Violence in the OT workplace focus groups in Calgary and Edmonton

Violence in the Occupational Therapy Workplace

Your opinion and experiences matter!

 

 

 The Alberta Human Services Occupational Health and Safety program has sponsored the development of a free online module about workplace violence

especially about and for occupational therapists and students.  

The project is led by Cary Brown, Department of Occupational Therapy at the University of Alberta and coordinated by Dr Annette Rivard.

 

An important part of this work is gathering information about OTs’ and OT students’ experiences and thoughts about workplace violence.

 

To do this we are holding 2 Focus Groups at the following dates and times:

 

Edmonton:   Tuesday Oct 4th from 5:00-6:00 pm Room 3-01/3-07 Corbett Hall, University of Alberta

 

Calgary:  Wednesday Oct 5 from 4:45-5:45 Room DTC-326 - Calgary Campus, 906 - 8 Avenue S.W. Calgary

 

 

Everyone is welcome to attend but so we can plan the numbers – please register at http://fluidsurveys.com/surveys/cary-R/workplace-violence-ot-focus-group-registration/

or click the QR code

 

 

Your participation is important to help us develop the best learning opportunity possible- we hope to see you at the event.

 

Contact A. Rivard at arivard.ot@gmail.com for further detail.

Information on Canadian Fieldwork Placement Sharing System (CFPSS)

Committee on University Fieldwork Education (CUFE)

 

MEMO to Canadian Occupational Therapists regarding the

Canadian Fieldwork Placement Sharing System (CFPSS)

May 2016

Dear Canadian Fieldwork Partner,

We are pleased to inform you that the Committee on University Fieldwork Education (CUFE) has developed a new system for eligible student occupational therapists to participate in fieldwork outside of their home university catchment area; the Canadian Fieldwork Placement Sharing System (CFPSS).

The CFPSS is based primarily on placement ‘supply’ rather than student ‘demand’.  Canadian university fieldwork coordinators are committed to the development of placement ‘supply’ within their catchment areas in order to offer mobility to select student occupational therapists throughout Canada.  Going forward, each university program will ascertain which facilities will accept students from other Canadian OT programs as part of their call for fieldwork offers.  For Ontario and Quebec, where there are multiple occupational therapy programs within the province, students studying within the province will be given priority for placements within their province over students from other provinces.

Canadian students wishing to participate in fieldwork outside of their program’s catchment area will submit applications to their university fieldwork coordinator.   The university fieldwork coordinators will work collaboratively to match occupational therapy students to available fieldwork offers.

International student OTs who are interested in a fieldwork placement in Canada must arrange to have their home university fieldwork coordinator contact the Canadian university fieldwork coordinator for the catchment area in which they would like to have a placement to discuss the feasibility of a placement.  Some Canadian university programs have exchange agreements with international universities and thus will deal directly with that university regarding OT placements within Canada for those students.

 

As always, no students, whether Canadian or international, are allowed to directly contact any Canadian fieldwork facilities to solicit placements.

Please do not hesitate to contact your local university fieldwork coordinator if you have any questions or concerns about the CFPSS. Thank-you for your ongoing partnership in fieldwork education. Your contributions to the education of our students are vital and greatly appreciated by the Canadian OT education programs and by the students that you teach!

Sincerely,

Members of CUFE (Your Canadian university fieldwork coordinators)

University Fieldwork Coordinator contact information: http://www.acotup-acpue.ca/English/members

OT wanted in Canmore

Seeking  motivated OT, SLP, and Behaviour Strategist/Psychologist to serve as consultants for a privately run FSCD Specialized Services contract.

Starting date: as early as Sept 1

Note: there will not be a developmental aide

Where: Canmore

Who: J. is beautiful 6 year old girl with Autism who is just starting to get to know her new guide dog. She lives with her biological parents and loves tight cuddles. Self regulation and getting the right words out are challenging. J loves being outside and benefits from routine.

Rate paid: as set by FSCD

If interested please contact Barb at 403-493-1001

Sensory Tools for Schools Workshop

Sensory Tools for Schools 

HENRY OT Services Inc.                   

www.ateachabout.com 

DAY 1: Tools for Tots ^TM

DAY 2: Sensory Tool Chest ^TM

Presented by:

Susan Swindeman OTR/L 

Maureen Kane-Wineland PhD OT/L

November 4 & 5, 2016       

Location:

Best Western Plus Port O’ Call

1935 McKnight Boulevard NE

Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6V4

Phone: 403-291-4600

Accommodation available on-site

Sponsored by:

OT4LIFE CALGARY

Occupational Therapy Services

Course Description    
In this “sensory” workshop, developed by Diana A. Henry MS, OTR/L, (ateachabout.com), participants will actively engage in two days of hands-on fun movement, balance and motor activities using a variety of sensory tools that will promote all students’ attention and focus in the classroom.   

Day 1: Tools for Tots

This workshop is designed to offer practical sensory strategies to improve the ability of toddlers and preschoolers to play and function in their various daily environments. A variety of sensory activities and environmental strategies will be highlighted using hands-on participation and videos of typical tots and those with challenges including social engagement. 

Topics will include everyday issues related to waking up, picky eating, teeth brushing, getting dressed, potty time, hair washing, finger nail cutting, bath time, bed time, and more. Participants will also learn strategies to help Touchy Tots, Sensitive Ears, Busy Bees, Fumbling Tots, Tippy Toe Tots, Cautious Tots and Spirited Tots.

