Clinical Extern Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy

Unity Health Toronto is a leading academic health network uniting St. Michael’s Hospital, St. Joseph’s Health Centre and Providence Healthcare, driven by a single purpose, to advance the health of everyone in our urban communities and beyond. Across the full continuum of care, from primary and community services to complex tertiary and quaternary care, as well as post-acute rehabilitation, palliative and long-term care, we are committed to delivering compassionate, high-quality care to those we serve. Rooted in excellence, innovation and equity, we also champion world-class research and education, shaping the future of healthcare while making a meaningful difference in people’s lives today.

Ready to start your career and make a meaningful difference from day one? Join us as a Clinical Occupational Therapy / Physiotherapy Extern (student) and gain hands-on experience through the Ministry of Health’s Clinical Extern Program. As a proud participating organization, we are excited to support and mentor the next generation by providing meaningful clinical exposure, supportive team environments, and the opportunity to build confidence and competence at the bedside. If you are ready to grow your skills while making a difference in patient care, we’d love to welcome you to our team.

Join a dynamic and patient centred health network committed to excellence in care. We are currently seeking motivated and qualified candidates for Clinical Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Extern positions across Unity Health Toronto. Clinical Externs have the opportunity to work within a variety of clinical settings and programs, including but not limited to:

• Stroke/Neuro at Providence Healthcare
• Geriatrics/Complex Medicine at Providence Healthcare
• Orthopedics Amputees at Providence Healthcare

Candidates must be available to work on a temporary casual basis, starting at the beginning of November. Shift requirements are dependent on departmental needs, and could include 8 or 12 hour shifts, with a requirement to work Days, Weekends and Statutory Holidays.

Qualified candidates only will be contacted and invited to participate in our interview process. Suitable applicants will be considered for upcoming Clinical Extern positions.

Job Summary:

Reporting to the Clinical Manager or Manager, Collaborative Practice and Education, the Clinical Extern-Occupational Therapy (OT) /Physiotherapy (PT) is an unregulated health care provider working under the supervision of a registered OT and/or PT. They will work within a changing environment in interprofessional teams to advocate for and promote wellness while ensuring the delivery of safe, quality care. The Clinical Extern will develop their competencies through learning, education, experience and reflective practice.

As part of our ongoing commitment to professional growth and development, Clinical Externs maybe considered for future employment opportunities within Unity Health Toronto upon graduation and licensure.

Duties include (but are not limited to):

• Practicing under the direct and/or indirect supervision of a registered OT and/or PT to ensure that they have the knowledge, skills and judgment needed to perform all assigned actions/duties while supporting direct patient care;
• Following organizational policies and professional standards;
• Participating in patient treatment and assessment;
• Requesting assistance with assigned duties whenever necessary;
• Contributing to care planning and evaluation;
• Providing assistance with patient mobility (e.g., turning, transferring, transporting and ambulating)
• Providing interventions to promote skin integrity and reduce the risk of pressure injuries;
• Assisting with comfort measures and patient safety by ensuring the environment is clean, tidy and free of hazards;
• Participating in transfer of accountability (ToA) with therapists, in scope of the role at shift report and when going on break;
• Contributing to and supporting positive team functioning;
• Engaging in additional activities as approved/assigned.

Qualifications:

• Candidate must satisfy one of the following:

1. Clinical Extern- Occupational Therapy– students close to the end of year 1, enrolled in a training program accredited by the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists.
2. Clinical Extern-Physiotherapy – students close to the end of year 1, enrolled in a training program accredited by Physiotherapy Education Accreditation Canada.

• Current certificate in Basic Cardiac Life Support required
• Successful completion of a recent clinical placement in a hospital setting preferred e.g., acute care, rehab
• A commitment to excellence in clinical skills and competencies
• Outstanding interpersonal and communication skills
• Completion of mandatory/required certifications provided by corporate orientation/unit orientation, including extern orientation (e.g., Fit Test, WHIMS, AODA, IP&C).
• Demonstrated infection prevention and control practices.
• Demonstrated excellent problem-solving, decision making and critical thinking skills.
• Demonstrated excellent organizational and time-management skills.

Unity Health Toronto is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. We strive to provide a recruitment process that is barrier-free and in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code. We understand that you may require an accommodation at any stage of the recruitment process. When you are contacted, please inform the Talent Acquisition Specialist and we will work with you to meet your accommodation needs. We want to emphasize that all accommodation requests are handled with the utmost confidentiality, respecting your privacy and dignity.