Careers at Stepping Stone

Occupational Therapist

Join our team as an Occupational Therapist for an Innovative Pilot Project! 

We are launching an exciting one-year pilot project to integrate an Occupational Therapist (OT) into our 24/7 Housing-Focused Shelter. This role will enhance individualized care and help break down health-related barriers that can prevent guests from securing and maintaining housing. You’ll have a unique opportunity to work directly with guests, supporting their ability to manage daily living, build routines, foster community connections, and develop essential skills for sustaining future housing through both individual and group interventions.

Organization Overview:

Stepping Stone is a community-based agency that believes in the Housing First philosophies and practices.  We strive to improve the quality of life for people who are struggling with chronic homelessness, significant mental health issues and substance misuse.  We offer this by providing shelter support and supportive, affordable housing to our participants with individualized, participant-driven support plans.  The Stepping Stone team collaborates with community services within Guelph-Wellington to help support these plans and to offer our participants wrap-around supports as needed.  

Job Summary:  

The OT will meet with guests directly onsite, providing hands-on, practical support. Adaptability and a comfort level with complex needs are essential, as you will work with individuals facing mental health challenges, addiction, acquired brain injuries, cognitive impairments, developmental disabilities, and more. The primary aim of this role is to support guests in their journey to permanent housing through personalized interventions that promote stability and growth. The OT will conduct bio-psycho-social assessments and develop care plans that the entire team can follow. In addition, you will work closely with shelter support workers, the onsite Social Worker, and Housing Workers to ensure a comprehensive approach to care.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited program, with current registration in Ontario.
• Minimum 2 years experience working with vulnerable populations, ideally in homelessness or community health settings.
• Strong knowledge of harm reduction, mental health, substance abuse, and cultural competence.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with experience in program development and evaluation as an asset. 
• Valid driver’s license and insurance for guest transport and home visits. 

Overview of Duties and Responsibilities:

• • Goal Setting & Skill Building: Engage in collaborative goal-setting sessions, guiding guests to identify meaningful activities and working with them to develop plans that enhance independent living skills. 
  • Daily Living Skills: Provide targeted interventions for Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) to improve safety, independence, and confidence.
  • Physical & Functional Assessments: Conduct assessments to determine adaptive equipment needs that enhance accessibility, mobility, and comfort, and facilitate referrals for necessary equipment, ensuring it’s used effectively within the shelter and transitions with guests as they secure housing.

• Group Facilitation: Lead exercise, life skills, and therapeutic groups that promote health, self-esteem, peer support, and social integration. 

• • Culturally Relevant Services: Connect guests to culturally relevant services, addressing potential access barriers and fostering respect for diverse backgrounds. 
  •  External Referrals: Conduct assessments and make referrals to connect guests with long-term healthcare services. 

• Data Collection & Program Evaluation: Record data to demonstrate program outcomes and inform ongoing project evaluation. 
• Staff Training: Provide guidance and education to shelter support workers, enhancing their ability to support guests in goal attainment 

Compensation and Benefits:

• The position offers a compensation range of $36-$38 per hour, with a standard 35-hour work week.
• $100 towards gas allowance &  $100 towards phone allowance.
• An environment that supports continuous learning.  

Why Join Us? 

This is a chance to lead a transformative initiative with a values-driven organization that prioritizes equity, inclusion and community connection. You’ll be on the forefront of supporting people experiencing homelessness through functional individualized care, empowering guests to overcome barriers, engage with their community, and build lasting stability.  

If you’re passionate about this work and ready to make a lasting impact, we invite you to apply!