commitment to Equity:

To better serve the diversity of our community, the agency is dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable environment for both clients and staff, with particular attention to supporting BIPOC communities, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and other historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. We understand that addressing systemic inequities is crucial to fulfilling our mission and promoting the well-being of the communities we serve.

Our equity strategy is guided by core principles that emphasize celebrating diversity, building strong partnerships, prioritizing client service, and recognizing equity is a shared responsibility.