Speech Language Pathologist

**Speech Language Pathologist, Waterloo-Wellington Regional Aphasia Program (WWRAP)**

**Temporary Full-Time (Approx. 12 Months), Non-Union**

**#T/25-90**

**The Job Summary**:
As a member of the Waterloo-Wellington Regional Aphasia Program (WWRAP), a multidisciplinary team, the role of the Speech-Language Pathologist is to provide the highest quality intervention to participants with aphasia & related communication disorders. The Speech-Language Pathologist will work with members of the WWRAP team to develop appropriate intervention programs that meet the needs of the community within group settings. They also play a key role in collaborating with Social Work (when possible) on participant intake assessments, and training and education of participant and family and other key contacts with respect to communication strategies. The SLP will work closely with Communicative Disorders Assistant and will ensure quality service provision in line with the Life Participation Approach to aphasia. The SLP will work closely with the Clinical Lead to further the goals of the WWRAP team in keeping with current research & best practice for assessments and intervention.

**Key Accountabilities & Success Criteria**:

- Provide clinical services to aphasia program participants and their families, through group programs, based on psychosocial assessments, using appropriate methods of intervention and documentation within the Speech-Language Pathologist’s (SLP).
- Oversee recording of client admission, participation, progress, attendance and discharge
- Plan, develop, organize and manage programs and materials related to client services in collaboration with CDA.
- Assist with participant activities of daily living as required**.**:

- Collaborate with Social Worker on participant intake assessments (when possible) that could occur across Ontario Health atHome; and training and education of client and family with respect to supportive communication strategies.
- Collaborate with Social Worker to develop and deliver programs for education and support, such as partner’s aphasia training, and to ensure program materials are aphasia-friendly. This may occur during evenings and/or weekends**.**:

- Act as a resource to the WW Regional Aphasia Program staff and Adult Day Program staff for planning, as required**.**:

- Facilitate linkages to day program or other community resources/ activities when possible and works collaboratively with them**.**:

- Contribute to meeting the educational needs of the WW Regional Aphasia program and the broader community, e.g., staff orientation, in-services, formal and informal education of participants, family and staff.
- Participate in continuing education activities**.**:

- Participates in advocacy efforts to increase awareness of aphasia and acquired adult communication disorders.
- Recruit, select, train and supervise supportive personnel (CDA, volunteers, students)**.**:

- Develop and maintain interagency partnerships (e.g. with hospitals, CCAC, community SLPs and other rehabilitation professionals, other Aphasia Centres and Programs, LTC facilities, Heart and Stroke foundation, etc.)**.**:

- Participate as required on committees and projects for the WW Regional Aphasia Program.

**Qualifications**:

- Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited school
- Registered and in good standing with College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
- Knowledge of current research and management of aphasia and its consequences
- Knowledge of and experience with group approaches, groups dynamics, and adult learning principles
- Minimum 2 years’ experience with adult neurogenic communication disorders

**Skills & Abilities**:

- Experience in providing education, counselling and support to clients with aphasia and to their families
- Experience with program development.
- Ability to seek out and respond to client needs in developing programs and services
- Prefer membership in CASLPA and/or OSLA and/or ASHA
- Valid driver’s license, in good standing, and access to a reliable vehicle
- Familiarity with the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia
- Demonstrates leadership and initiative
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication, organization, and time management skills
- Computer literate, E-mail, MS Word, PowerPoint
- Team player who works collaboratively
- Experience and willingness to supervise & work collaboratively with volunteers & supportive personnel