Northern Health·Terrace, British Columbia
Provide occupational therapy services to individuals with complex mental health illnesses, including co-occurring addictions and medical conditions.
Perform assessments of clients’ occupational performance using an evidence-based approach.
Plan and implement outcome-oriented occupational therapy services.
Evaluate the effectiveness of occupational therapy services.
Prepare, maintain, and document client records.
Manage a complex caseload independently.
Act as an occupational therapy resource for designated area(s).
Provide education and counseling to clients and families.
Participate in interdisciplinary research.
Demonstrate safe and effective resource utilization and quality management.
Contribute to development, review, and promotion of occupational therapy services.
Provide leadership, direction, and clinical guidance to rehabilitation staff (as required).
Participate in departmental/program quality improvement initiatives, meetings, and education
Are you a registered Occupational Therapist looking to highlight your knowledge, skills, and abilities in a new and dynamic environment? We currently have an opportunity for you to bring your excellent work ethic to our Specialized Services (MHSU Outreach/Substance Use Stabilization Service) department. In accordance with the established mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities of Northern Health, and under the general supervision of Manager or designate, within the context of a client and family-centered recovery model, in accordance with the standards of professional practice and code of ethics as outlined by the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia and the vision and values of the organization, the Occupational Therapist provides occupational therapy services to individuals who have complex mental health illnesses and may have co-occurring addictions and medical conditions, to enable clients to achieve and maintain optimal health outcomes, by working independently and as a member of an interdisciplinary team. Performs assessments of clients’ occupational performance utilizing an evidence-based approach, plans and implements outcome-oriented services, evaluates the effectiveness of the services, prepares, and maintains records, participates in interdisciplinary research, demonstrates safe and effective resource utilization and quality management, and contributes to the development, review, and promotion of occupational therapy services. Uses knowledge and skill in the area of professional practice to independently manage a complex caseload and implements occupational therapy services utilizing diverse intervention approaches. Acts as an Occupational Therapy resource for the designated area/s and provides education and counseling to clients/families. As required, contributes to the organization and delivery of occupational therapy services, provides leadership, direction, and clinical guidance to rehabilitation staff, and participates in departmental/program quality improvement initiatives, meetings, and education. Shift Rotation/Hours of work: Monday to Friday, Days - 08:30 to 17:00 Qualfications
Current full registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia. Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
Two (2) years recent, related experience in a mental health and substance use treatment setting or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
Valid BC Driver’s License and use of a personal vehicle for business related use as required. Skills and Abilities:
Knowledge of the principles of recovery in mental illness.
Knowledge of Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.
Knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to the rights and obligations of clients and staff.
Knowledge of community, social and mental health resources.
Ability to identify emotional, social, or environmental barriers and intervene to eliminate stigma.
Ability to effectively manage conflict situations and aggressive behavior and use non-violent crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing with clients, families, team members, other groups, and community agency personnel.
Broad knowledge of therapy theory and clinical practice within a client and family centred model of care.
Broad knowledge of other health care disciplines and their role in client care.
Ability to teach and empower clients to assume control over their health.
Ability to work independently and in collaboration with others.
Ability to provide effective consultation.
Ability to establish workload priorities in collaboration with others in a complex health care environment.
Ability to recognize when referral to another health care professional is required.
Basic knowledge of evidence-based clinical practice related to designated program/area.
Basic understanding of trauma-informed care
Basic computer literacy to operate a computerized client care information system and software.
Basic knowledge of clinical standardized test and measures.
Basic knowledge of research process and methodology.
Skill in the use of equipment and in the techniques appropriate to occupational therapy treatment.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position. Where you will be working: Community: Information about living, working, and thriving in the area is available through Terrace More about Northern Health Northern Health covers nearly 600,000 square kilometers, delivering health services to more than two dozen communities and 55 First Nations communities across the region. We provide both hospital and community-based care to a population of approximately 300,000 people. With a team of over 12,000 staff and physicians, we are committed to offering high quality, person centered care in collaboration with communities and partner organizations throughout Northern BC. What Northern Health Has to Offer You! Joining Northern Health means becoming part of a supportive team that values your growth and well-being. Here’s what we provide:
Comprehensive benefits including extended health, dental, and a municipal pension plan for part-time and full-time employees. Casual employees have option of paying for benefits.
Four weeks of vacation after one year of continuous service.
Financial support for moving expenses for eligible positions.
Employee referral program with attractive incentives.
Employer-paid training and leadership development opportunities.
Access to spectacular outdoor activities and enjoy the shortest commutes in BC.
Loan Forgiveness Programs offered through Federal and Provincial Government for eligible professions. Important Application Information Please ensure you upload the following documents as part of your application:
Registration number (if you belong to a regulated profession).
Supporting documents for education and qualifications, such as:
Program certificates or diplomas.
High school, college, or university transcripts.
Cover letter and resume (recommended). International Applicants Before applying, please review the steps outlined on our Northern Health Careers page: Information for international applicants
Current full registration with the College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia.
Eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
Two (2) years recent related experience in a mental health and substance use treatment setting (or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience).
Valid BC Driver’s License and ability to use a personal vehicle for business-related use as required.
Knowledge of recovery principles in mental illness and Psychosocial Rehabilitation methodology.
Knowledge of the Mental Health Act as it applies to rights and obligations of clients and staff.
Knowledge of community, social, and mental health resources.
Ability to manage conflict situations and aggressive behavior using non-violent crisis intervention and behavioral management techniques.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team.
Effective verbal and written communication with clients, families, team members, and community agency personnel.
Basic understanding of trauma-informed care.
Basic computer literacy to operate computerized client care information systems and software.
Basic knowledge of clinical standardized test and measures.
Basic knowledge of research process and methodology.
Skill in use of equipment and techniques appropriate to occupational therapy treatment.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position
Market context
Occupational Therapist positions in British Columbia are commonly tied to hospitals, rehabilitation, community health, and school-based services, where demand often reflects aging populations and ongoing rehabilitation needs. These roles are competitive because employers usually require CAOT-recognized education, current BC licensure, and eligibility for CAOT membership, and this platform’s AI-summarized job requirements and benefits help you review the original posting faster. Before applying, confirm your licensure status and tailor your resume to the setting named in the posting.