Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator

Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator

Primary Purpose:  In this pivotal role, the Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator will coordinate the development and implementation of a new Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) program. The Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator ’s responsibilities span curriculum development, accreditation compliance, stakeholder engagement, resource management, and strategic planning. Collaborating with faculty, clinicians, and external partners, the Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator will help shape the future of SLP education in Saskatchewan.

Nature of Work:  This position reports to the Director of School of Rehabilitation Science (SRS) and will work in close collaboration with members of the School of Rehabilitation Science, and College of Medicine Dean’s office, along with other university staff and various internal and external partners and stakeholders. The work is diverse, requiring knowledge of curriculum development, accreditation, stakeholder engagement, project management, and change management. This position will play a key role in the successful coordination and implementation of the USASK SLP program.

To be successful, the individual must exercise sound judgment, be comfortable in a team environment, and have well-developed communication, facilitation and organizational skills. The Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator must have the ability to work with a variety of stakeholders. Maturity, experience, problem-solving, systems thinking, and communication skills will be keys to success. In carrying out this work, confidentiality, close collaboration and alignment with key administrative areas will be critical. 

The successful candidate will have the ability to manage the complex nature of academic projects within a health system. The Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator will work with academic faculty, campus leaders and external stakeholders to arrive at solutions for the program that are generally accepted and well-understood. The Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator will have a flexible workstyle and be comfortable working on topics that are progressively elaborated. They will engage others and develop coalitions to jointly understand the current state and co-create the desired future state. The Speech-Language Pathology Implementation Coordinator will be called upon to synthesize and articulate complex information into concise and easy-to-read documents, proposals and reports.

Typical Duties or Accountabilities:

Curriculum Development:

Collaborate with faculty, administrators, speech language pathologists and others to develop a comprehensive curriculum that meets accreditation standards and prepare students for certification. Coordinate curriculum development with contracted academics and others to ensure integration with existing MPT program as well as other programs in health and education (including the newly developing Occupational Therapy program within the SRS). Integrate professional and nationally endorsed frameworks and theories into program development, considering new practice trends and innovative ideas. Develop a plan for curriculum and program evaluation, integrating educational pedagogy and philosophy, including cultural and neurodiversity supporting standards. Develop academic conceptual frameworks for clinical fieldwork and ensure alignment with SLP program goals and integration with the School’s Clinical Education Unit

Academic Processes and Accreditation:

Prepare and move documents through academic processes for program approvals and accreditation requirements. Develop documentation, planning and programming that aligns with and meets national Council for Accreitation of Canadian University Programs in Speech-Language Pathology (CACUP) accreditation requirements. Ensure alignment of program development with future human resource needs, scope of practice, and areas of specialization unique to Saskatchewan.

Engagement with Clinicians:

Continuously engage with clinicians at local, provincial, and national levels to identify current and future training needs. Synthesize input from clinicians to inform program development and ensure alignment with industry standards and practices.

Stakeholder Collaboration and Planning:

Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to identify best practices in training, program design, implementation, and professional practice. Plan and lead stakeholder groups within the province to ensure alignment with program objectives and stakeholder needs. Critically analyze jurisdictional comparisons for program design purposes, considering not just program structure but also resource allocation and curriculum development.

SLP/OT/PT Collaboration:

Work with the Implementation Working Group to facilitate communication and collaboration among the PT/OT/SLP programs to ensure alignment of goals, resources, and initiatives. Work with SRS Director to identify potential opportunities for faculty and staff to contribute to interdisciplinary teaching, research, and clinical practice that leverage the strengths of OT/PT/SLP disciplines and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in the field of rehabilitation science.

Resource Management & Alignment

Work with Director of School and school/college finance staff to develop, manage, and align resource requirements with budget for the SLP program initiation and ongoing operations, seeking approval from relevant authorities. Collaborate with the Director of School and Health Science capital/space team and other stakeholders to identify and secure adequate space and equipment for the SLP program, ensuring that facilities meet the requirements for instructional space, clinical labs, research facilities, and administrative offices.

