As an Occupational Therapist - Case Manager with the Department of National Defence, you will provide specialized health care services to Canadian Armed Forces members and Department employees. You will assess clients' physical, cognitive, and emotional needs, develop customized rehabilitation and treatment plans, and coordinate care across multiple service providers. Your work directly impacts the health, wellness, and successful return to duty or civilian life for military personnel and their families. You will combine clinical expertise with case management skills to navigate complex health systems and advocate for client needs. This role requires compassion, clinical knowledge, and strong organizational abilities in a dynamic health care environment.
Key Responsibilities
Provide social services services to clients and patients, Assess needs and develop treatment or service plans, Maintain accurate clinical and case records, Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to deliver care
Required Skills
Clinical skills, Patient/client assessment, Empathy and communication, Record-keeping, Interdisciplinary collaboration, Technical proficiency, Attention to detail, Collaboration, Continuous learning
Typical Education
Post-secondary education or equivalent experience relevant to the position
Training
To qualify for this position, you must hold a Bachelor's degree in Occupational Therapy from a recognized Canadian or internationally accredited program. You must be registered and in good standing with your provincial or territorial occupational therapy regulatory body (such as Colleges of Occupational Therapists in provinces like Ontario, British Columbia, or Alberta). Current CPR/First Aid certification is typically required. Many candidates pursue additional certifications in specialized areas such as mental health, ergonomics, or trauma-informed care. The Department supports ongoing professional development through continuing education opportunities, access to clinical workshops, and professional conference attendance to maintain competency and advance your practice.
Entry Plans
You can enter the DND civilian workforce through several pathways. External recruitment competitions are regularly posted on the Government of Canada Job Bank (jobs.gc.ca) and the DND Civilian Workforce careers website. These competitions are typically open to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. If you are currently in the Canadian Armed Forces, you may transition to civilian employment through internal staffing processes. Recent graduates may have access to student recruitment initiatives or early career development programs. Individuals with occupational therapy credentials from other federal departments or agencies may transfer through lateral moves or secondment arrangements. Once hired, you will be placed on the Public Service pay scale appropriate to your experience and qualifications, with ongoing performance evaluations.
Part-Time Options
Part-time and flexible work arrangements may be available depending on operational requirements and the specific location of your posting. Many health care professionals in DND civilian roles have access to flexible scheduling options, compressed work weeks, or telework for administrative and case planning activities. Remote work is possible for certain duties such as case file review, documentation, and virtual client consultations, particularly in coordination with military medical facilities. Availability of these arrangements varies by base, unit, and manager discretion. You can discuss specific flexibility options during the recruitment process and with your supervisor once hired. The Department values work-life balance and will work with you to find sustainable arrangements that support both operational needs and your professional well-being.
Related Careers
No related military careers on file for this position.
