Speech Language Pathologist (DS)

Job Summary: The SLFNHA Developmental Services (DS) provides primary health care, including chronic disease management, health promotion and disease prevention, to patients in Sioux Lookout Region including the 31 communities in the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority catchment.

Under the SLFNHA DS, the Speech Language Pathologist will work with patients, caregivers and community resources to provide assessment, consultation and development of treatment plans. The Speech Language Pathologist is a key part of the patient circle of care and will work to their full scope of practice. Responsibilities will include the provision of safe and competent care through the application of professional knowledge; technical aspects of professional practice and the demonstration of compassion, professionalism and respect. The Speech Language Pathologist will provide assessments, consultation, development of treatment plans and seamless system navigation. The Speech Language Pathologist will work in both the clinic environment and communities providing home visits and interventions within patients’ homes.

The position will be required to travel to the First Nations communities and Sioux Lookout, Ontario (if located in Thunder Bay or Winnipeg).

The Speech Language Pathologist is directly accountable to the Clinical Manager of Developmental Services.

Salary Range: $88,049 - $113,338 per annum - yearly travel stipend available

Position Type: Full-time

Posting Type: This job posting is for an existing vacancy.

Closing Date: Open until filled.

Qualifications

• Persons of First Nations ancestry will be given preference (OHRC, Part II, Special Employment).
• Master’s in Speech Language Pathology
• Registration (in good standing) with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario
• Computer literate with experience in electronic client file entry
• Vulnerable Sector Check
• Valid driver’s license
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary health care providers and community partners.
• Sound knowledge of normal/ abnormal child development
• Demonstrated clinical reasoning skills and excellent assessment and therapeutic skills.
• Knowledge and proficiency in current, evidence-based methods and practices.
• Ability to work creatively with clients in both individual and in group settings, in the Centre, in the home and school settings
• Strong problem solving, decision-making and time management skills.
• Excellent oral & written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Experience with virtual services
• Experience with children who have multiple needs is an asset
• The ability to perform the requirements of the position on a regular basis.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Provide developmental screening and assessments for infants, children and youth referred through intake based on concerns such as speech and language delays
• Develop programming and intervention plans based on the initial and ongoing assessments and in collaboration with all stake holders. Review and modify program as needed
• Provide family and client centered care – making them the key stakeholder and developers of the goals. Empower and support families to assist their children to build on their strengths and work on areas of need.
• Work collaboratively with other health care professionals and community resources to promote comprehensive and coordinated care.
• Prescribe augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems for individuals with severe expressive and/or language comprehension disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder or progressive neurological disorders.
• Work collaboratively with community-based service providers and agencies to meet identified needs and enhance delivery of care.
• Recommend modifications to physical, social, home or school environments.
• Recommend and arranges for specialist referrals and appointments in consultation with physicians and other health care providers.
• Advocate on behalf of clients for service, equipment, navigation and funding including provincial services, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and/or Jordan’s Principle processes.
• Maintain documentation as per college guidelines and DS policies and procedures
• Advocate on behalf of clients for service, equipment, navigation and funding including provincial services, Non-Insured Health Benefits (NIHB) and/or Jordan’s Principle processes.
• Exercises care and caution in protecting confidential and sensitive information related to clients and personnel.
• Maintain documentation as per college guidelines and DS policies and procedures.
• Engage in continuous quality improvement activities
• Completes reports after each community visit (i.e.# of community members seen, planning/clinical meetings, meetings with leadership).
• Extensive travel is required.
• Experience working in a First Nations community and ability to communicate in one of the First Nations dialects of the Sioux Lookout Zone would be an asset.

Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority focuses on hiring Indigenous employees whenever possible.

Candidates are encouraged to self-identify on their application. Self-identification is voluntary and the information is used to assist SLFNHA in hiring Indigenous people from the region whenever possible and to support candidates in their application.

We offer competitive and comprehensive employment benefits to Full-Time employees:

• Pension plan
• Fitness reimbursement program
• Comprehensive insurance coverage
• Professional development opportunities
• Relocation assistance