Communicative Disorder Assistant - Stroke/ Speech Language Pathology Program

Job Description

The Communicative Disorder Assistant (CDA) is responsible for providing direct clinical care including therapy to outpatients (and at times inpatients) of Mackenzie Health in need of communication and dysphagia services throughout the continuum of care.

They will support the recommendations made by Mackenzie Health’s Speech Language Pathologists (SLP’s) regarding speech and language programming, resources, accommodations, and modifications for patients with difficulties involving listening, speaking, reading, writing and / or swallowing.

Contribute to safe, quality care by :

• Aligning services with SLP recommendations, treatment and education of communication disorders (. aphasia, apraxia, dysarthria, cognitive-communication impairment).
• To implement, troubleshoot and support augmentative alternative communication tools.
• Dysphagia management including screening, treatment and education.
• Collect data of caseload.
• Ability to work collaboratively with professional colleagues, within and across professions.

What must you have?

• Related diploma or degree and Communication Disorders Assistant Graduate Certificate is required.
• Knowledge and training in augmentative communication and special communication devices.
• Proficient verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage time effectively.
• Must be willing to do community / home visits as required.
• Must possess a valid Ontario Driver’s License and have access to own transportation.
• Current Basic Cardiac Life Support (BCLS) certificate.

What else do you bring?

• Ability to provide clinical education in the form of in-services as well as patient and / or family education
• Ability to be self-directed and can effectively participate in clinical inter-professional teams.
• Highly developed conflict resolution skills.
• Well-developed ability to organize daily activities and priorities.
• Effective communication skills, engages others, and is a reflective listener and learner.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and be flexible with change and be able to set priorities and problem-solve.
• Demonstrated willingness and ability to work collaboratively with professional colleagues, within and across professions.
• Proven attendance record.
• Demonstrates understanding and complies with patient and staff safety policies and procedures that foster a safe and inclusive environment for all.
• Ability to perform the essential duties of the job.
• Effectively uses empathy in interactions with others.
• Demonstrates behaviours consistent with Mackenzie Health’s Commitment to Caring.
• Models behaviour that is aligned with the values of Mackenzie Health Excellence, Leadership and Empathy.
• Commitment to providing an exceptional experience for staff and clients within a challenging and exciting health care environment.

Preferably, your profile also includes :

• Membership with the Communicative Disorders Assistant Association of Canada and / or Speech-Language & Audiology Canada is an asset.
• 1 to 3 years of experience as a CDA minimum, preferred.
• Experience working with a stroke population.
• Prior experience in a rehabilitation setting is an asset.
• Prior experience in an acute care setting is an asset.
• You may be required to work at any site of Mackenzie Health.
• Will be required to travel to the patient’s home / community within the York Region.

Mackenzie Health is an inclusive and equal opportunity employer committed to providing accommodations for applicants upon request at any stage of the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.