POSITION: Occupational Therapist & Clinical Change Management Lead
REPORTS TO: Health Director
JOB TYPE: Full Time Permanent
SALARY: $44.26–$55.06
ABOUT SKIDEGATE HEALTH CENTRE
Skidegate Health Centre is a community focused healthcare provider in Haida Gwaii, deeply committed to integrating Haida language and culture into every aspect of our client centered care model. Guided by the values of the Haida Nation, we are focused on delivering family-centered care through shared care models, expanding our services to include Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM) and Haida Traditional Healing (HTH), and enhancing mental health and addiction support, especially for youth. Our facilities are designed to be welcoming spaces that reflect our community's traditions, and we continuously strive for excellence through accreditation and client-centered quality management systems.
At Skidegate Health Centre, we believe in holistic health and the power of community. We are dedicated to creating a culturally respectful environment where individuals and families feel valued and supported. Join us in our mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care that honors the Haida way of life.
ABOUT PRIMARY CARE NETWORK
The Primary Care Network (PCN) that supports the Skidegate Health Centre is a collaborative health care model designed to provide comprehensive, accessible, and culturally relevant care to the Haida Gwaii community and is a partnership between Pacific Northwest Division of Family practice, Northern Health Authority, First Nations Health Authority, and local First Nation communities.
The PCN integrates a team-based approach, bringing together various health care providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, allied health professionals, and traditional healers, to deliver coordinated care centered around the needs of the community.
POSITION SUMMARY
Reporting to the Health Director, the Occupational Therapist will provide occupational therapy services in alignment with College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC) standards, while leading initiatives to improve service integration, quality, and culturally responsive care. This position will work collaboratively with an interprofessional team to support patient-centered care and drive practice transformation across XaaydaGa Dlaang Society.
WE OFFER
We are pleased to provide:
- 35-hour per week
- Hourly rate range between $44.26–$55.06
- Competitive vacation entitlements
- Enrolment in our health and dental benefits
- Eligibility to participate in our pension plan
- Potential of relocation allowance and housing accommodations
SELECT DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Occupational Therapist Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive assessments of patients’ physical, cognitive, emotional, and functional status.
- Develop and implement individualized, evidence-based treatment plans to enhance health, independence, and occupational performance.
- Educate and support patients and families in self-management, prevention, and rehabilitation strategies.
- Participate in interprofessional care planning to ensure trauma-informed and culturally safe services.
- Evaluate outcomes, document progress, and modify treatment plans as needed.
- Facilitate referrals and transitions of care to appropriate health and community services.
- Build therapeutic relationships grounded in respect, empathy, and cultural humility, supporting client autonomy and dignity.
- Maintain accurate clinical documentation in compliance with COTBC and organizational standards.
- Mentor and support rehabilitation assistants, students, and colleagues.
- Contribute to research, program evaluation, and quality improvement initiatives.
Clinical Change Management Lead Responsibilities
- Lead clinical change management initiatives to strengthen service integration and interdisciplinary collaboration within the PCN.
- Collaborate with leadership, staff, and community partners to identify opportunities for improvement and implement sustainable practice innovations.
- Serve as the organization’s Privacy Officer, ensuring compliance with legislation and promoting privacy awareness across programs.
- Support workflow redesign, care pathway development, and implementation of culturally responsive care models.
- Mentor staff and build capacity for continuous learning, quality improvement, and system-level change.
- Participate in organizational planning, policy development, and interagency collaboration to advance integrated, community-driven care.
- Other duties as required to help support our vision, fulfill our mission and abide by our values.
YOU WILL BRING
- Bachelor or Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy.
- Full registration with the College of Occupational Therapists of British Columbia (COTBC).
- Minimum two years of clinical experience; leadership, practice consulting, or change management experience preferred.
- Experience in community or primary care settings, ideally with First Nations communities.
- Strong communication, facilitation, and mentorship skills.
OUR DESIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES FOR THE ROLE INCLUDE
- Knowledge of Haida culture, history and the implications of colonization for Indigenous children, youth, families and communities.
- Demonstrated ability to act in alignment with Haida values, including Yahguudang (Respect), Ad Kyaanang Tlaagang (To ask first), Tllyahda (Make it right), and Gina‘waadluxan gud ad kwagid (Everything depends on everything else) with the ability to build trust and maintain positive relationships within the community.
- Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, with professionals, clients and caregivers.
- Ability to maintain a high level of ethical behaviour and confidentiality when dealing with community members.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a member of an interdisciplinary team.
- Computer literacy for Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook etc.) and other relevant software.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Travel within the community may be required.
- Monday to Friday schedule but flexibility is needed from time to time based on the Health Centre’s needs and necessary call outs.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Criminal Records Check.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a BC Driver’s License and possess their own vehicle.
- Patient handling & mobility support: Occasional to frequent assistance with transfers, repositioning, and mobility training using safe-handling techniques and equipment.
- Moderate lifting/carrying: Lifting and moving clinical equipment, therapy materials, and assistive devices.
Pursuant to Section 41 of the BC Human Rights Code, preference may be given to qualified applicants of Aboriginal ancestry.
HOW TO APPLY:
Please submit your resume with cover letter and 3 professional
references to Chantel Wellman at chantel@lanternhr.ca. The position will remain
open until filled. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest in a role with Skidegate Health Centre.
Only applicants who are selected for an interview will be contacted.
