Speech Language Pathologist - BC Cancer - Vancouver

Speech Language PathologistBC CancerVancouver, BC

The Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer patients with speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders, including performing Certified Practices for the majority of the time which require Certified Practice Certificate(s) as recognized by the provincial college. The Speech-Language Pathologist provides patient and family education and counseling of clients/family on swallowing, speech and language rehabilitation. The Speech-Language Pathologist has experience in the care and treatment of cancer patients, including laryngectomy care/rehabilitation, and dysphagia and communication problems associated with cancer.

Working collaboratively within an inter-professional cancer care team, the Speech-Language Pathologist provides information, develops educational materials and resources, and participates in research activities and in ongoing quality improvement and risk management initiatives and projects. Services may be provided across a continuum of care either onsite or on outreach in communities throughout BC, including videoconferencing.

What you’ll do

Perform screening, assessment and diagnosis for cancer patients with speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders such as dysphagia. This includes performing Certified Practices as recognized by the provincial college for the majority of the time, such as Videofluoroscopic Swallow Study (VFSS), working with patients with a tracheostomy and/or ventilator dependency, Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Voice and Swallowing (FEEVS) and tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) techniques and prostheses.
Work closely with the BC Cancer Oncologists, Registered Dietitians and other relevant team members to ensure consideration of additional factors, such as cognitive factors, mental health, medical status, and environmental influences, which may affect assessment, subsequent diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
Provide recommendations based on clinical findings and diagnoses and communicates these findings through informal and formal interdisciplinary meeting structures, patient rounds and written documentation.
Provide appropriate speech, language and swallowing services, including treatment, education and counseling of patients/family on swallowing, speech, and language rehabilitation.
Maintain detailed records and charting of the patient’s assessment, treatment plan, interventions, progress, discharge and related matters according to professional and facility standards.

What you bring

Qualifications:

Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology from a University program recognized by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada.
Three (3) years of recent, related experience working with oncology patients in a hospital, rehabilitation or outpatient setting, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
Eligible for certification with the Speech-Language & Audiology Canada.
Current full registration as a Speech-Language Pathologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
Certified Practice Certificates from the CHSBC in the following:

Videofluoroscopic Assessment and Management of Adult Swallowing Disorders.
Tracheoesophageal Voice Restoration Assessment and Management.
Communication and Swallowing Assessment and Management for Tracheostomy.
Flexible Endoscopic Evaluation of Voice and Swallowing (FEEVS) for Adults.

Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BC Mental Health & Substance Use Services contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.

Core Competencies

Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

You have:

Demonstrated ability to approach patients/families in a compassionate, professional manner.
Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to develop working relationships with other healthcare professionals.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and effectively within an interprofessional environment.
Demonstrated ability to determine and deal with urgent situations and use judgment when dealing with patients and families.
Demonstrated ability to deal effectively with conflict and/or stressful situations.
Demonstrated ability to organize workload, set priorities and timelines, and work independently.
Demonstrated ability to research and review information in a systematic way, apply evidence based practice principles into clinical setting, and participate in program development.
Demonstrated ability to conduct and interpret a video-fluoroscopy.
Demonstrated ability to operate computer equipment and other related technology.
Ability to travel as required by operational needs.
Physical ability to perform the duties of the position.
Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
Access to professional development opportunities through our 2,000+ in-house courses including a range of experience level, profession-specific, or other essential training on Indigenous Cultural Safety; Indigenous-specific anti-racism; Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and accessibility, mental health and well-being, and more.
Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Temporary, Full-Time (Until June 18, 2027)
Wage: $44.85 - $56.02 per hour
Location: 600 West 10th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Z 4E6
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Monday – Friday; 0800-1600, 0830-1630
Requisition Number: 203408E

What we do

BC Cancer provides comprehensive cancer control for the people of British Columbia. BC Cancer is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

PHSA plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Create equity – Be courageous.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BC Cancer are committed to anti-racism and equity in our hiring and employment practices. With learning and compassion, we are addressing existing inequities and barriers throughout our systems. PHSA is seeking to create a diverse workforce and to establish an inclusive and culturally safe environment. We invite applications and enquiries from all people, particularly those belonging to the historically, systemically, and/or persistently excluded groups identified under the B.C. Human Rights Code.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at [email protected].

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.