Dufferin Area Family Health Team Chiropodist

Job Description

The Dufferin Area Family Health Team currently has an opportunity for a full-time Chiropodist to join a compassionate, dynamic team.

The Chiropodist are a vital part of the Dufferin Area Family Health Team (DAFHT) and will collaborate with our physicians and other allied health providers to achieve the vision and mission of our organization. The Chiropodist will help the FHT meet its strategic objectives by participating in chronic disease management, health promotion, and disease prevention programs, educating patients and team members in best-practice methods.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Assessment
• Screens, prioritizes, and processes patient referrals from Physicians within the FHT
• Conducts foot health assessments and collaboratively identifies priorities for treatment according to best practice methods

2. Implementation
• Provides individual, evidence-based treatment, and foot care according to best practices and within the Chiropodist scope of practice as outlined in the Ontario Regulated Health Professionals Act (1991) and the Chiropody Act (1991)
• Works with the interdisciplinary team to provide collaborative and well-rounded patient care
• Recommends and adapts teaching to the patient’s identified foot care needs and to meet patient’s learning needs, revising treatment protocols as required
• Facilitates group educational sessions using the principles of adult learning as required
• Documents according to Chiropodist current Standards of Practice as determined by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario
• Refers the patient to other resources and arranges follow-up as necessary

3. Evaluation
• Evaluates the patient’s comprehension and compliance to the foot care plan by reviewing clinical and learning outcomes

4. Reporting
• Assists in the preparation of statistical reports for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care as required

5. Team Development
• Works effectively within an interdisciplinary team, in varied practice settings, to improve access to primary care
• Provides case study foot care consultation, conducts in-services and workshops for team members, other health professionals and community partners as appropriate and required
• Promotes awareness of the DAFHT’s services and programs
• Participates in staff, team, and committee meetings as appropriate
• Participates in the development, planning and evaluation of treatment, education, counselling, and health promotion activities of the FHT as required

6. Professional Development
• Maintains and develops professional competence through ongoing professional development. Fully participates in the Quality Assurance Program of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario
• Stays current and aware of opportunities to implement evidenced-based methods of client assessment, treatment, and programming

7. Communication
• Communicates effectively with health care team members to create a cohesive team and seamless services to the community
• Communicates effectively with the clients, families, peers, other health care professionals and community partners as required
• Participates in interdisciplinary meetings as required

8. Health and Safety
• Ensures that all chiropody equipment is cleaned, disinfected, and sterilized according to Standards of Practice for Chiropodists and Podiatrist – Infection Control and IPAC Checklist for Chiropody and Podiatry, as provided by the College of Chiropodists of Ontario and Public Health Ontario
• Employs appropriate Personal Protection Equipment and Barriers
• Performs requisite quality control activities on all chiropody equipment as indicated

9. Related Duties
• Maintains confidentiality of team, personnel, and Client information

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
• Knowledgeable and proficient in current, evidence-based methods and practices of primary care delivery
• Knowledgeable and proficient in developing and conducting educational programs for learners, and experienced in evaluation of learning activities specific to individual performance
• Ability to develop strategies that successfully meet the needs of diverse patient, family, and provider population
• Ability to prioritize, manage time effectively and be flexible in a very active work environment
• Willingness to teach and train other members of the interdisciplinary team or students as required

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
• Diploma of Advanced Chiropody or equivalent
• Current registration with the College of Chiropodists of Ontario
• Current Basic CPR certification
• Current Ontario Drivers’ License
• Immunization against hepatitis B
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working as a Chiropodist in a hospital or community setting an asset
• Proficiency in the use of computer hardware and software
• Proficient in EMR systems
• Previous work in a Family Health Team a definite asset
• Strong communication and cultural sensitivity
• Ability to work effectively with all members of the health care team

Working Conditions and Requirements:
• This is an in-person, on-site, and in-community role
• Hours are 37.5 hours per week
• Current driver’s license and reliable vehicle to travel to sites and within community

Why Join Us:
• HOOPP Defined Benefit Pension Plan
• Extended health care benefits including health, dental, vision, critical Illness, and EFAP and EAP program
• 4 weeks of vacation to start, floater days, paid personal and sick time
• Organizational commitment to work-life balance