COMMUNICATIVE DISORDERS ASSISTANT (1.0 FTE PERMANENT – 8 months Contract)
The Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) implements communication intervention treatment programs individually and in groups based on the goals outlined by the supervising Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). The areas of treatment by a CDA include augmentative communication, receptive and expressive language, articulation, phonology, fluency, voice, hearing, oral rehabilitation, and pragmatics. The role also includes preparation of therapy materials for supervising SLPs, assistance with program management and waitlist, as well as promotional activities.
As an employee of the Niagara Peninsula Children's Centre, a CDA may be assigned to one or more teams and/or programs. These include multi- or uni-disciplinary services, School Health Support Services and specialized programs provided by the Centre (such as the Communication Assessment and Support Team and/or the Feeding Resource and Assessment Team).
Specific Responsibilities:
Responsibilities of the position include:
- Treatment planning: Prepare a child's intervention and target the goals outlined by the SLP. This includes selecting activities, creating, organizing and preparing materials, observing assessments, researching communication information and therapy ideas, attending meetings (with ECEs, resource workers, SLPs and other professionals), scheduling appointments and preparing home programs.
- Intervention: Plan, prepare and carry out communication programs based on goals outlined by the SLP. This includes direct therapy (individual and/or group) at a variety of sites (NPCC, preschools, homes, other satellites). Intervention programs can vary from direct therapy to educating and corresponding with ECE teachers, resource teachers, parents, infant education workers etc.
- Reporting: Keep SLP informed regarding child's progress and performance both orally and in written form. This includes reporting changes in performance, medical changes, family situations or any other relevant information that could impact the child's progress and therapy.
- Administration: Maintain and input information into two databases (ISCIS, Excel). Assisting in compiling the annual and quarterly reports. Assigning kids from the waiting list to SLPs when the manager is away. Also allocating duties to high school and college co-op students and volunteers.
- Record keeping: Make detailed daily progress notes of the child's outcomes both online and offline, maintain daily statistics (DARS), charting in medical records, creating an up-to-date inventory and scheduling (contacting parents and setting up appointments).
- Therapy Material and Equipment Upkeep: Maintain, order and organize therapy materials and equipment. Placing complaints when equipment is not in working order. Programming and upkeeping augmentative communication equipment. Creating and preparing customized communication displays using graphic software.
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 who are referred, and their families and other caregivers
- Operational staff of other agencies involved with children being treated
- Sales personnel of providers of therapy equipment and supplies
Internal
- The supervising Speech-Language Pathologist
- Clinical managers and staff
- Volunteers and co-op 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 care plans are followed and goals achieved
- Documentation – the accuracy, relevance and timeliness of assessments, 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 Disorders Assistant program at a recognized college
Knowledge/Skills:
An incumbent will be expected to have the following knowledge and skills:
- A sound understanding and skill in the practice Communicative Disorders Assistants
- sufficient computer literacy to produce letters and reports, enter work and caseload data, and access general work applications such as electronic clinical databases, e-mail and the Internet. Extensive computer literacy is required for some positions (such as in the Communication Assessment and Support Team)
- the ability to work effectively with a pediatric caseload
Ready to apply? Follow the link below and fill out our online application.