Therapy Assistant | Complex Mental Health

Here’s your chance to be a part of our story!  Carewest is one of Calgary’s leaders in exceptional care and we are looking for passionate helpers to join our team.

At Carewest, our mission is to support all clients in maintaining their quality of life as they transition through their health care journey. Our core values of Caring, Relationships, Excellence, Accountability and Teamwork guide how we provide care to those who need it the most.

 

With a strong focus on delivering quality care & safety to our residents & clients we strive to attract innovative thinkers looking for a rewarding career.

 

Help us make a difference and connect with us today!

 

Please note: This site is opening non-union. Further, this posting will be used to fill a number of positions. Applicants will be asked to select their preferred available line(s) during the application process and may select more than one option.

 

Offer Acceptance Timeline: Due to the operational timelines associated with the opening of the new Bridgeland site, successful candidates will be required to accept or decline their offer of employment within a shortened timeframe following the verbal offer. Candidates are encouraged to be prepared to make a timely decision upon receiving an offer.

 

The Opportunity 

 

Working under the direction of the Physical Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist, the Therapy Assistant provides therapeutic programming and rehabilitation support to clients within a Complex Mental Health setting. The Therapy Assistant supports individuals living with severe and persistent mental illness, concurrent disorders, cognitive impairment, behavioural challenges and complex psychosocial needs by implementing therapeutic interventions that promote functional independence, mobility, participation in daily activities and quality of life.

 

As part of the interdisciplinary care team, the Therapy Assistant assists clients in achieving individualized therapeutic goals through prescribed exercises, gait training, functional activities, cognitive and social support, and activities of daily living. This position observes, documents and reports changes in client condition, functional abilities and progress toward established goals, and communicates relevant information to the supervising therapist and care team. The Therapy Assistant supports clients using person-centred, trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches while promoting client choice, autonomy and a safe, respectful therapeutic environment

 

In keeping with Carewest's Frame of Reference, Philosophy of Care and Carewest policies, this position maintains professional and ethical standards at all times. Responsible for other related duties as required.

 

Complex Mental Health Programs provide continuing care and specialized supports for adults living with severe and persistent mental illness, often in combination with physical health conditions, substance use disorders, cognitive impairment, acquired brain injury, psychosocial challenges, responsive behaviours, and functional disabilities. Services are delivered within a harm-reduction, traumainformed, person-directed model of care that emphasizes dignity, autonomy, wellness, meaningful engagement, therapeutic relationships, and quality of life while working collaboratively with clients, families, support networks, and community partners to promote stability, recovery, independence, and successful transitions where appropriate. 

 

• Graduation from an accredited Therapy Assistant program is required. Relevant equivalent training or experience may be considered.
• Knowledge of therapeutic interventions, rehabilitation principles, functional mobility and activities of daily living.
• Ability to implement therapeutic programs and interventions under the direction of a Physical Therapist and/or Occupational Therapist.
• Demonstrated ability to establish therapeutic and professional relationships with clients experiencing complex physical, cognitive, behavioural and mental health challenges.
• Knowledge of mental health conditions, addictions, concurrent disorders, cognitive impairment and responsive behaviours is an asset.
• Education or training in Mental Health First Aid, trauma-informed care, non-violent crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, harm reduction or behavioural support strategies is considered an asset.
• Ability to communicate effectively, document client progress and work collaboratively within an interdisciplinary care team.
• Previous experience in a therapeutic setting is essential.
• Experience supporting individuals with physical disabilities, cognitive impairment, mental illness, addictions, concurrent disorders or complex psychosocial needs is an asset.
• Experience assisting with therapeutic exercises, gait training, mobility programs, functional rehabilitation and activities of daily living is preferred.
• Experience working in a mental health, rehabilitation, continuing care or community-based setting is an asset.
• Experience using computers and electronic documentation systems is preferred.
• Program-specific training and experience is an asset.