Speech Language Pathologist (Reactivation Care)

Join Northeastern Ontario’s Health Care Leaders!

Health Sciences North is an organization dedicated to being patient and family focused, digitally enabled, and socially accountable, while supporting and developing our people and advancing our academic and research impact for Northeastern Ontario. We pride ourselves on being a learning hospital, providing professional development opportunities for our staff.

Health Sciences North (HSN) is seeking an innovative individual for the position of a Speech Language Pathologist to provide assessment, treatment, consultation, and education to older adults with speech, language, cognitive communication, voice, fluency, oral motor, and swallowing disorders.

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of a Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology, from an accredited university. A current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the CASLPO is required.  We are looking for someone with a minimum of training or recent experience working with the geriatric population. Candidates that possess training or recent experience working on a clinical inpatient unit is preferred are preferred.

DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

North East Specialized Geriatric Centre (NESGC) is a multidisciplinary team of health care providers who deliver specialized care for older adults with complex health needs, as well as expert resources for health care professionals and caregivers throughout Northeastern Ontario.

If you enjoy working in a fast-paced, team environment and are looking for a rewarding career opportunity, you are encouraged to view the full job description on the HSN Careers Website.

At HSN/HSNRI, we prioritize the physical and psychological wellness of all our staff through a variety of initiatives, aimed at creating a supportive and engaging workplace. Our Wellness Committee actively promotes health and well-being offering tips and resources to support wellness of our staff. We pride ourselves on recognizing our dedicated team members through Years of Service Celebrations and Excellence in Action Awards, celebrating outstanding achievements across the organization. We host Employee & Medical Staff appreciation events, and celebrations throughout the year, fostering a sense of community. Leadership development training is available to staff as well as an education fund, ensuring. Our people are our number one asset.

HSN provides support through our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP), which is available for all HSN staff and family members regardless of status, position, affiliation, etc.

HSN INCENTIVES

We offer a competitive salary and vacation, extended health and dental benefits, and relocation allowance to assist with moving expenses. In addition, there may be additional monetary incentives available upon hire.

We are proud to participate in the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP), offering our valued employees the security and peace of mind that comes with a defined benefit pension plan. We understand the importance of financial well-being and believe that a strong pension, like HOOPP, recognizes our employees and provides a stable foundation for their future as part of the overall compensation package. HOOPP is also a multi-employer pension plan, meaning it can be transferred between many organizations in the province.  Join us and start building a future you can look forward to. For every dollar an employee contributes to HOOPP, the employer (HSN) contributes $1.26, meaning the plan is 55% funded by the employer, and 45% funded by the employee. All employees are eligible to join immediately upon hire.

REHABILITATION PROFESSIONALS INCENTIVE GRANT

The incentive grant program offers taxable incentive grants of up to $5,000 per eligible year, to a maximum of $15,000 paid over a three-year period to audiologists, chiropodists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and speech language pathologists who establish their practice in Northern Ontario and accept full-time positions which are fully funded by the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) and which are approved by the Northern Health Programs (NHP). In order to be eligible for this incentive grant, the NHP must approve the application before the applicant establishes his/her practice. More information regarding this grant can be found here.

Interested applicants are asked to apply directly to requisition # 7044 on the HSN Careers Website at https://careers.hsnsudbury.ca/. The posting will remain active until filled however the search committee will begin reviewing applicants on December 19, 2024.

About Sudbury

“Sudbury is a dynamic city that embraces growth and values its residents. With a population of over 166,000 and a regional reach of nearly half a million people within a 160 km radius, Sudbury offers a vibrant community and ample opportunities for personal and professional development. Whether you're considering a move or already planning to relocate, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way. Our strategic location, robust industrial sector, and talented workforce make Sudbury the perfect place to establish and expand your career. Discover a city that welcomes newcomers with open arms and provides a supportive environment for your success.”  For more information regarding our beautiful city or for finding your dream home, rentals or short-term accommodation please visit the following  websites; Newcomers to Sudbury and Find your dream home

KEY FUNCTION: 

Provide assessment, treatment, consultation, and education to older adults with speech, language, cognitive communication, voice, fluency, oral motor, and swallowing disorders.