Day 2: Sensory Tool Chest

This is a unique hands-on, highly participatory FUN workshop! It includes demonstration of sensory integration and sensory processing to enhance the environment by making it “sensory safe” for students, parents, and teachers. Attendees will experience what it is like to have sensory challenges, and learn how to use chair balls and other sensory-based activities in classrooms, daycares, and homes by participating during the hands-on lab work. The workshop reviews current research and case studies using the Sensory Processing Measures (SPM and SPM-Preschool). An introduction to the SPM Quick Tips® is included, as well as how to help teams with clinical reasoning and brainstorming to develop sensory-based strategies. These are to be integrated into the fabric of the child's everyday life throughout school (art, music, PE, recess, cafeteria, bus and main classroom), in the home, and in the community. Opportunities for recording data will be discussed. Tool Chest activities will also be included.



More information: Kendra - ot4lifecalgary@gmail.com

Fine Motor Fall Camp in Edmonton

Creating Confident Printers

Growing Changes: Occupational Therapy Services for Children presents:

Fine Motor Fall Camp in Sept/Oct 2016

A four week fun and interactive camp for children in Kindergarten and grades 1 - 3 who find printing or other fine motor activities challenging. The camp will be run by experienced pediatric occupational therapists. A multi-sensory approach will be used along with co-operative games and crafts to practice the skills needed for hand functioning. This camp is designed for children who may be experiencing mild to moderate delays in fine motor development or who would benefit from extra practice.

The camp places an emphasis on grasp development, formation of lower case letters, legible printing, copying shapes and letters, using school tools (pencils, scissors, glue), in hand manipulation skills, eye hand coordination and strength. This includes a summary report identifying individual children's strengths, areas of need, and suggestions for further skill development will be provided.

This camp will use a multi-sensory approach combining fine and gross motor movement to enhance learning. Parents are encouraged to attend the first of the four sessions in order to help their child feel more at ease in the group and to learn how to support their child with printing practice at home.

Time: Printing Basics: 10:00 am - 11:30 am weekly

(Saturdays: September 24, October 1, 15 and 22). No class October long weekend.

Cost: $250.00

Where: Highlands Community Centre: 6112 - 113 Avenue Edmonton, AB

Contact: Rebecca Cormier at 780.965.4310 or email growingchanges@gmail.com to register.

Note: OT services may be covered depending on health plan and are tax deductible.

Cause & Effect Foundation OT Position

CEF – Occupational Therapist

0.4-0.7 FTE

CLOSING DATE: When suitable candidate found

START DATE: As early as September 6^th, 2016

Overview of Program:
Cause and Effect Foundation is an Early Intervention Service Agency for children with special needs ages six month to six years. Since 1994, Cause and Effect (CE) has served children and their families in Calgary and surrounding areas. CEF provides tailored programming to each and every child. Services are offered within a varied of natural learning environments which may include preschool, community, and/or in-home settings. Our team of parents, therapists/teachers, Child Development Facilitators (CDFs/aides) and administrators work collaboratively to assist children in achieving maximum development and independence. Our motto is: "play with a purpose!"

Overview of the Position:
Occupational Therapists (OTs) with the Cause and Effect Foundation (CEF) program team are responsible for assessing, overseeing, planning, guiding, and evaluating each child’s occupational therapy needs and programming within a PUF (educationally-oriented) or FSCD (family oriented) context. CEF OTs work collaboratively with the relevant members of the CEF team (CDF/aide, PT/Ed Consultant/SLP/TLL/Behavior Strategist/Administration), as well as with community preschool teachers and families to ensure the child’s developmental needs are being addressed.   

Occupational Therapy at CEF:
Cause and Effect values the unique perspective that OTs bring to the child’s program. As a result, CEF OTs provide direct, individualized, and hands-on intervention for the children within CEF programming. OTs are supported in the administrative duties relating to child programming by a Team Liaison Leader (TLL). This support includes assistance with report consolidation as well as with team organization and scheduling for programming and IPPs.

Roles and Responsibilities:
A list of roles and responsibilities is available in detail on the official CEF Job Description. This can be made available, by request, to Michelle Kelly, Director of Human Resources at contact@causeandeffectfoundation.com, or by phone at 403-523-0150.


Requirements and Qualifications

·         Minimum 2 years’ experience in early intervention, or equivalent

·         Thorough and educated understanding of child development and experience with assisting children with varied learning profiles

·         Own a vehicle and be willing to travel to and from community sites.

·         Demonstrate comfortable working independently supported by a mentor and collaborative team.

·         Valid OT certification

·         Minimum of Bachelor of Occupational Therapy

·         Passion for children and ability to play

·         Ability to work collaboratively and cooperatively in a team setting

·         Appreciate the importance of natural learning environments for children and comfortable working in community settings

·         Excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills

·         Ability to exercise good judgment, show initiative and be proactive

·         High standards of ethics and confidentiality to handle sensitive information

Hours and Compensation

·         Available upon request.

Contact

·         To apply, please send your resume along with cover letter to Michelle Kelly, Director of Human Resources, at contact@causeandeffectfoundation.com, or by phone at 403-523-0150.                                                                             

Community Options OT position

The Community Options (http://www.communityoptions.ab.ca) position is for a Full-Time, Occupational Therapist, 1.0 FTE, Maternity Leave, starting August 25, 2016 until June 16, 2017. 

This position will be open until a suitable candidate is found.

More information can be found here.