Communication and Presentation:

Draft and deliver presentations to internal (USASK) and external audiences to promote the program. Work with the Implementation Working Group on communication plan for implementation, ensuring consistent messaging and stakeholder engagement.

Government Liaison and Recruitment Support:

As a member of the Implementation Working Group, liaise with the Saskatchewan government regarding the progression of program implementation and compliance with program approvals and accreditation requirements. Work with Director of the SRS, faculty engagement/HR to support faculty and staff planning, recruitment, and hiring, and orientation.

Strategic Planning and Integration:

Develop a unified vision, mission and goals that align with the School of Rehabilitation Science Strategic Plan, ensuring integration and active involvement with all programs; PT/OT/SLP. Facilitate change management processes to ensure smooth implementation and adoption of the program.

Education and Professional Designations:

The candidate must be registered and in good standing with the College of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists of Saskatchewan and a member of Speech-Language & Audiology Canada.

Experience:

Minimum of 5 years of post-secondary academic and/or administrative experience Experience with post-secondary course development, curriculum planning, and program development. Graduate level teaching experience. Experience providing Speech and Language assessments and interventions in various practice settings with diverse individuals and groups, within and adjacent to health care. Understanding of provincial, national and international regulations applicable to Speech-Language Pathology academic programs; including funding models, accreditation, and minimum education standards. Experience coordinating student fieldwork requirements and other applied learning opportunities. Experience supervising SLP fieldwork students. Understanding of government processes and experience with government relations. Understanding and experience with project management principles and practices as it relates to academic programming. Experience creating and managing post-secondary budgets. Experience with organizational policy development in the public sector. Experience with key internal and external stakeholder engagement, including provincial, national, and international SLP organizations. Understanding of and experience with organizational strategic planning in a multi-stakeholder public sector context. Experience volunteering with provincial and/ or national professional SLP and/or regulatory organizations.

Skills:

Professional and Ethical Behaviour – Demonstrates integrity, credibility, confidentiality, and responsibility in all interactions. Possesses high ethical standards and an honest, open, and consistent approach to working with peers, employees, and staff. Honours their commitments and meets deadlines. Administrative Skills – Provides leadership to and ensures accountability for achievement for results; very focused; strong organizational skills; simplifies often complex and lengthy matters; effective time management skills; ability to separate important issues and identify priorities. Communications Skills - Possesses strong communication skills, both verbal, and written and expresses thoughts in an organized, concise manner. Actively listens to the issues in a manner that elicits cooperation and support. Develops and delivers effective presentations. Has the ability to present information and ideas to diverse groups. Market Knowledge – Continuously seeks to stay current and be at the leading edge in their field and is committed to continuous learning; one that is self‐motivated and self‐ directed, being able to work independently with sense of urgency to task completion. Organizationally Astute – Is diplomatic and tactful; non-confrontational; recognizes internal and external sensitivities; has an intuitive ability and creativity in negotiating mutually beneficial solutions; uses sound judgment. Analytical and Problem‐Solving Skills – Consults appropriately; thoroughly collects data, and analyzes problem in context of organizational goals; uses sound judgment, builds consensus, makes independent decisions appropriately; implements solutions appropriately; locates needed resources and facilitates communications and development of sustained connections. Innovative & Entrepreneurial Approach – Seeks out possibilities, develops new ideas, and effectively moves them forward. Is creative, innovative and takes advantage of opportunities, while recognizing the necessity of working with limited resources and in alignment with the strategic directions of the School. Energetic & Adaptable – Is prepared to take on longer-term initiatives and does so with enthusiasm; ability to adapt to new and changing situations; able to alter course/direction when necessary; enjoys and embraces new challenges. Flexible; able to deal with stress effectively. Champion of Equity, Diversity and inclusion

Proficient with contemporary computer applications.

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