Speech Language Pathologist – Chilliwack

Overview:

Reporting to the designated Clinical Practice Leader, performs screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention and follow-up for preschool clients with hearing, communication, and related disorders, at various sites within Fraser Health, and in accordance with Speech/Language Pathology standards and scope of clinical practice; plans, implements, and records client treatment programs and progress in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team; provides guidance to Speech Language Assistants and education to patient's family, friends, and caregivers and attends and participates in team conferences as required; participates in promotion of early intervention activities and prevention of communication and related disorders; participates on interdisciplinary/interdepartmental program meetings, program planning, and approved research projects and maintains knowledge of current developments in Speech/Language Pathology.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs screening, assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and follow-up for clients with hearing, communication and related disorders in accordance with Speech/Language Pathology standards and scope of clinical practice by methods such as conducting screenings assessments, developing appropriate treatment plan based on assessment results and reporting required screenings, assessment, treatment, and follow-up and/or maintenance plan. Discharges the client as appropriate in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team and client/family goals.
2. Plans, implements, and records client treatment programs in collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team and client/family goals, and communicates progress by methods such as noting changes in client files according to standards, collaborating with members of the interdisciplinary team on treatment and maintenance plans, and ensuring pertinent information is included in client file.
3. Maintains related records, documentation, and statistics. Prepares reports in accordance with established standards and procedures.
4. Advises members of the interdisciplinary team of significant changes in client's communicative status and/or any difficulties encountered in administering treatment, discharge planning, or follow-up.
5. Provides guidance to Speech Language Assistants by ensuring standards are met, are familiar with program policies and directives through a process of orientation, and regular communication and updates.
6. Provides information regarding client's communication disorder and subsequent treatment program(s) to family, friends, and caregivers and assists the client's family, friends, and caregivers in their interpretation of the communication disorder and the client's treatment program.
7. Participates on interdisciplinary/interdepartmental program meetings, committees and case conferences as requested by methods such as attending meetings, providing input, making recommendations and advocating for the goals and objectives of Speech/Language Pathology Services.
8. Participates in program planning for Speech/Language Pathology Services by methods such as attending meetings, identifying areas requiring further development, and providing input to the designated Clinical Practice Leader as requested.
9. Participates in approved research activities as requested by methods such as collaborating with speech/language pathology staff members and members of the interdisciplinary team and ensuring practices are consistent with approved research initiatives.
10. Maintains knowledge of current developments in Speech/Language Pathology by methods such as reviewing literature, consulting with clinical community experts, evaluating clinical practice, attending professional development activities, recommending new practices to the designated Clinical Practice Leader and contributing to the improvement of care in accordance with professional standards and requirements.
11. Participates in graduate level student supervision as required.
12. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

Graduation from an approved school of Speech Language Pathology. One (1) year recent related clinical experience or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Current active registration with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC. Eligible for membership in the Canadian and/or BC Association of Speech/Language Pathology and Audiology (CASLPA and/or BCSLPA).

Valid Class 5 BC Driver's License and access to a personal vehicle for work-related purposes.

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with others both within and outside the organization.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work in a continuously changing environment and take initiative to ensure effective and timely delivery of services.
• Ability to operate related equipment.
• Physical ability to carry out the duties of the position.