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This position is a member of the bargaining unit which is represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, and as such will be bound under the terms of the collective agreement. 

Speech-Language Pathologist (1x Full-time 1.0 FTE Permanent  & 1x Full-time 1.0 FTE  12-Month Contract)

The Speech-Language Pathologist works to assess, identify, and treat communication difficulties in children in conjunction with parents and other caregivers to enhance the quality of life and participation. Communication difficulties may be in one or more of the following areas: language (understanding others and expressing themselves); speech (sound development); fluency; voice/resonance; hearing (aural habilitation); need for augmentative and alternative communication; and pragmatics.

As an employee of Niagara Children's Centre, the Speech Language Pathologist may be assigned to one or more services. These include inter, multi- or uni-disciplinary services, and specialized programs provided by the Centre such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication. It may also include being part of the Extensive Needs Initiative.  

Specific Responsibilities:

• Assessment: The Speech-Language Pathologist assesses a child to identify the presence or absence of communication difficulties/delays. Assessment includes the administration of appropriate standardized and non-standardized test materials, and analysis and interpretation of these tests. Child observations and caregiver interviews are also conducted. Assessment may take place at a variety of locations, such as the Centre, the child’s home, childcare setting, school, and other community settings as well as virtual through telepractice.
• Treatment Planning: On the basis of the assessment, the Speech-Language Pathologist collaborates with the child/family, teacher, school, relevant therapists, and other community partners who may be involved, to identify goals and establish an appropriate treatment plan to achieve the goals.
• Intervention: The Speech-Language Pathologist provides intervention to achieve the goals outlined in the treatment plan and to maintain, develop or restore the child’s highest potential for communication. Intervention may be provided in various environments through a variety of service delivery options (e.g., individual, group, parent coaching, home programming) on a direct, indirect or consultative basis and either in a uni-disciplinary setting or as part of an interdisciplinary team. The Speech-Language Pathologist is also responsible for providing education to families and the community, as well as engaging in promotional activities on behalf of the Centre.
• Supervision: The Speech-Language Pathologist may be requested to supervise Communicative Disorders Assistants (CDAs) as part of his/her regular workload and in doing so, must adhere to the policies established in the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) position statement for Supportive Personnel. SLPs may also be requested to supervise SLP/CDA students or co-op students within their routine caseload management.
• Documentation: The Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for daily/regular documentation within the Centre’s Client Information System in accordance with CASLPO guidelines (such as intervention notes, consultation notes, reports at assessment or transition/discharge, and records of appointments). In addition, there may be documentation requirements such as internal and external referrals; funding application forms on behalf of families and correspondence with families and community partners.
• Education: Through conferences, lectures and other training the Speech-Language Pathologist will keep current with new approaches and research, particularly if assigned to a specialized clinic or role with emerging and changing knowledge and technology. SLPs may be designated by their Clinical Manager to provide specific interventions based on their clinical experiences and additional training, such as providing caregiver-focused group education opportunities (e.g. Hanen groups), assessment/treatment of children within the Ontario Infant Hearing Program (Auditory-Verbal Therapy for children with identified permanent hearing loss), and caregiver-mediated therapy (e.g. Autism Navigator as per Ontario Autism Program).

Health and Safety

Accountability and Freedom to Act:

Key Relationships:

• Children, and their families and other caregivers
• Regulated professionals involved in the care of the child/family such as physicians, public health personnel, nurse practitioners
• Teachers and Educational Assistants in all school and childcare systems
• The staff of community partner agencies and programs
• Vendors and suppliers of equipment and services being considered for use by clients
• Staff at relevant government offices/branches that are responsible for approval and/or provision of client-specific funding, services or equipment
• Case managers at HNHB Home and Community Care Support Services (if assigned to Acute Home Care)

• Staff at all levels in the organization

Performance Factors:

• Workload and productivity relative to established standards
• Clinical outcomes – the degree to which care plans are well-designed and goals are achieved
• Documentation – the accuracy, relevance and timeliness
• Relationships and communication with clients and families, colleagues, and staff from other agencies

Position Specifications:

• Registration and member in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario

• A sound understanding and skill in the practice of Speech-Language Pathology
• The ability to work effectively with children and their families
• Sufficient computer literacy in Microsoft Office to complete work requirements
• The ability to complete assessment and provide intervention virtually via telepractice

• Access to reliable transportation and possession of a driver’s license valid for the province of Ontario is required
• A current criminal reference check for vulnerable populations
• CPR certification
• Evidence of non-violent crisis intervention training

Ready to apply? Follow the link below and fill out our online application.