Speech Language Pathologist

KEY FUNCTION: 

Provide assessment and therapy in the areas of assistive communication, cognitive communication, articulation, language, voice, fluency, and feeding/swallowing disorders. Treatment may include direct therapy, group therapy, mediated therapy, parent training, and consultation to educators in daycares or teachers in a school setting.

REPORTING: 

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Children’s Treatment Centre.

DUTIES: 

1. Screen, identify, assess, interpret, rehabilitate, and/or prevent various disorders of speech, language, swallowing, and cognitive communicative disorders in patients.
2. Assess, select, and develop augmentative and alternative communication systems, and provide training in use.
3. Provide counselling services to clients, families, caregivers, and team members regarding aspects of various disorders.
4. Collaborate with members of the health care team and with the patient, family and caregivers to provide holistic family-centered care.
5. Follow the standards of practice and guidelines of the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) and participate in their Quality Assurance Program.
6. Educate and mentor support personnel, new graduates and students in accordance with the CASLPO regulations and position statements.
7. Participate in administrative functions, program planning/project participation, meeting/committee membership policy development, and research as required.
8. Keep abreast of current facts and trends in applicable clinical areas.
9. Ensure documentation and record keeping is performed in accordance with regulatory and HSN policies.
10. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN’s Strategic Plan; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.
11. Evaluate patient care and satisfaction on an ongoing basis and formulate solutions for improvement.
12. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.
13. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.
14. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required. 
15. Perform other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

1. Minimum of a Master’s Degree or equivalent in Speech Language Pathology, from an accredited university.
2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).
3. Additional specialized training may be required (e.g. Assistive Devices Program (ADP) authorizer and Auditory-Verbal Therapy (AVT)), depending on caseload and patient population.
4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Minimum of two (2) years’ experience working in a Pediatric department within a health care environment.
2. Minimum of six (6) months’ experience working in evidenced-based approach to service delivery.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

1. Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions that can impact a patient’s safety, health status, and independence/autonomy.
2. 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.
3. Demonstrated ability to mentor students and support personnel.
4. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, physicians, and other health care professionals.
5. Demonstrated ability to practice in a self-directed manner.
6. Demonstrated ability to use an ethical and evidence-based framework to prioritize which patients/clients would benefit most from services given limited resources.
7. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of lean methodology for process improvement.
8. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.
9. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software, (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems.
10. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
11. Demonstrated effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.
12. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.
13. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY: 

1. Successful criminal reference check is required for vulnerable sector.
2. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.
3. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.
4. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.
5. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.
6. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.
7. Ability to travel between local sites.
8. Valid driver’s license with access to reliable vehicle.
9. Willingness to travel occasionally within Northern Ontario.

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.