Occupational Therapist

Primary Function

The Occupational Therapist, reporting to the Director of People and Culture, is directly responsible for improving workplace occupational health and assist the Occupational Health and Hygiene Practitioner in the management of leaves, return-to-work, accommodations, wellness and other general health related programs and benefits provided by Halifax Water.  The Occupational Therapist will collaborate with employees to understand their health goals and assess their abilities in relation to job demands.  Providing education on health-related topics, and work with employees who have experienced illness or injury to develop return-to-work schedules.  Taking a holistic approach, the OT considers the interplay between the person, environment, and occupation, aiming to foster a safe and health-conscious work environment.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Work with employees to understand what health and wellness goals and activities are important to the individual and the organization.
• Assess the individual employee’s level of ability related to job demands. Abilities may be compromised by a variety of factors such as pain, endurance, depression, fear, family/supervisor support, ergonomics, timing, etc.
• Assists with conducting ergonomic assessments, job skills analysis, work site assessments, cognitive testing and make written recommendations ensuring proper workstation set up and processes to prevent related injuries.
• Evaluate the person, the environment and the occupation and consider the interrelationship between all three.
• Provide individual or group services or education on topics such as pain management, ergonomics, work hardening, energy conservation and relaxation.
• Work with employees who have experienced illness or injury to develop return to work schedules. Work  with managers/supervisors, human resources, union representatives, other appropriate personnel as well as WCB and LTD to ensure regular and on-going communication, monitoring and evaluation of any return to work and accommodation. 
• Complete post offer employment testing.
• Other duties as required by a regulated allied health professional including program administrative work. 
  

Reporting Relationships

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to:Director of People and Culture

Provides Assistance to:Occupational Health and Hygiene Practitioner

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience

Education:

• A university degree in occupational therapy.

Experience:

• Experience practicing in occupational health and/or industrial workplace setting or any related experience an asset.
• Experience working with WCB, LTD and/or disability management an asset.
• Experience with work site visits and analysis an asset.
• New graduates are encouraged to apply.

Certificates/Licenses/Registrations:

• Completion of a national or provincial certification examination is required.
• Licensing and membership with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge and understanding of disability legislation and regulations, applicable occupational health and safety regulations, codes, standards, and best practices.
• Previous experience using physical demands analysis and ergonomic assessment tools.
• Effective interpersonal, diplomacy, and communication skills, with the ability to listen and gather information, present to groups, and create clear and concise written reports.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality in all areas of responsibility.
• Demonstrated problem-solving abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment to accomplish organizational goals.
• Thorough knowledge of organization and reporting relationships.
• Experience in software maintenance and understanding of network systems.

Hours of Work:Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

How to Apply

Completed cover letters and application forms [PDF] or resumes, stating Competition #HW24-50E must be received by 4:30 p.m., May 13, 2024. Please forward to:

Mail

• Halifax Water
  HR Department
  P.O. Box 8388, RPO CSC
  Halifax, NS
  B3K 5M1

Fax

Email

Please note: Only applicants invited for an interview will be contacted.

Conditional Items Required for Employment:

• Satisfactory background check
• Satisfactory pre-employment testing

Halifax Water is an equal opportunity employer.

Halifax Water’s goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of the community we serve, at all job levels. Halifax Water believes a diverse workforce positively contributes to its success, and the success of our community. We encourage applications from qualified African Nova Scotians, LGBTQ+ community, racially visible persons, women in non-traditional positions, persons with disabilities and Indigenous persons. Halifax Water encourages applicants to self-identify in the cover letter.