Therapy Assistant

As part of Cancer Care Alberta, the Rehabilitation Oncology team includes occupational therapy (OT), physiotherapy (PT), speech-language pathology (SLP), and therapy assistants (TA). We are seeking a TA passionate about cancer care to join our team. The primary responsibility for this position will be to support Early Supported Discharge program - Hematology, Bone Marrow Transplant, Car-T cell outpatients and some inpatient support. Key responsibilities involve a mix of duties assigned by OTs, PTs and SLPs. These include delivering and advancing patient therapeutic programs and treatment techniques (1:1, groups and virtual) as directed by therapists. Treatment includes lymphedema management, exercise/physical activity, mobility and gait aid use, adaptive aids selection, falls prevention, patient education, ADL programs, cognition supports, fatigue management and speech therapy-related care. The TA is also responsible for observing, tracking, and reporting changes in patients' physical, functional, and behavioral conditions to therapists or other appropriate members of the interdisciplinary healthcare team. The TA will lead equipment and supply management (involves sourcing equipment, overseeing inventory, and coordinating repairs). Other key duties: Sewing custom supports and pressure reduction garments, guiding volunteers in various roles within the program, student supervision/ education, administering modalities, booking appointments, engaging in cross-coverage across all service areas and participating in oncology professional development. The caseload and hours of work for all Supportive Care positions may change based on operational needs.

As a Therapy Assistant, you will work both individually and as part of an interprofessional team under the assignment, monitoring and evaluation of an audiologist, occupational therapist, physiotherapist, recreation therapist or speech-language pathologist. You will contribute to effective and efficient rehabilitation services including direct and indirect client care across the health care continuum (healthy living, getting better, living with illness and disability, end of life care) for all ages as well as non-client service provision. This role will require you to work effectively with internal and external partners, and display professionalism and strong ethics in both client centered care and participation in care teams. You will demonstrate evidence of reflective thinking and lifelong learning that enhances individual and team competency. You will have opportunities to use your interpersonal and clinical skills in contributing to quality improvement, program planning and student supervision.

Completion of diploma from an accredited post-secondary rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program or equivalent training may be considered.

Diploma in Physical Therapist and Occupational Therapy Assistant. Minimum of 2 years relevant experience in an acute care setting supporting OT, PT and/ or SLP with at least one year of experience working with adults diagnosed with cancer. Intermediate computer skills: Microsoft Office Suite and Connect Care. Experience with EMR - Connect Care. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Able to work effectively within a patient-centered, interdisciplinary team. Effective time management and organizational skills. Ability to demonstrate critical thinking and decision-making skills in a complex environment. Effective self-management and time management skills paired with initiative. Demonstrated ability to identify and manage conflict situations. Demonstrated effective team player. Open to change and learning new skills/areas of care. This position is physically demanding and requires repetitive lifting, twisting and transferring of patients (including bariatric) and or equipment. You may be required to sit for prolonged periods and perform keyboarding/computer and headset use.

Minimum 4 years clinical experience in providing therapy assistant support for OT, PT and/ or SLP in an acute care setting. Minimum two years’ experience in oncology. Experience with compression therapy for edema management (such as Coban and Comprilan bandaging). Experience with adaptive aids and equipment including wheelchairs/ cushions. Experience facilitating groups (face to face and virtual via Zoom). Experience providing virtual patient care (phone/Zoom/Telehealth).