Status: Part- time Permanent
Location: St. Catharines,
Ontario
Open Date: April 2, 2025
The Communicative Disorders Assistant
(CDA) may provide communication and hearing screenings as well as implement
communication intervention programs individually and in groups based on the
goals outlined by the supervisor. The areas of treatment conducted by a CDA
include augmentative and alternative communication, receptive and expressive
language, articulation, phonology, fluency, voice, hearing, oral
rehabilitation, literacy and pragmatics. The role also includes preparation of
therapy materials to assist SLPs, planning of therapy sessions for clients on
the CDA caseload, assistance with program management and waitlist, as well as
promotional activities. A complete job description can be found at www.niagarachildrenscentre.com
As an employee of Niagara
Children's Centre, a CDA may be assigned to one or more services. These include
single or interdisciplinary services, as well as specialized programs provided
by the Centre such as the Communication Assessment and Support Team, the Infant
Hearing Program, Entry to School, Preschool Language Service, School Based
Rehab Services and clinics such as alternative and augmentative communication
team.
As an employee of the Centre,
you will be part of a community dedicated to creating a welcoming and
supportive environment for the children and youth we serve. We are a place where families are at the
heart of all we do. Join a team that makes a real difference in the lives of
children and youth every day.
Key responsibilities include:
- Screening:
Administer hearing screenings in conjunction with the Ministry of Children,
Community and Social Services Infant Hearing Program; administer speech
screenings; communication inventories or literacy screens
- Treatment planning: Prepare a child's
intervention plan in order to target the goals outlined by the SLP. This may
include selecting activities, creating, organizing and preparing materials,
observing assessments, researching communication information, therapy ideas or
equipment information, attending meetings, scheduling appointments and
preparing home programs.
- Intervention: carry out intervention
based on goals outlined by the supervisor and in conjunction with the CASLPO
position statement on Supportive Personnel (October 2007). Service delivery
models may include direct or group interventions, home programs, or parent
training sessions and may take place in a variety of sites (home, schools,
child care, OEYCs, or satellite offices) and in conjunction with our community
partners. Creating and preparing customized communication displays using
graphic software.
- Reporting: Keep supervisor and other
team members 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 which could impact
the child's progress and therapy.
- Administration: Maintain and input
information into relevant data bases. Assist in data management and completion
and dissemination of ministry forms for hearing screening outcomes.
- Record keeping: Make detailed daily
progress notes of the child's outcomes, maintain statistics charting in medical
records, creating an up to date inventory and scheduling (contacting parents
and setting up appointments).
- Therapy Material and Equipment:
Maintain order and organize therapy materials and all therapy and screening
equipment, handle complaints when equipment is not in working order.
Programming and upkeep of augmentative communication equipment.
Health and Safety
The CDA will comply with
the duties assigned to Workers as per Section 28 of the Ontario Occupational
Health and Safety Act.
Key
Relationships:
The CDA
is concerned with the effectiveness of all relationships that affect the
Centre. The following are particularly
significant to the position:
External
- Children,
their families and caregivers
- Community
partners
- Representatives
and distributors of therapy equipment and supplies
- Other
augmentative communication clinics and centralized equipment pool
Internal
- Clinical
managers and clinical staff
- Immediate
supervisor(s)
- Volunteers
and students
Qualifications and Skills:
The minimum specifications for an incumbent
will include:
- Graduation from an Communicative/Communications
Disorders Assistant program at a recognized college/university
Knowledge/Skills:
- A sound understanding and skill in the practice of Communications
Disorders
- Computer literacy skills
- The ability to work effectively with children
- The ability to manage a caseload, particularly under multiple
supervisors
- An interest and commitment for serving children with special needs and
their families
- Knowledge of community resources and supports
- Bilingualism considered an asset
Other:
- Access to a vehicle and possession of a driver’s license valid for the
province of Ontario is required
- A current criminal reference check for vulnerable populations
- Non-violent crisis intervention training
- CPR certification
Why Join Us?
- We provide a total rewards package that supports your well-being,
and have a culture that supports and encourages continuous professional
development and growth.
- Provide a competitive hiring range of $53,028 - $62,386
commensurate with experience.
- Participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (HOOPP) from day
one of employment with us, offer healthcare and dental benefits, and access to
the Employee and Family Assistance program.
To
pursue this career opportunity, please send your resume to HR@niagarachildrenscentre.com
We
will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received and move forward
with interviews. Early submission is encouraged.
The
Niagara Children’s Centre is committed to fair and accessible employment
practices. Upon request, suitable accommodation is available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability
Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.
The
Niagara Children’s Centre’s is a unionized environment.
We
thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration
will be contacted. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a
Criminal Background Check.