REPORTING:    

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Acute and Reactivation Care Centre.

DUTIES:

1. Provide assessments of swallowing to patients/clients with swallowing disorders, including screening, identification, evaluation, and diagnosis.
2. Assess, select, and develop augmentative and alternative systems/devices for individuals who are limited in their ability to communicate verbally.
3. Provide education and training on the use of augmentative and alternative systems/devices for individuals who are limited in their ability to communicate verbally.
4. Facilitate intervention for communication and swallowing disorders, including health promotion, prevention, counselling, treatment, consultation, management, rehabilitation, and education.
5. Initiate consultation with and referral to other professionals.
6. Collaborate with members of the health care team, patients, families, and caregivers to provide holistic person-centred care.
7. Educate and mentor support personnel, new graduates, and students in accordance with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario’s (CASLPO) regulations and position statements.
8. Educate and train persons who regularly interact with patients/clients to create an environment that promotes optimal communication and swallowing and certify others in dysphagia screening as required.
9. Advocate on behalf of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders and those who are at risk.
10. Participate in administrative functions, program planning/project participation, meeting/committee membership policy development, and research as required.
11. Keep abreast of current facts and trends in applicable clinical areas.
12. Adhere to the requirements of performing a delegated act for Tracheoesophageal Puncture Voice Restoration.
13. Follow the standards of practice and guidelines of the CASLPO, and participate in their mandatory Quality Assurance Program.
14. Ensure documentation and record keeping is performed in accordance with regulatory and HSN policies.
15. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
16. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
17. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
18. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
19. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.
20. Perform other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

1. Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology, from an accredited university.
2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the CASLPO is required.
3. Additional specialized training is preferred (e.g. Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), Tracheoesophageal Puncture Voice Restoration, and Assistive Devices Program (ADP)/ Authorizer Roles and Responsibilities).
4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Training or recent experience working with the geriatric population is required
2. Training or recent experience working on a clinical inpatient unit is preferred.
3. Training or recent experience with conducting and interpreting Video-Fluoroscopic evaluations of swallowing function is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

1. Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions that can affect a patient’s safety, health status, and independence/autonomy.
2. Demonstrated knowledge of Pathophysiology of Communication and swallowing disorders, and the effects of other diseases and conditions on patients (e.g. pulmonary disease, effects of medications, and abnormal lab values).
3. Demonstrated knowledge of evidence-based best practices and the difference between treatment efficacy, effectiveness, cost effectiveness, and efficiency to achieve quality outcomes and performance improvement.
4. Demonstrated ability to provide services and develop care plans by applying the best available research evidence and expert clinical judgment, and considering patients/clients’ individual preferences and values.
5. Demonstrated superior critical thinking, academic questioning, and problem-solving skills.
6. Demonstrated ability to practice in a self-directed manner.
7. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, physicians, and other health care professionals.
8. Demonstrated ability to use an ethical and evidence-based framework to prioritize which patients/clients would benefit most from services within the allowance of available resources.
9. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.
10. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
11. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
12. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
13. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
14. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
15. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY: 

1. Vulnerable Sector Check is required.
2. Demonstrated resilience to manage emotionally charged or ethically challenging scenarios.
3. Demonstrated sensitivity, compassion, integrity, and concern for others.
4. Demonstrated ability to be respectful of individuality and diversity.
5. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
6. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
7. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
8. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
9. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
10. Ability to travel between local sites.

Selection Process:  Candidates will be selected for this position on the basis of their skill, ability, experience and qualifications as identified in the resume and completed Application Form submitted. The Hospital reserves the right to conduct a formal interview where required.
 

Health Sciences North is committed to providing accommodations to applicants with disabilities to enable their participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages of employment.

HSN THANKS ALL APPLICANTS.
ONLY THOSE SELECTED FOR INTERVIEWS WILL BE CONTACTED.
WE WILL NOT ACCEPT APPLICATIONS AFTER THE CLOSING DATE AND TIME.