Occupational Therapist (10–20 Hours/Week) - Contract Position

OVERVIEW:

Fueling Brains Education Services provides early intervention programming for children accessing Program Unit Funding (PUF) and Mild/Moderate (MM) supports across multiple Academy locations in Calgary and Strathmore.

This is not a traditional clinic-based occupational therapy role.

Our multidisciplinary model combines relationship-based intervention, collaborative care, and whole-child development to create an environment where clinicians can focus on what matters most: supporting children, partnering with families, and promoting meaningful participation in everyday learning experiences.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Occupational Therapist to join our team as an Independent Contractor providing approximately 10–20 hours per week during the school year.

If you are passionate about:

• Early intervention
• Inclusive education
• Collaborative multidisciplinary practice
• Supporting children's independence and functional development

This opportunity offers a meaningful and rewarding way to practice.

This position is ideal for an Occupational Therapist looking to supplement an existing caseload while working within supportive early childhood educational environments.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Clinical Service Delivery

• Conduct pediatric occupational therapy assessments to identify each child's strengths, developmental needs, and functional goals.
• Develop individualized intervention plans and practical recommendations in collaboration with families and the educational team.
• Provide evidence-based occupational therapy using play-based, relationship-focused, and developmentally appropriate approaches.
• Support children's development in:
  • Fine motor skills
  • Sensory processing and regulation
  • Self-help and daily living skills
  • Play skills
  • Social participation
  • Classroom engagement and school readiness
• Monitor student progress and maintain accurate documentation, reporting, and goal updates.
• Provide consultation, coaching, and practical strategies to educators and caregivers.

2. Collaboration & Family Partnerships

• Collaborate closely with families, teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Brain Development Technicians, Behaviour Strategists, and other multidisciplinary team members.
• Build strong relationships with families and maintain ongoing communication regarding student progress and intervention goals.
• Participate in team meetings, collaborative planning, and professional development activities.
• Promote consistent implementation of occupational therapy strategies across classroom and home environments.

3. Student Development & Inclusive Practice

• Support children with diverse developmental, physical, sensory, and self-regulation needs within inclusive early learning environments.
• Foster independence, participation, confidence, and functional skill development during daily classroom routines.
• Maintain current knowledge of evidence-based pediatric occupational therapy practices and Alberta ECS/PUF programming requirements.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive, and child-centered therapeutic environment.

REQUIRED SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:

Education

• Master's Degree in Occupational Therapy.
• Active registration and good standing with the Alberta College of Occupational Therapists (ACOT).

Experience

• Experience providing pediatric occupational therapy assessment and intervention.
• Experience working within early intervention, preschool, ECS, or school-based settings preferred.
• Knowledge of Alberta PUF/MM programming and inclusive education practices is considered an asset.

Key Skills

• Strong understanding of child development, sensory processing, and evidence-based occupational therapy practices.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Child-centred and family-focused approach to intervention.
• Strong organizational, documentation, and time-management skills.
• Ability to translate clinical findings into practical classroom-based strategies.
• Passion for early childhood development and inclusive education.

Work Environment Requirements

• Therapy-based role supporting multiple Fueling Brains Academy locations.
• Collaborative multidisciplinary environment involving educators, therapists, Brain Development Technicians, and families.
• Combination of direct intervention, consultation, classroom coaching, and collaborative planning.
• Active, hands-on role involving movement, floor-based play, and engagement with young children.
• Travel between Calgary and Strathmore campuses may be required.

Additional Requirements

• Independent Contractor position (approximately 10–20 hours per week).
• School-year schedule (September–June).
• Professional liability insurance.
• Proof of current WCB coverage or approved WCB exemption, where applicable.
• Valid driver's license and reliable vehicle.
• Current Police Information Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
• Valid First Aid and CPR Certification preferred.
• Willingness to participate in onboarding and professional development initiatives.

Fueling Brains Education Services is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where all team members feel valued and supported. We strongly encourage applications from Indigenous peoples, racialized individuals, persons with disabilities, gender-diverse individuals, and people with intersectional identities.

For more information, please visit
https://www.fuelingbrains.ca/education-services/