Occupational Therapist

Occupational Therapist – Fulltime

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation has an opportunity for a talented Occupational Therapist with a passion for making a difference in the lives of children with developmental disabilities and their families. The location is at our center in north Burnaby, BC. The start date for the position is September / October 2025 (flexible).

The Down Syndrome Resource Foundation was formed in 1995 and has an established history with a strong reputation for excellence. The outcomes for individuals with Down syndrome can be maximized by providing opportunities for rich social connections with family and friends, participation in the community, optimal health care, as well as the opportunity to learn through instruction that is tailored to the profile of the learner. Our aim is to assist in the development of children into adults who are confident, self-reliant, resourceful, socially connected, and able to make positive contributions to their community.

We offer a dynamic working environment where all members of our team solve problems together to create the best possible outcomes for the children and adults we serve. Our collaborative, interdisciplinary team offers speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, positive behaviour support, mental health services, comprehensive sexual education and one-to-one academic programs for students of all ages, as well as small group adult programs for students transitioning from high school.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in occupational therapy (or equivalent degree prior to 2008)
• Certification by CHCPBC (College of Health and Care Professionals of British Columbia)
• Experience in occupational therapy within a pediatric setting (clinic, hospital, school)
• Experience working with individuals who have developmental disabilities is recommended

Responsibilities:

• Provide weekly individual therapy to individuals with Down syndrome
• Assist in the transfer of skills into the classroom, community, and home environments via mentoring parents and other team members
• Collaborate with Director of Therapy, Behaviour and Family Support and Senior OT to ensure quality and effective programming
• Presentations to parents and professionals in the community on various occupational therapy topics

The Ideal Candidate:

We are seeking an exceptional occupational therapist who thrives in a dynamic, child-centered environment. The ideal candidate brings a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and positivity to each session, engaging children and adults with a sense of fun while delivering thoughtful, evidence-based therapy. This person should be naturally playful, creative, and able to connect quickly with children, adults and families, turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

Flexibility is key in our fast-paced setting, where no two days—or students—are the same. The ideal candidate can easily adapt their approach to meet each person’s unique developmental needs, whether working with toddlers with sensory processing difficulties, preschoolers developing fine motor skills, school-aged children building independence and confidence or adults working to be more independent in their day to day functioning.

We're looking for someone who is:

• Energetic and animated, with a strong ability to motivate and inspire students.
• Flexible and adaptable, capable of shifting strategies in real-time to suit the moment.
• A team player with a great attitude, contributing positively to a collaborative, interdisciplinary team.
• Creative and resourceful, always ready to turn everyday objects into therapeutic tools and routines into meaningful experiences.
• Empathetic and family-centered, understanding the value of caregiver collaboration and support.

Strong collaboration skills are essential in this role. The ideal candidate will work closely with families to provide education, support, and home program strategies that reinforce therapy goals. They will also coordinate with other professionals on the client’s team—such as speech therapists, physical therapists, teachers, and medical providers—to ensure a consistent, well-rounded approach to care. Clear and compassionate communication, both written and verbal, is a must.

Working Interview Requirement:
To ensure the best fit for both the therapist and our team, all potential candidates will be asked to complete a working interview as part of the hiring process. This provides an opportunity to observe clinical skills, interact with clients, and showcase your approach to therapy in a real-world setting. It also allows you to get a feel for our clinic culture and team dynamic before joining us.

Diversity & Inclusion:

To be a diverse and inclusive workplace that is representative (at all levels) of the people we serve, DSRF welcomes and encourages applications from anyone who identifies as Indigenous, LGBTQ2S+, a member of a visible minority population, and persons with disabilities. If you are a member of any of these groups and wish to contribute to furthering DSRF’s mission, we encourage you to self-identify in your application, cover letter and/or resume.

 Compensation:

The salary is based upon a 37.5-hour work week and is $75,000 to $85,000, commensurate with experience as an OT in a similar role.

 How to Apply:

Interested candidates please forward your resume and cover letter to Senior OT Hina Mahmood at hina@dsrf.org

The DSRF team is a close-knit group of professionals who are proud of what they do and their organization.  For more information on working at DSRF please visit our website at https://dsrf.org and view our employees’ video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYV1wcuV4no.