Speech Language Pathologist

KEY FUNCTION: 

Provide assessment, treatment, consultation, and education to patients/clients with speech, voice, oral motor, and swallowing disorders, including augmentative and alternative communication, direct therapy, group therapy, and mediated therapy.

REPORTING:   

Under the general direction of the Clinical Manager, Supportive Care/Patient Education and Psychosocial Oncology Lead.

DUTIES:

1. Provide assessments to patients/clients with swallowing disorders, including screening, identification, and evaluation.


2. Provide laryngectomy management which includes conducting pre-operative laryngectomy education and counselling, performing tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) voice restoration procedures, managing other alaryngeal rehabilitation, and managing pulmonary rehabilitation.


3. Facilitate intervention for alaryngeal communication and swallowing disorders, including health promotion, prevention, counselling, treatment, consultation, management, rehabilitation, and education.


4. Initiate consultation with and referral to other professionals.


5. Collaborate with members of the health care team and with the patient, family, and caregivers to provide holistic person-centred care.


6. Educate, supervise, and mentor support personnel, new graduates, and students in accordance with the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario’s (CASLPO) regulations and position statements.


7. Educate and train persons who regularly interact with patients/clients (e.g. family, caregivers, relatives, hospital staff, other health care professionals, and supportive personnel) to create an environment that promotes optimal communication and swallowing.


8. Advocate on behalf of individuals with communication and swallowing disorders and those who are at risk.


9. Participate in administrative functions, program planning/project participation, meeting/committee membership policy development, and research as required.


10. Keep abreast of current facts and trends in applicable clinical areas.


11. Adhere to the requirements of performing a delegated act for Tracheoesophageal Puncture Voice Restoration.


12. Follow the standards of practice and guidelines of the CASLPO, and participate in their mandatory Quality Assurance Program.


13. Ensure documentation and record keeping is performed in accordance with regulatory and HSN policies.


14. Determine and align improvement projects with HSN Strategic Goals; monitor and adjust to achieve goal outcomes.


15. Contribute to learner development by providing academic support, mentorship, preceptorship and supervision as required.


16. Participate in education and training specific to current, relevant federal and provincial health and safety legislation, standards and guidelines.


17. Educate and promote health, safety and wellness in the work place.


18. Represent the department or program on various committees and in meetings as required.


19. Perform other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION AND TRAINING: 

1. Minimum of a Master’s Degree in Speech Language Pathology, from an accredited university.


2. Current Certificate of Registration in good standing with the CASLPO is required.


3. Additional specialized training in Tracheoesophageal Puncture (TEP) Voice Restoration, and Assistive Devices Program (ADP)/ Authorizer Roles and Responsibilities is preferred.


4. Ministry of Labour “Worker Health and Safety Awareness in 4 Steps” training certificate is required.

EXPERIENCE: 

1. Training or recent experience, within the past two (2) years, working with Inpatient and Outpatient adult and oncology populations is preferred.


2. Training or recent experience, within the past two (2) years, conducting and interpreting videofluoroscopic evaluations of swallowing function is preferred.


3. Training or recent experience with conducting TEP and knowledge of pulmonary rehabilitation following total laryngectomy surgery is preferred.

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES: 

1. Demonstrated ability to perform and interpret Clinical Swallowing Evaluations and Videofluoroscopic Swallowing Studies and develop treatment plans accordingly.


2. Demonstrated ability to make critical decisions that can impact a patient’s safety, health status, and independence/autonomy.


3. Demonstrated knowledge of Pathophysiology of Communication and swallowing disorders, and the effects of other diseases and conditions on patients (e.g. pulmonary disease, effects of medications, and abnormal lab values).


4. Demonstrated knowledge of effects of different treatment modalities (e.g. radiation therapy, surgery, systemic treatment) on anatomy and physiology of swallowing disorders.


5. 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.


6. Demonstrated ability to provide services and develop care plans by applying the best available research evidence and expert clinical judgment, and considering patients/clients’ individual preferences and values.


7. Demonstrated superior critical thinking, academic questioning, and problem-solving skills.


8. Demonstrated ability to practice in a self-directed manner.


9. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with patients, caregivers, physicians, and other health care professionals.


10. Demonstrated ability to use an ethical and evidence-based framework to prioritize which patients/clients would benefit most from services given limited resources.


11. Demonstrated training, experience or utilization of quality improvement methodology for process improvement.


12. Demonstrated ability to independently identify issues, plan improvements, measure success and continue improvement.


13. Demonstrated excellent computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office software (e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook) and patient information systems (e.g. MOSAIQ software, Meditech software, and IMPAX Imaging).


14. Demonstrated superior interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.


15. Effective time management and organizational skills with the ability to organize and prioritize as required.


16. Demonstrated discretion and maturity when handling confidential information.


17. Demonstrated commitment to the safety of co-workers and patients.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY: 

1. Demonstrated sensitivity, compassion, integrity, and concern for others.


2. Demonstrated ability to be respectful of individuality and diversity to build trusting and therapeutic relationships, and engage patients/clients and families.


3. Proven ability to work independently and in a team environment.


4. Demonstrated commitment to ongoing professional development.


5. Demonstrated professionalism in dealing with confidential and sensitive issues.


6. Demonstrated positive work record and good attendance record.


7. Ability to meet the physical and sensory demands of the job.


8. Ability to travel between local sites.

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. This posting is for an existing vacancy.
 

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.