Chiropodist

The University Health Network, where "above all else the needs of patients come first", encompasses Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto Rehabilitation Institute and the Michener Institute of Education. The University Health Network (UHN), Canada's largest research teaching hospital, brings together over 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, 8,000+ students, and many volunteers. UHN is a caring, creative place where amazing people are amazing the world.

To inspire, invent and deliver tomorrow's care Ontario Health Teams (OHTs) are continuing to build on the promise that Ontarians can expect to receive comprehensive and coordinated health care. Ontario Health has announced a phased introduction of integrated clinical pathways for OHTs to facilitate the delivery of proactive evidence-based care for patients with specific conditions. Over time, OHTs will implement pathways for people living with congestive health failure (CHF), diabetes (focused on avoiding amputation), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), stroke and mental health. The Mid-West Toronto OHT, which includes UHN, has been selected as the demonstration site for diabetes avoiding amputation pathways and we anticipate the opportunity to apply for more demonstration opportunities. This is an excellent start that demonstrates the close connection between the MWT-OHT Secretariat and the MWT-OHT partners working closely together to deliver exceptional services and care to patients in both acute and community settings. This role will be directly involved with the design and creation of new and innovative models of care in limb preservation.

If you have a passion for improving patient care and the desire and energy to make change in healthcare please consider joining us.

Union: Non-Union
Site: Hospital and Community Setting
Department: UHN Connected Care
Reports to: Senior Project Manager
Hours: 15 hours per week
Salary: $36.10 - $45.13 per hour
Status: Casual

Position Summary

The Chiropodist is a primary health care provider with expertise in foot care and foot health. As an independent practitioner, the Chiropodist assesses and treats disorders of the foot using conservative methods. This position is responsible for providing chiropody services to all patients, including those who are at UHN sites, as well as offsite in community settings to individuals who are homeless, seniors and people living with diabetes. Through education and awareness, the Chiropodist promotes foot health. As an integral member of the interdisciplinary team, the Chiropodist acts as a consultant, participating in holistic client-centered care.

Duties

• Full scope of practice according to the standards of the College of Chiropodists of Ontario.
• Assessment and treatment of foot conditions, including but not limited to diabetic foot care, nail care, biomechanical assessments, custom orthotic casting and dispensing, wound care, measuring for compression stockings, and procedures such as PNA/TNA/soft tissue lesion excisions.
• Initiates and collaborates with patients, community residents and other health professionals and physicians to:
  • systematically collect data about the health of each patient for initial screening, in-depth assessment, on-going monitoring and reassessment.
  • identify priorities and strategies or interventions in order to contribute to the individualized treatment programs that achieve the optimal outcome for each patient.
  • safely and effectively perform the strategies and interventions directed by the treatment program.
  • systemically evaluate the extent to which optimal outcomes have been achieved.
• Develops and provides education on foot health and services in clinical, community and in group settings to lay individuals as well as medical and paramedical teams.
• Direct involvement in the design and creation of new innovative models of care in limb preservation.
• Develops, coordinates and participates in professional development /educational activities/programs to ensure excellence in the provision of chiropody services.
• Participates in communication activities to maintain and continually enhance the coordination and quality of chiropody services.
• Participates in quality improvement initiatives.
• Completes daily instrument reprocessing; follows all IPAC procedures.
• Manages chiropody inventory.
• Completes accurate and timely clinical records and supports program data collection
• Performs cross-functional and/or other duties consistent with the job classification, as assigned or requested.

• A graduate of a recognized Chiropody or Podiatric Medicine program
• Current registration in good standing with the College of Chiropodist of Ontario (COCOO) required to work to full scope, including injection and prescription privileges
• Demonstrated ability to fit for orthotics
• Degree and/or Master's level education preferred
• Certification by, and membership in OSC and CFPM preferred
• Current CPR and basic first aid
• All immunizations current and up to date
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• An ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Demonstrated ability to quickly respond to patients and situations with resourcefulness, flexibility and adaptability is required
• Understanding of principles of adult education and excellent group facilitation skills with community members and health care practitioners
• Commitment to working with low income, multi-lingual and multi-racial communities
• Demonstrated experience working with a variety of client populations (e.g. seniors, newcomers, LGBTQ+, non-insured individuals, individuals with chronic and acute conditions, Indigenous populations)
• Ability to speak a second language is an asset
• Demonstrated cultural sensitivity awareness and skills to inform and best plan and facilitate coordination of patient care
• Excellent time management and stress management skills are required
• Computer literacy and basic proficiency is required with a demonstrated willingness to learn and adapt to new technology
• A valid driver's license, adequate insurance (personal automobile policy with a minimum $1 million liability limit) and use of a reliable vehicle that qualifies for physical damage coverage is required

Why join UHN?

In addition to working alongside some of the most talented and inspiring healthcare professionals in the world, UHN offers a wide range of benefits, programs and perks. It is the comprehensiveness of these offerings that makes it a differentiating factor, allowing you to find value where it matters most to you, now and throughout your career at UHN.

• Competitive offer packages
• Government organization and a member of the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP https://hoopp.com/)
• Close access to Transit and UHN shuttle service
• A flexible work environment
• Opportunities for development and promotions within a large organization
• Additional perks (multiple corporate discounts including: travel, restaurants, parking, phone plans, auto insurance discounts, on-site gyms, etc.)

Current UHN employees must have successfully completed their probationary period, have a good employee record along with satisfactory attendance in accordance with UHN's attendance management program, to be eligible for consideration.

All applications must be submitted before the posting close date.

UHN uses email to communicate with selected candidates. Please ensure you check your email regularly.

Please be advised that a Criminal Record Check may be required of the successful candidate. Should it be determined that any information provided by a candidate be misleading, inaccurate or incorrect, UHN reserves the right to discontinue with the consideration of their application.

UHN is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process and workplace. Requests for accommodation can be made at any stage of the recruitment process. Applicants need to make their requirements known.

We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.