Speech Language Pathologist

You’ll feel great about a career with March of Dimes Canada

At March of Dimes Canada, our collective work matters . As a leading national charity backed by a history of more than 70 years of impact, we’re dedicated to being Canada’s leading service provider, resource, and advocate, empowering people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide. You’ll be joining a team made up of more than 2,000 professionals that’s dedicated to solving big challenges and creating real change for people with disabilities in communities across our country. They’re at the center of all we do, and we make a real difference in their lives every day. It matters to us because the need is urgent — and it’s growing .

More than eight million people with disabilities in Canada experience challenges like poverty, discrimination, indignity, and isolation. These are the barriers that you’ll help tear down. Together, with your vital contributions, we’ll keep moving the dial on the challenges people with disabilities face. Our work is deep and wide — and you’ll always find it deeply rewarding — which is why we pull together to make change happen. Our collective efforts are rooted in our Purpose , Vision , and Mission , which inform how we drive all our work forward:

• Purpose: Champion equity. Empower ability.

• Vision: An inclusive, barrier-free society for people with disabilities. 

• Mission: To be Canada’s leading service provider, resource, and advocate, empowering people with disabilities to live and thrive in communities nationwide. 

Whether starting or advancing your career with us, you’ll feel great knowing that you’re:

• Contributing to our important mission: creating real change for people with disabilities

• Joining a leading national charity with a history of impact and a future full of possibility

• Enjoying industry-leading employment incentives and benefits

• Supported in your professional growth, development, and success

• Included in our empathetic and supportive work culture

Learn more about why we’re a great employer at marchofdimes.ca/careers .

This Opportunity:

We are looking to hire one (1) Speech Language Pathologist for a 1 year contract position.

POSITION : Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

LOCATION: Hybrid (with travel to program locations in Peterborough and Whitby)

DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Community Support Services/Aphasia and Communication Disabilities Program

REPORTS TO: Manager, Alternative Communication Services

BASIC FUNCTION: March of Dimes Canada (MODC) provides services to adults living with aphasia and related neurogenic communication disorders. Services are provided by Speech-Language Pathologists, Communicative Disorders Assistants, as well as trained volunteers and placement students.

Reporting to the Manager, Alternative Communication Services, the Speech-Language Pathologist conducts clinical assessments and determines best program options for clients based on individual need and goals established. Collaboration with relevant team members and community stakeholders is a critical component of this role, as it relates to finding appropriate services and opportunities that enhance communication skills and improve quality of life for clients, families, and caregivers.

Roles and responsibilities:

Program Delivery

• Collect relevant information from client, family, and other community agencies.

• In collaboration with the client/family/caregiver assess communicative strengths, needs, and establish individual recommendations to support client participation.

• Work with program team to determine the programs and services that are the most appropriate to support the clients’ needs.

• Implement and evaluate supportive and alternative communicative strategies to enhance client participation and experience.

• Provide training on the use of supportive communication techniques and ensure they are incorporated into client program activities.

• Utilize best practice to support clients/families/caregivers and facilitate groups, and train others in these techniques.

• Incorporate life participation and social model approaches to group programming and resource development in support of client goals.

• Participate in stakeholder, team, and department meetings as required.

• Additional duties as assigned.

Stakeholder Engagement and Community Building

• Represent March of Dimes Canada to external stakeholder, maintaining positive relationships with community and program partners in support of program goals.

• Attend community meetings, conferences, and other events in support of ongoing promotion of the organization’s objectives.

• Collaborate with other professionals and organizations involved in communication disabilities, to ensure the best possible support is provided to those in need.

• Contribute to the development of tools and resources to support stakeholder engagement.

Quality Improvement and Reporting

• Ensure privacy and confidentiality protocols are followed.

• Incorporate quality improvement activities to ensure that program content and resources are evidence informed and client centered.

• Utilize the Customer Relationship Management system to capture and analyze client data.

• Generate monthly reports as needed.

Training, Knowledge Development

• Provide support and training to program staff, placement students and volunteers, regarding client communication needs, supportive communication strategies and aids.

• Identify learning and development opportunities related to this role.

POSITIONS SUPERVISED:

Direct supervision of Communicative Disorders Assistants

Qualifications and experience:

• Graduate of a master’s degree program in Speech-Language Pathology

• Current registration and in good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario

• Proof of liability insurance

• 1-3 years of experience with adult neurogenic communication disorders an asset

• Experience working with the disability community, knowledge of disability issues and/or lived experience of disability or providing person centered support will be considered strong assets.

• Strong case management, communication (verbal and written) and people skills.

• Works effectively with and demonstrates respect for others.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently, as well as in an inter-professional team.

• Awareness of crisis management strategies and an understanding of the importance of risk management protocols (or willingness to obtain).

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Experience with customer management systems, client record keeping and use of databases.

• Strong organizational skills with the flexibility to adapt to changing demands to achieve desired results.

• Must be willing and able to work in the community.

• Must hold a valid driver’s license and have access to a vehicle (travel required to various locations in Greater Toronto Area).

How to apply

If you are interested in applying, please submit your cover letter and resume by July 26, 2024. Please note that we do not require a cover letter for frontline roles.

Questions about working at March of Dimes Canada?

For general inquiries, you can reach us at recruitment@marchofdimes.ca

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

Please note that March of Dimes Canada has a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. All employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by receiving all required doses of a vaccine approved by Health Canada at least 14 days prior to the commencement of their employment, or as otherwise recommended by public health authorities. We will provide reasonable accommodation to individuals who are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons or on the basis of any other protected ground, as required under applicable human rights legislation.

Need accommodations? We're here to help!

MODC is committed to a workforce that is reflective of the diverse populations we serve. We welcome applications from qualified individuals from all backgrounds and abilities. In accordance with accessibility and human rights legislation across Canada, MODC will provide accommodations to job applicants with disabilities and other protected needs. If you require accommodation, please notify us and we will work with you to meet your needs. We are committed to a selection process and work environment that is inclusive, equitable, accessible, and barrier-free.

Our Reconciliation, Equity, Accessibility, Diversity, and Inclusion (READI) approach

MODC is dedicated to building and advancing an inclusive and welcoming culture. It’s also why we’re focused on attracting, retaining, and supporting diverse people. Thanks to our progressive practices, team members of all abilities and backgrounds are encouraged to access the opportunities and supports they need to grow, thrive, and succeed. Our READI approach is rooted in our shared belief that championing equity and empowering ability starts by investing in our team members— and in our shared culture — so that we all feel included, safe, and confident at work every single day.