therapy assistant

*Ascend Pediatrics: Join Our Passionate Team as a Contract Therapy Aide in Nanaimo, BC!* Are you a compassionate and energetic individual looking to make a direct impact on the lives of children and families, specifically supporting their Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy goals? Ascend Pediatrics is continuing our services in Nanaimo, BC, and we're seeking dedicated Contract Therapy Aide to join our growing, multidisciplinary team! At Ascend Pediatrics, we are committed to providing exceptional multidisciplinary support, meeting families where they are. This unique contract position offers a truly rewarding opportunity to work directly with children and learn from experienced Occupational and Physical Therapists, expanding your skills as part of a collaborative team. Why Ascend Pediatrics? * Direct Impact: You'll play a vital, hands-on role in implementing OT and PT goals and directly contributing to a child's development and well-being within their natural environment. * Multidisciplinary Focus: Work closely alongside experienced Occupational and Physical Therapists, gaining in-depth exposure and hands-on experience in areas such as gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, and daily living activities. * Collaborative Team: Be an integral part of a supportive, multidisciplinary team, collaborating with Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Behaviour Analysts, and Speech-Language Pathologists. * Skill Expansion & Growth: Gain invaluable experience in pediatric therapy with diverse cases and complex needs. We offer multiple opportunities to grow your skills and knowledge under the guidance of our team. * Community-Focused: Be part of a team that values empowering families by providing crucial support in their schools, homes and communities across Nanaimo, BC. *Your Role & Responsibilities:* As a Therapy Aide with a focus on Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy, you will work directly with children under the guidance of our multidisciplinary team, supporting them to achieve their therapy goals. Your responsibilities will include: * Supporting the implementation of individualized treatment goals developed by the OT/PT team, focusing on skill development in areas like fine motor, gross motor, sensory processing, self-regulation, and activities of daily living (ADLs). * Observing and documenting a child's functional status and environmental factors within their school and community settings. * Engaging children in therapeutic activities and play-based interventions designed to enhance their participation and independence. * Facilitating the development of self-care skills, regulation strategies, gross and fine motor skills, and community engagement under therapists' guidance. * Assisting with social thinking and mental health supports as guided by the team. * Maintaining clear and concise documentation of client sessions and progress. * Demonstrating a calm and proactive demeanor in managing challenging behaviors, including negative verbal comments, yelling or screaming, physical aggression, or unexpected events, utilizing strategies provided by the therapy team. * Communicating effectively and regularly with team members about collaborative goals and client progress. *We're Looking for a Candidate Who Is:* * Passionate about working with children of all ages and diverse developmental needs, with a strong interest in Occupational Therapy and/or Physical Therapy. * Adaptable and sensitive to working within various individuals and family dynamics. * Able to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team. * A strong communicator with excellent organizational and time management skills. * Committed to ongoing learning and professional development within the pediatric therapy field. * Reliable, responsible, and possesses a positive, can-do attitude. *Qualifications* * Experience working with children, preferably in a support or educational capacity. * Curr