Job Description

UNIT PROFILE:
The Forensic Psychiatry Program work towards restoring and maintaining the mental health and well-being of mentally disordered adult offenders while managing risk as mandated by the Criminal Code of Canada and ordered by the Ontario Review Board. This multi-disciplinary team includes nursing and allied health professionals working together to provide a wide range of assessment, treatment and rehabilitation services. In this capacity the Forensic Psychiatry Program provides: clinical, risk and medico-legal assessments, inpatient treatments in General and Secure environments, and outpatient treatment and community reintegration services/support for the Central-South region and Halton.
The Forensic Early Intervention Service (FEIS) works collaboratively with the Office of the Solicitor General to provide outpatient services (including assessment, consultation and discharge planning) for selected inmates at the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre (HWDC). Services will be provided for inmates on remand who are suspected of experiencing a major mental illness and who may be at risk of being unfit for trial, may need forensic mental health intervention to remain Fit to Stand Trial or are awaiting admission at St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton's Forensic Psychiatry Program. Working with clients who are on remand within a correctional institution requires strong clinical engagement skills and a thorough knowledge of risk management and recovery principles. FEIS operates within the Hamilton-Wentworth Detention Centre located at 165 Barton St., Hamilton, ON. Access to a vehicle is required as the position may require travel between the HWDC and the West 5th site.
POSITION SUMMARY:
The Occupational Therapist plans, implements, and evaluates client-centered occupational therapy services consistent with the mission and values of St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton. The Occupational Therapist assesses and diagnoses physical, emotional, social and cognitive capacity and performance, occupational demands and environmental factors and interventions to enable participation in activities of everyday life to promote and optimize health and well being of clients consistent with the scope of practice of occupational therapy. Key functions of the Occupational Therapist encompass clinical, professional and non-clinical activities as outlined in the Profile of Occupational Therapists in Canada that are shaped by their program needs and client population. All tasks are performed in ways consistent with the competencies of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO) including: assuming professional responsibility, thinking critically, demonstrating practice knowledge, utilizing occupational therapy process to enable occupation, communicating and collaborating effectively, engaging in professional development, managing practice and advocating within systems. Given that St. Joseph's Healthcare is affiliated with McMaster University and Mohawk College, the Occupational Therapist is expected to engage in appropriate teaching and research activities.
QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree in Occupational Therapy required; Master's Degree preferred.
• Registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario required.
• Membership in the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists preferred.
• One year recent related clinical experience with mental health client population and clinical setting preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritize workload and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work as an effective member of an inter-professional team with exceptional interpersonal, advocacy, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Willingness and ability to continue to improve professional competence and knowledge
• Exceptional analytical thinking and creative problem solving skills.
• Proficient computer skills for report writing, assessments, word processing, workload measurement, and access to information.

Forensic Psychiatry Program-specific Qualifications:

• Evidence of understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada as it pertains to mentally disordered individuals.
• Demonstrated familiarity and understanding of Forensic specific Risk Assessment tools (i.e. HARM/AIS).
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of custody and caring in the clinical care of mentally disordered individuals.

HOURS OF WORK:
Monday to Friday; days