Occupational Therapist
Please apply via https://www.hhscareers.ca/ and search for Requisition #125316
HHS Requisition # 125316
Location: McMaster Children's Hospital
Status: Regular Part-time
Hours Per Week: 22.5
Rate: $44.42 - $56.95 Hourly
Unit Summary
The Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) Clinic is a Regional Service within Hamilton Health Sciences that provides specialized care to individuals living with progressive neurological disorders, primarily Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Located at McMaster Children’s Hospital, the ALS Clinic provides an interdisciplinary, patient- and family-centered model of care that supports patients and caregivers across the disease trajectory.
Position Summary
The Occupational Therapist (OT) is an integral member of the ALS Clinic interdisciplinary team, providing specialized consultative and episodic care to patients at regular intervals, typically every three months. The role is centered on supporting patients through the progressive stages of ALS by promoting safety, independence, comfort, and quality of life.
The OT assesses changing functional needs and develops proactive strategies to address mobility, self-care, communication, home safety, equipment needs, fatigue management, and environmental adaptation. The position emphasizes anticipatory care planning, helping patients and families prepare for future changes while reducing risk and preventing avoidable complications.
The OT participates in providing education, counselling, and practical guidance to patients, families, and caregivers during complex and emotionally challenging transitions in parallel with the interdisciplinary team. Working closely with the broader clinical team, the OT contributes clinical insight, compassionate support, and timely recommendations that align with patient goals and values.
Schedule Work Hours
Monday to Friday, days
This role requires both onsite clinic work and offsite in-home visits.
Qualifications
- Current registration in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario
- Graduate of an accredited Occupational Therapy program
- Minimum three years of recent clinical experience in ambulatory, outpatient, rehabilitation, neurology, palliative care, or complex chronic disease settings
- Demonstrated experience providing evidence-based occupational therapy assessment, intervention, and reassessment for adults with progressive neurological or complex medical conditions
- Advanced knowledge of ALS disease progression and the functional, cognitive, respiratory, communication, and psychosocial impacts associated with the condition
- Strong skills in anticipatory care planning, including proactive recommendations for changing mobility, self-care, safety, caregiver support, and future equipment needs
- Experience with seating, positioning, wheelchair and mobility equipment, adaptive devices, splinting, and environmental/home modifications
- Demonstrated ability to assess falls risk, pressure injury risk, fatigue, upper extremity function, and barriers to safe discharge or community living
- Experience supporting patients and families through life-limiting illness using a neuro palliative, person-centered, and goal-aligned approach to care
- Excellent communication, counselling, and education skills with the ability to navigate sensitive and emotionally complex discussions
- Well-developed clinical judgment, critical thinking, and independent decision-making skills in situations with evolving patient needs
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage a consultative caseload while ensuring timely access to service and appropriate follow-up
- Proven ability to work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team and coordinate care across hospital, community, and regional services
- Knowledge of relevant community resources, home care services, funding programs, and assistive device pathways for patients living with ALS
- Demonstrated commitment to quality improvement, professional development, equity, diversity, and inclusive care practices
Proficiency in both Official Languages would be an asset.
This job posting is for an existing vacancy.
Hamilton Health Sciences is an equal opportunity employer.
www.hamiltonhealthsciences.ca