Occupational Therapist

Join Northeastern Ontario’s Health Care Leaders!

Health Sciences North is Northeastern Ontario's academic health sciences centre, where exceptional care, innovative research, and transformative teaching improve the health of our communities. As the region's specialized healthcare hub, you'll work with advanced technology, diverse patient populations, and a collaborative team committed to excellence.

We invest in our people through professional development, teaching opportunities, and an inclusive, supportive workplace built on respect, compassion, quality, transparency, and accountability. If you're looking for a meaningful career where you can grow, make an impact, and help build a healthier North, Health Sciences North is the place for you.

Health Sciences North (HSN) is seeking an innovative individual for the position of Occupational Therapist to use a holistic, client, and family-centred approach to optimize safety, functional ability, and well-being to enable participation in activities of daily living within the areas of self-care, productivity (e.g. work, home, and school) and leisure. This candidate will also emphasize the physical, cognitive, affective, and spiritual components of clients’ functional performance and the physical, institutional, social, and cultural aspects of the environment for patients living with chronic pain and neurological conditions such as Acquired Brain Injury supported through the Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation/Outpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation.

The ideal candidate will have a current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the COTO and a certificate in Non-violent Crisis Intervention course. The Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

We are looking for someone with a minimum of one (1) year experience working with Chronic Pain patients. Candidates who have experience working in a functional pain program, as well as experience working with people who have had brain injuries, strokes or other neurological conditions and people who have severe and persistent physical and/or mental illness are preferred.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The clinic is open to patients over the age of 18 through referrals by a primary care provider (PCP). The Integrated Chronic Pain program accepts referrals for patients living in Northeastern Ontario. We are a Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) OHIP-referral funded program.

In our model of care, PCPs play an active role in the treatment of their patients. We provide education-based programing to patients in order to support self-management of their chronic pain condition.

This program integrates an inter-professional team (Registered Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Pharmacist, Physiotherapist, Recreational Therapist, Kinesiologist, Case Manager and Social Worker), with a focus on rehabilitation, self-management and setting functional goals in a group environment. Patients are expected to have an active role in their care.

As of January 2026, Expansion of “As of Right” legislation allows more regulated health professionals moving to Ontario from another province to practice right away while they await registration with the regulatory body in Ontario. More information can be found here. Visit the applicable Ontario Health Regulatory College to verify eligibility requirements.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, team environment and are looking for a rewarding career opportunity, you are encouraged to view the full job description on the HSN Careers Website.

HSN INCENTIVES

We offer a competitive salary and vacation, extended health and dental benefits, and relocation allowance to assist with moving expenses. In addition, there may be additional monetary incentives available upon hire.

At Health Sciences North, we are committed to creating and maintaining a collaborative, trusting, inclusive and sustainable work environment that supports the physical, psychological, social and community wellbeing of all members of Team HSN. This will enable every team member to thrive in the workplace while providing exceptional care, transformative teaching and impactful research. We celebrate our staff regularly through Appreciation celebrations and Recognition events and our commitment to a healthy workplace upholds HSN’s core values of Respect, Compassion, Quality, Transparency, and Accountability to ensure workforce safety and well-being.

HSN provides support through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which is available for all HSN staff and family members regardless of status, position, affiliation, etc.

HSN is proud to participate in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), offering our valued employees the financial security and peace of mind that comes with a strong defined benefit pension plan. For every dollar an employee contributes to HOOPP, HSN contributes $1.26. All employees are eligible to join immediately upon hire. Join us and start building a future you can look forward to.

HSN is a proud participant in the Rural Community Immigration Pilot and the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot Programs. The Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot (RCIP) and Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP) offer a unique pathway to permanent residence for international workers looking to build a future in Greater Sudbury and surrounding communities. These programs are designed to address key labour shortages while helping skilled individuals and families settle long-term in welcoming, opportunity-rich regions of Northern Ontario. More information regarding this program can be found here or on the Sudbury site here.

Interested applicants are asked to apply directly to requisition #11024 on the HSN Careers Website at https://careers.hsnsudbury.ca/. This opportunity will be posted until filled.

About Sudbury

Sudbury is a dynamic city that embraces growth and values its residents. With a population of over 166,000 and a regional reach of nearly half a million people within a 160 km radius, Sudbury offers a vibrant community and ample opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether you're considering a move or already planning to relocate, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our strategic location, robust industrial sector, and talented workforce make Sudbury the perfect place to establish and expand your career. Discover a city that welcomes newcomers with open arms and provides a supportive environment for your success. For more information regarding our beautiful city or for finding your dream home, rentals or short-term accommodation please visit the following websites; Newcomers to Sudbury and Find your dream home

KEY FUNCTION:

Use a holistic, client, and family-centred approach to optimize safety, functional ability, and well-being to enable participation in activities of daily living within the areas of self-care, productivity (e.g. work, home, and school) and leisure. Emphasize the physical, cognitive, affective, and spiritual components of clients’ functional performance and the physical, institutional, social, and cultural aspects of the environment for patients living with chronic pain and neurological conditions such as Acquired Brain Injury supported through the Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation/Outpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation.

