Pediatric Occupational Therapist (OT)
Part-Time Employee (Hourly)
Join Our Dynamic, Nature-loving Team!
Do you love nature and the outdoors? Are you interested in bringing the restorative power of nature into your therapeutic practice with children and youth?
Therapy doesn’t have to be in a room with four walls.
At ConnectByNature Therapy Services, a division of Biophilic Health Inc., we step outside—and thoughtfully bring nature inside, creating therapeutic spaces and experiences grounded in the wisdom and power of the natural world.
Our Vision
To reconnect children and youth with nature so they can heal, grow, and thrive, with a particular focus on children and youth with neurodiversity and those facing systemic barriers.
Through nature-connected occupational therapy we draw on nature’s restorative benefits and wisdom to support healthy development, growing independence, and meaningful participation in everyday life, while nurturing a sense of belonging through connection with nature and all living things.
Who We’re Looking For
We are seeking a registered Occupational Therapistto join a small but growing multidisciplinary team. This position is offered as a part-time employee (hourly) role.
What You'll Do
In this role, you will support children and youth in developing the skills and connections they need to heal, grow, and thrive in everyday life, within a collaborative and supported team environment.
You will work primarily at the ReLeaf Lab in Grimsby, Ontario — a nature-infused therapeutic space designed to support sensory engagement, creativity, and connection with the natural world.
You will also have opportunities to work with clients outdoors in nearby green spaces and seasonally at ConnectByNature Forest & Farm in Fenwick, Ontario.
Duties:
- Assess and plan: Conduct functional, developmental, and sensory-based assessments and develop individualized, goal-oriented treatment plans
- Support development and participation: Deliver evidence-informed OT interventions targeting:
- Social-emotional wellbeing and self-regulation
- Sensory processing and integration
- Physical literacy skills
- Executive functioning and adaptive skills
- Participation in daily routines (home, school, community)
- Integrate nature into therapy: Draw upon nature to support engagement, regulation, and skill development through direct and indirect contact with nature (e.g. nature play, engagement with natural materials, nature metaphors, story)
- Collaborate: Work with caregivers and team members to support carryover of skills across environments
- Contribute: Support program development and innovative nature-connected services
Qualifications and Experience
- Registered Occupational Therapist in good standing with the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO)
- Experience working with children and youth, including:
- Neurodivergent populations (e.g., autism, ADHD, sensory processing differences)
- Developmental and functional challenges
- Experience supporting children and youth using neurodiversity-affirming and trauma-responsive approaches
- Strong skills in assessment, activity analysis, and intervention planning
- Experience supporting emotional regulation and functional participation
- Knowledge and experience in the use of psychotherapeutic modalities (e.g., CBT, mindfulness, and somatic approaches) is an asset
- Compassion and empathy: Commitment to client- and family-centered care
- Love of nature and willingness to work and play outdoors
- Ability to work collaboratively within a team environment
- Familiarity with Google Workspace and practice management software (Jane) is an asset
- Nature and animal-related experience (asset): Experience or interest in working with clients outdoors and with animals (e.g., goats, chickens, miniature horses, donkeys)
Indigenous applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome applicants whose lived experience and perspectives reflect the communities we serve.
For more information about this unique opportunity visit www.connectbynature.ca or contact Nancy Rushford n.rushford@connectbynature.ca
Job Type: Part time
Pay: $60.50-$70.50 per hour
Expected hours: No more than 20 per week
Benefits:
- On-site parking
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
