Occupational Therapist - Mental Health & Addictions

Req ID: 224637
Location: Central Zone, Nova Scotia Hospital
Department: MHA CZ Geriatric Psych Acute Inpatient
Type of Employment: Temporary Hourly FT long-assignment (100%) x 1
Union: NSGEU Healthcare Position
Posting Closing Date: 10-Aug-26

About the Opportunity

The Occupational Therapist works under the supervision of the Health Services Manager. The Occupational Therapist (OT) works in collaboration with the patients, caregivers, and family to facilitate, restore, and/or maintain the patient optimal level of function in the areas of self-care, productivity, and leisure. The OT provides consultation, assessment, treatment, evaluation, and follow-up while working within the hospital, the patient's home, and/or their community. 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 patients, families, and caregivers. The OT functions as a member of a multidisciplinary hospital healthcare team. The OT contributes to the clinical education of OT students and related health disciplines. 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
  • Consideration may be given to applicants who do not meet this requirement, contingent on a successful interview and demonstration of relevant competencies
• 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

• Long assignment full-time position; 75 hours biweekly
• Approximately 18 months

Compensation and Benefits

$38.43 - $50.99 hourly

Successful candidates may be eligible for our benefits package which includes health, dental, travel, long-term disability, and life insurance coverage as well as a defined benefit pension plan.

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.