REPORTING:

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Integrated Chronic Pain, Chronic Disease Self-Management, HAVEN/Hemophilia/Hemoglobinopathy, Outpatient Brain Injury Rehabilitation Program and Outpatient Neurological Rehabilitation Program.

DUTIES:

1. Administer and perform complex standardized and non-standardized assessments.
2. Analyze and interpret assessment findings.
3. Participate in the intake and/or transitional care processes for referred patients.
4. Generate, implement, evaluate, and modify negotiated treatment plans on an individual or group basis within the outpatient or community setting.
5. Conduct home visits/home assessments as required.
6. Recommend and educate compensatory and remedial strategies, activity modification, adaptive equipment, and assistive devices to promote safety and maximize functional independence.
7. Fabricate, or modify clinical equipment, including wheelchairs, splints, and orthotics.
8. Implement strategies to address client safety issues and mitigate risk for critical injury and death.
9. Educate clients and families in coping strategies, decision-making, and utilization of personal and community resources, and make referrals to community resources as required.
10. Collaborate with clients, families, interprofessional team members, and community partners throughout the therapy process and advocate to ensure client needs are met.
11. Participate in the discharge planning process to ensure safe, effective, and efficient discharges.
12. Perform controlled acts subject to area of practice.
13. Document assessment findings, analysis, treatment plans, client goals, client’s ongoing progress, effectiveness of treatment plan, and government/insurance/legal forms according to the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) standards and HSN policy.
14. Research and incorporate evidence based clinical practice and conduct or collaborate in research.
15. Educate and provide internships to student Occupational Therapists (OT)/Occupational Therapist Assistants/Physical Therapist Assistants, other members of an interprofessional health care team and their students, external health care professionals, and school/community staff/agencies.
16. Ensure the privacy and confidentiality of personal health information is maintained.
17. Maintain the safety of the client and other staff.
18. Recommend, manage, and maintain inventory, and order essential supplies and equipment as required.
19. Maintain relevant statistical information.
20. Follow service-specific, Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Infection Prevention and Control practices, including monthly workplace inspections.
21. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
22. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
23. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.
24. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
25. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety and Occupational Therapy practice legislation, standards and guidelines.
26. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
27. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

1. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the COTO.
2. Certification as an Assistive Devices Program (ADP) authorizer is preferred.
3. Certificate in Non-violent Crisis Intervention course is required.
4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE:

1. Minimum of one (1) year experience working with Chronic Pain patients.
2. Experience working in a functional pain program is preferred.
3. Experience working with people who have had brain injuries, strokes or other neurological conditions is preferred.
4. Experience working with people who have severe and persistent physical and/or mental illness is preferred.
5. Experience working in an inter-professional team is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:

1. Demonstrated knowledge of typical and atypical anatomy/neuroanatomy, physiology/neurophysiology, social sciences (e.g. psychology, sociology, and education), and development across the lifespan.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of the impact of atypical development on function to inform OT Service in the treatment of disease and conditions.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of OT theory, other theoretical frameworks relevant to the area of practice, and the Canadian Practice Process Framework (CPPF).
4. Demonstrated knowledge and application of client and family-centred models of care.
5. Demonstrated knowledge of COTO standards of practice and guidelines.
6. Demonstrated knowledge of Indigenous and Francophone culture.
7. Demonstrated knowledge and use of the Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN; OTN-PCVC) and willingness to use in clinical practice.
8. Demonstrated knowledge of current health care and privacy legislation.
9. Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based clinical practice and best practice.
10. Demonstrated knowledge of community services and available resources.
11. Demonstrated ability to exercise professional judgment, clinical reasoning, and critical thinking with the ability to apply ethical frameworks and choose the optimal assessment and treatment intervention.
12. Demonstrated ability to effectively problem-solve, set priorities, and manage conflict.
13. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
14. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
15. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
16. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
17. Demonstrated ability to manage routine correspondence, multiple tasks/projects, diversified workload and rapidly changing priorities and challenging deadlines.
18. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
19. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

1. Successful Vulnerable Sector Check OR Broader Sector Check is required
2. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with health care providers, clients, families, and the community.
3. Ability to use tact and discretion in dealing with health care providers and patients.
4. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
5. Demonstrated ability to work effectively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
6. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
7. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
8. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
9. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
10. Demonstrated ability to work flexible hours as required.
11. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle.
12. Ability to travel between local and regional sites and willingness to travel occasionally within Northern Ontario.

Selection Process: Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required. This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.