Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health·Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia
The Occupational Therapist works collaboratively with clients, caregivers, and families to facilitate and maintain optimal levels of function. They provide community-based consultation, assessment, treatment, evaluation, and follow-up while managing a busy caseload.
21-Jul-26About the Opportunity Connections Sackville is a community-based interdisciplinary team within the Recovery and Integration portfolio of the Mental Health and Addictions Program. The delivery of services is guided by principles of a Recovery, Psychosocial Rehabilitation and Community Development. Connections offers an integrated network of opportunities to assist people with serious and persistent mental illness and experiencing significant functional challenges. Connections offers a range of clinical and rehabilitative opportunities including, but not limited to, community outreach, employment, education, treatment, wellness & health promotion, and family support & education. These opportunities are designed to connect and/ or reconnect people to their communities and enhance their sense of pride, independence, accomplishment and self-worth. The Occupational Therapist works under the supervision of the Health Services Manager. The Occupational Therapist (OT) works in collaboration with the client, caregivers, and family to facilitate, restore, and/or maintain the patient/clients optimal level of function. The OT provides community-based consultation, assessment, treatment, evaluation, and follow-up. The OT, in collaboration with the client, establishes individualized treatment plans and goals, independently manages a busy caseload and uses clinical judgement and decision-making skills to prioritize issues on a daily basis. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills are required. The OT provides education and support to clients, families, and caregivers. The OT functions as both a member of an interdisciplinary mental health team. The OT contributes to the clinical education of OT students and related health disciplines and for supervision of OT Assistants. The OT is responsible for adhering to Nova Scotia Health policies and procedures and to the professional standards of our licensing body, the College of OT's of N.S.About You We would love to hear from you if you have the following:
Graduate of a C.A.O.T recognized School of Occupational Therapy Must be licensed with College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS) Two years relevant experience required Maintain current certification in CPR Knowledge and understanding of the Diagnostic & Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) Counselling skills required Demonstrated experience conducting both individual and group treatment Ability to reach a joint formulation with the client and family Familiarity with various psychotherapeutic approaches such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Solution focused therapy, and/or motivational interviewing Ability to demonstrate effective time management and disciplined self-organization Awareness of local community resources and agencies would be an asset Self-directed in practice with an ability to work independently and as an effective member of an interdisciplinary team while dealing with challenging clinical situations and crises Excellent communication skills Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) certification an asset Demonstrated experience in conducting functional assessments and writing reports Competencies in other languages an asset, French preferred
Please ensure your resume is up to date and includes all relevant education, experience, training, and certifications.Hours
Permanent full-time position; 75 hours biweekly Compensation and Benefits $38.43 - $49.74 hourly What You'll Love About Nova Scotia Health Nova Scotia Health is more than the province's largest provider of health services; we're a team driven by excellence in health, healing and learning.
Across hospitals, health centres and community programs, our people deliver innovative, high-quality care that impacts lives across Nova Scotia and Atlantic Canada.
From vibrant city life to scenic coastal communities, Nova Scotia offers a lifestyle as rewarding as the work itself.
At Nova Scotia Health, you'll find meaningful career opportunities, supportive teams and the work-life balance to enjoy everything our beautiful province has to offer.
Join us and discover why so many people are choosing to call Nova Scotia home.
Once You've Applied Thank you for your interest in this position.
Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. This is a Healthcare bargaining unit position.
Preference is given to bargaining unit employees for unionized positions.
Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity, and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve.
We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify.
Candidates must be graduates of a C.A.O.T recognized School of Occupational Therapy and licensed with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia. Two years of relevant experience and current CPR certification are required, along with strong counseling skills and familiarity with psychotherapeutic approaches.
Market context
Behavioral-health positions in Nova Scotia often reflect steady demand in child and adolescent services, especially where trauma-informed care and specialized assessment skills are needed. These roles are competitive because employers typically look for a Ph.D. or PsyD in Clinical Psychology, registration with the Nova Scotia Board of Examiners in Psychology, and direct clinical experience with younger patients. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then confirm your registration status and prepare examples of trauma-informed work before applying.