Occupational Therapist

Position Summary

1st Class After Class & Childcare is seeking a passionate and collaborative Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our CISS Collaborative Intervention Support Services’ team as an in-house contracted professional. This role is embedded within our early intervention program and plays a vital part in supporting children's participation in everyday activities through a play-based, relationship-centred approach.

The OT will work directly with children in our program settings, collaborating closely with educators, families, and the interdisciplinary team to integrate therapeutic goals into meaningful daily routines and classroom activities. This is a contracted position based on-site across our program locations.

The Occupational Therapist reports to the CISS Principal / Director of Early Intervention.

Duties and Responsibilities

A. Direct Service & Intervention

• Provides both individual (1:1) and small group occupational therapy services to children within the program, tailored to each child's goals and developmental needs.
• Embeds therapeutic goals into play-based, classroom-integrated activities that feel natural and engaging for children.
• Actively participates on the floor and within play routines to build relationships, observe skill development, and support children in their natural environment.
• Conducts formal and informal assessments to identify children's strengths, needs, and areas for development across motor, sensory, social-emotional, and self-help domains.
• Develops and implements individualized therapy plans in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team, educators, and families.
• Utilizes a variety of therapy tools and resources, including sensory supports, regulation tools, fine motor activities, and adaptive strategies to create responsive and individualized programming.

B. Collaboration & Family Partnership

• Partners with educators, families, and multidisciplinary team members to ensure therapy goals are supported consistently across all environments.
• Provides coaching, strategies, and resources to educators and families to reinforce therapeutic approaches within daily routines.
• Participates actively in staff meetings, interdisciplinary planning sessions, and collaborative problem-solving discussions.
• Communicates regularly and professionally with families regarding their child's progress, goals, and strategies.

C. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate, timely, and professional documentation including assessment reports, therapy plans, progress notes, and session records in accordance with program and regulatory requirements.
• Ensures all services are delivered in compliance with applicable Alberta regulatory standards and the College of Occupational Therapists of Alberta (COTA) professional practice guidelines.
• Participates in program reviews, quality improvement initiatives, and professional development as required.

Qualifications

Education & Registration

• Degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution.
• Current registration in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Alberta (COTA). This is a mandatory requirement.
• Valid liability insurance as required for contracted practice.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check including a Vulnerable Sector Search (required before commencement of contract).
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR Certificate (or ability to complete upon contract commencement).

Experience & Preferred Skills

• Experience working in early childhood, early intervention, or pediatric occupational therapy settings is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to apply a play-based therapeutic approach that embeds goals into meaningful, child-led activities.
• Training and experience in regulation and sensory support strategies (e.g., sensory integration, zones of regulation, self-regulation frameworks).
• Familiarity with early childhood classroom environments, routines, and developmental expectations.
• Experience delivering both 1:1 and small group intervention within inclusive or early intervention settings.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team while also functioning independently when required.
• Openness to ongoing learning, training, and adapting approaches to meet evolving program and children's needs.
• Flexible scheduling and the ability to adapt within a dynamic, fast-paced early intervention environment.

Contract Details

• This is an in-house contracted position. Hours and scheduling will be confirmed upon agreement and may vary based on program needs.
• The contractor is responsible for maintaining their own professional registration, liability insurance, and compliance with COTA practice standards throughout the duration of the contract.
• 1st Class reserves the right to review and adjust the scope of contracted services in alignment with program needs.