Description of Opportunity

Occupational Therapist (Reg) / Project Lead Return to Work Program Specialist

(Full-time, Three-year contract)

Reports To: The CEO and/or Designate Professional Designation: Registered Occupational Therapist

Job Purpose and Overview:

There is an immense need for research, innovation, and practical tools to improve return-to-work outcomes for persons with concussion/ABI.

Working under the supervision of the Chief Executive Officer and/or designate, the Project Lead (supported by other members of the project team) will meet this need by researching, developing, and implementing a two-stream guided training program for employers and employees.

The Project Lead will be an Occupational Therapist with experience working with individuals with brain injury and return-to-work planning. Other members of the project team will include a Mental Health Coordinator and Program/Research Coordinator.

This program will better prepare employees and employers for a successful return to work, enabling employees to maintain their employment.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and evaluate a training program for both employers and employees to improve return-to-work outcomes following concussion/ABI.

1. Employees

• Identify key barriers and skill challenges for employees returning to work through focus groups and literature review.
• Develop a training program for employees, which includes a training guide and an online resource.
• Increase employee knowledge about communication strategies, pacing and planning, the return-to-work process, and available accommodations through the online resource and support from the occupational therapist.
• Complete an individualized disability severity assessment for each employee participant to determine their specific needs for a successful return to work.
• Create and implement individualized return-to-work plans by working collaboratively with employees and their employers
• Recruit employers/employee partners from across Ontario to participate in the program.

2. Employers

• Identify employer perspectives and challenges of the return-to-work process for an employee with a brain injury through focus groups and literature review.
• Develop a training program for employers, which includes a training guide and an online resource.
• Increase employer knowledge about communication strategies, accommodations, and practical strategies to support their employee through online resources and support from the occupational therapist.
• Implement individualized return-to-work plans by working collaboratively with the employer and facilitating communication between the employer and employee.
• Incorporate work-from-home opportunities for employees whenever possible and when appropriate to their job responsibilities.
• Improve the return-to-work process for employers, measured using a social validity survey completed four weeks after the employee has returned to work.
• Recruit employers/employee partners from across Ontario to participate in the program.

Other:

• Actively connect with future participants and give presentations with organizations across Ontario to promote the program.

Education

• Master's Degree (Required)
• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists Ontario (Required)
• 5 Years Experience
• Experience in a management role preferred

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Good standing with the Ontario College of Occupational Therapists
• Experience in working with individuals who have a brain injury (concussion), neurological injury and/or chronic pain
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate to diverse groups
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Knowledge and competency in maintaining the confidentiality of client information
• Demonstrated ability to relate to clients in ways that build confidence and trust
• Able to work in a highly diverse community with individuals from varied backgrounds and a variety of age groups, presenting with a range of difficulties and personal issues
• Good judgment, sensitivity, flexibility, discretion and resourcefulness
• Self-motivated and excellent time management and organizational skills to meet deadlines
• The ability to work both independently and in a team setting

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The team member may be required to perform duties outside of their normal responsibilities from time to time, as needed.

OBIA is an equal opportunity employer. In accordance with the AODA (Accessibility of Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005), OBIA will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment, selection and/or assessment process to applicants with disabilities. If you require disability-related accommodations, please inform us. All personal information is collected under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

This position is pending approval of Service Canada Funding.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their résumé and cover letter to: Ruth Wilcock, CEO at: employment@obia.on.ca

Resumes must be received no later than Friday, May 19th, 2023 by 4:00 PM.

We thank all applicants for their interest in our organization; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.