Clinical Discussion about Weighted/Pressure Products with Children

Hello OTs,

I am writing to open up a discussion about the use of weighted/pressure products (e.g., vests and blankets) with children. As there are potential safety concerns with their use (e.g., overheating), I am wondering if anyone has been using any specific written consent forms or recommendations for their use? In our practice to date, we have been providing verbal instructions and documentation in visit notes and obtaining verbal consent.

I recently contacted the CAOT to see if there was a current position paper on their use, and they indicated that it is currently undergoing a review, and a summary executive report will be completed within 4-6 months.

I appreciate any and all discussion on this matter.

Thank you for your time!

Sincerely,

Melanie

Melanie Kalmanovitch M.Sc.OT(c)

Occupational Therapist

mkalmanovitch.ot@gmail.com

*Note: You can comment below so that others can benefit from seeing other people's responses

1.0 FTE in Calgary

Pacekids is hiring a 1.0FTE in Calgary. Click here to see the posting.

Occupational Therapist

Pacekids Programs – Calgary, AB

1.0 FTE

Full-time Occupational Therapist – Pacekids Programs is looking for a full-time Occupational Therapist based out of the North Pacekids Location (808 55th Ave NE), working within families’ homes in the Calgary area. The position is 37.5 hours a week, requires availability on weeknight evenings until 6:00pm and would commence ASAP.

Pacekids Programs offers a variety of programs to children in the Calgary area, including our Early Childhood Services (ECS) Preschool and Kindergarten programs funded by Alberta Learning, and our Specialized Services program funded through Family Supports for Children with Disabilities (FSCD).  We are currently seeking an energetic and dynamic individual to join our team as an Occupational Therapist who would be involved in the home-based FSCD programs.

The successful candidate will work on an interdisciplinary team and will be responsible for the planning and implementation of occupational therapy programming that meets the unique needs of the children and families with whom they work.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

·   Coaching and consulting with families’ in the home setting and providing appropriate strategies and recommendations  for a child’s programming

·   Conducting screenings and assessments of preschool and school-aged children using formal and informal assessments

·   Developing functional, multidisciplinary Individual Service Plan (ISP) goals that promote parent education and empowerment

·   Monitoring and updating program plans and participating in meetings with the interdisciplinary team and families

·   Collaborating with families, interdisciplinary team members, teachers and Child Development Assistants to target goals in a variety of settings

·   Providing regular assessment and treatment update reports

·   Providing education and training to Pacekids’ staff and Child Development Assistants

REQUIREMENTS

·         A Degree/Master (or equivalent) in Occupational Therapy

·         Registered member, in good standing, with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT)

·         Experience working with preschool and school-aged children

·         Current Alberta driver’s license. Must have access to a full-time personal vehicle. The successful candidate will be compensated for mileage.

·         Clearance from a criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check. Must be current within the last six months.

·         Proficiency in the English language, both written and verbal

·         Demonstrated ability to work independently, with an emphasis on self-initiative, patience, maturity and tact

·         Demonstrated ability to communicate and liaise with families and other professionals in fostering a team atmosphere

·         Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively with clients, families and staff

·         Flexibility is essential given the variety of children’s abilities, family needs and conditions

We are looking to fill this position immediately.  Please direct your resume and cover letter to: Rini Penner, Supervisor, Specialized Services at, rini.penner@pacekids.ca.

Pacekids Programs understands the importance of the right person for the right job, and appreciates a diverse workforce. Pacekids Programs encourages all candidates with the required qualifications to apply for this position, and is committed to working collaboratively on determining appropriate accommodations. 

Kim Barthel in Calgary, March 3-4.

Kim Barthel is coming to Calgary on March 3-4, 2017 for the course
Putting the Pieces Together: Integrating Neuro-Developmental Treatment and Sensory Processing Intervention.

Cost: $375 early bird rate (deadline: January 15, 2017), $425 regular rate (deadline February 10, 2017).

Please contact Kendra at ot4lifecalgary@gmail.com for more information and to register-----------------------------------------------

To access the brochure click here.

Discussion about OT salaries in Alberta school systems

Hello colleagues,

I would like to open up a discussion about OT salaries in the school system in Alberta.

Specifically, I was recently reminded that a teacher with the CBE (Calgary), who has fewer years of experience teaching than I do as an OT in the school system, is making $100,000.00/year (and I am making considerably less).  I was under the impressions that our salaries were comparable and I felt this was reasonable.  I work for a non-profit agency funded by Alberta Education.  I would like to understand why there is such discrepancy between professions when we have equal or greater education and have equal or greater responsibilities?  Is this an issue with Alberta Education, the agency I work for, the individual school boards etc.?

I negotiated my salary based on the HSAA grid.  This seems to be the most common way of setting an OT salary.  Would other pediatric OTs be willing to share their experience with salary negotiation with the school boards in the province?

I appreciate any and all discussion on this matter.

Sincerely,

Susan K. Brown, B.Sc., OT (C)

Occupational Therapist

susanbrownot@shaw.ca

Office:  403-277-0425

Cell:  403-616-0235

Handmade lap pillows in Calgary

Lap pillows made in Calgary. They are all handmade.  They weigh just under 4lbs and are filled with rice.  They can be purchased without a cover for $35 or  with a patterned cover that can be laundered for $45. Without the cover, they can be spot cleaned.

I can also make to order if you would like a different weight or fabric or print.  They are are reversible.  Dimensions are 12" x 18"

I live in Royal Oak NW Calgary.  Let me know if you are interested or have any questions.

Gail Loos
Nay & Me Baby Company
403-991-5434

Interest in Marsha Klein Dunn Get Permission Approach to Pediatric Feeding Challenges?

Potential Upcoming Course:

We are looking at what the interested would be if we brought in Marsha Klein Dunn for the ‘Get Permission Approach to Pediatric Feeding Challenges’ .  As well, would people prefer spring (i.e. March) or fall (i.e. Sept/Oct)?

If you are interested, please email kids4ot@gmail.com

Thanks,

Carol & Krista