Responsibilities of the position may include:

• Screening: Administer speech or communication screens to determine if additional assessment is required.
• Treatment planning: Prepare a child's intervention plan in order to target the goals outlined by the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). This may include selecting activities, creating, organizing and preparing materials and augmentative/alternative communication tools, observing assessments, researching communication information, therapy ideas or equipment information, attending meetings, scheduling appointments and preparing home programs.
• Intervention: Carry out intervention based on goals outlined by the supervisor and in conjunction with the CASLPO position statement on Supportive Personnel. Service delivery models may include direct or group interventions, home programs, or caregiver coaching sessions. These may take place in a variety of sites (home, schools, Child Cares, EarlyONs, or satellite offices) and in conjunction with our community partners.
• Reporting: Keep supervising SLP and other team members informed regarding the child's progress and performance both orally and in written form. This includes reporting changes in performance, medical changes, family situations/concerns or any other relevant information which could impact the child's progress and therapy.
• Record keeping: Regularly update the Client Information System to keep track of client sessions, progress, and communication with families/partners. CDAs may support the creation and maintenance of the resource/equipment inventories.
• Administration: Maintain and input information into relevant databases/health records. Assist in data/statistics management, as needed. Support the use of volunteers or students to assist with Centre initiatives (e.g. providing tasks such as resource creation, scheduling of volunteer time within Centre programs, arranging observation opportunities as required by the Clinical Manager).
• Therapy Material and Equipment: Support the maintenance and organization of therapy materials and equipment. Within specialized services (e.g. Alternative and Augmentative Communication Client), program and maintain AAC equipment and facilitate troubleshooting when equipment is not in working order.
• Technical Support for Families: Where required, CDAs may support families with their ability to engage in virtual intervention (tele-practice) as well as assist other clinicians in their support of families participating in tele-practice.

Health and Safety:

The Communicative Disorders Assistant will comply with the duties assigned to Workers as per Section 28 of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.

Accountability and Freedom to Act:

This position is subject to standardized practices and procedures, general work instructions, and supervision of progress and results. Program plans are prepared and implemented under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist. The position is also subject to Centre policies and procedures and to the regulations of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario that limit clinical performance.

Key Relationships:
The Communicative Disorders Assistant is concerned with the effectiveness of all relationships that affect the Centre. The following are particularly significant to the position:

External

• Children their families and caregivers
• Community partners
• Representatives and distributors of therapy equipment and supplies
• Other augmentative communication clinics and centralized equipment pool

Internal

• Immediate supervisor(s)
• Clinical managers and staff
• Volunteers and students

Performance Factors:

In assessing the performance of an incumbent in this position, the following factors will be utilized as appropriate:

• Workload – the number of clients seen relative to established standards
• Clinical outcomes – the degree to which therapy plans are followed and goals achieved
• Documentation – the accuracy, relevance and timeliness of progress notes, data entry and other documentation
• Relationships – the level of cooperation and collaboration with clients and families, staff from other agencies, and other therapists at the Centre

Position Specifications:

Education:
The minimum specifications for an incumbent will include:

• Graduation from a Communicative/Communication Disorders Assistant program at a recognized college/university

Knowledge/Skills:
An incumbent will be expected to have the following knowledge and skills:

• A sound understanding and skill in the practice of Communication Disorders
• Sufficient computer literacy skills. Extensive computer literacy is required for some positions
• The ability to work effectively with children
• The ability to manage a caseload, particularly under multiple supervisors
• Strong understanding and experience with video-enabled tele-practice

Other:

• 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