Aphasia Institute
Communicative Disorder
Assistant (CDA)
Position Type: Full Time, Contract (35 hrs/wk)
Job Region: ON – Metro Toronto Area
Location: Hybrid model (online and on-site at office)
Years of Experience: 2 years
Application Deadline: August 23rd,2024
Starting Date: October 1st 2024
Join our team! The Aphasia Institute is seeking an experienced, and dynamic Communicative Disorder Assistant (CDA), who is looking for a unique and exciting role in the community services sector.
WHO WE ARE
We are a not-for-profit organization with a collaborative approach and a commitment to teamwork. The organizational structure reflects a community of individuals with aphasia, their families, volunteers, staff, and supporters who are dedicated to reducing language barriers to full-life participation at local, provincial, national, and international levels. We aim to give hope and make a difference to the quality of life and well-being of individuals with aphasia and their families, wherever they may be.
WHAT IS THE JOB?
The Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) will work under the direction of the Speech-Language Pathologists regarding member/client-specific and project-specific tasks, and reports to the Director, Clinical Services and Education. The CDA will use their professional knowledge and experience to assist in the provision of programs and support for member participation in our Adult Day Program. The CDA will also provide support for resource development, selected administrative tasks, and other tasks as directed.
Responsibilities of the position include, but may not limited to:
Clinical Services, Training and Resource Development and Administration
· Communicate effectively with members/clients in ways that are adapted to the members’ individual needs, in a manner consistent with the SCA™ method, using appropriate interpersonal communication skills.
· Implement program-related tasks, under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologists.
· Implement tasks to support the program or other organizational needs.
· Collect, and report (informally and formally) member-specific and program-specific information, as directed by a staff member.
· Prepare written and oral reports regarding member-specific and program-specific tasks, as required, using appropriate literacy and numeracy skills.
· Teach and demonstrate use of equipment (including computers/devices, apps/programs, and video conferencing methods, or other strategies) to members/clients, and their families/communication partners.
· Gather and accurately record client qualitative and quantitative data as related to client treatment and care.
· Under supervision of a Speech Language Pathologist, provide a range of activities to support members/clients in achieving identified goals.
· You will be required to participate in ongoing internal training and education (e.g. present, facilitate, or perform other duties) and agree to be recorded in audio or video formats.
· Undertake any other appropriate additional duties within a CDA’s scope of practice.
Organizational Responsibilities (Choose main ones)
· Personal skills that will assist in the building of rapport with members/clients and colleagues; for example: patience and empathy.
· Participation in one agency committee/working group.
· Understand and promote Aphasia Institute vision, mission, and values.
· All other duties as required.
Qualifications/Experience required:
Education:
· A recognized Communicative Disorders Assistant Post Graduate Diploma.
· Ability to obtain and maintain CDAAC and OSLA memberships
· Ability to obtain and maintain liability insurance
Experience:
· A minimum of two years’ experience working and communicating with people with aphasia.
· Working with volunteers and students and ability to adapt to different learning needs and styles.
· Knowledge of communication treatment protocols, and family support programs.
· Knowledge of common medical, mental health, and neurological conditions which would impact communication.
· Knowledge of the effects of communication difficulties on physical, psychological, and social function.
· Knowledge of behavioral and/or emotional difficulties and strategies to enable clients to adjust to their difficulties with support.
· Experience working with adults experiencing communication and cognitive impairments and disabilities.
Skills:
· Superior time management and multitasking skills and the ability to prioritize tasks with minimal supervision are essential
· Strong communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to work with a range of stakeholders
· Ability to meet competing demands
· Sound judgment and problem-solving skills to make effective decisions
· Ability to work independently and as a member of the various teams and working groups at the Aphasia Institute
· Strong command of Microsoft Office applications, videoconferencing programs, and other programs such as Canva.
· Strong knowledge of client applications such as CIMS or AlayaCare
· Excellent writing skills including competence in proper spelling and grammar
· Resourceful, flexible, and well organized
· Familiar with all AI developed methods, tools and approaches
· Demonstrate superior critical thinking, academic questioning, and problem-solving skills
· Ability to follow a program as outlined by the supervising Speech Language Pathologist and incorporating the recommendations of other professions.
· Ability to use appropriate initiative, recognizing and communicating own limitations of competency.
· Ability to participate in supervision, make positive use of it, and accept direction when needed.
· Ability to work in a stressful environment, including with clients who have complex communication needs or challenging behaviors.
· Ability to demonstrate commitment to the safety of the member, self, and team member
· Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including a Vulnerable Sector Screening)
The Aphasia Institute welcomes and encourages applications from people with disabilities. Accommodation is available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process.
We strongly encourage applications from women and men, people from racialized communities, visible minorities, persons with disabilities, aboriginal people and people who identify themselves as LGBTQ. We seek to attract and retain individuals who will work together to create and sustain a vibrant, healthy, safe, and caring community.
While we thank all candidates for their interest, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. We regret we are unable to accept telephone inquiries.
Please send your cover letter with salary expectations and your resume no later than Friday, August 23rd, 2024
Compensation type: 1 year contract position, renewable
Amount: To be discussed
Contact by: Email
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 12 months
Benefits:
Schedule:
Licence/Certification:
- Do you have a recognized CDA Post Graduate Diploma? (required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in North York, ON M3B 2R2
Application deadline: 2024-08-23
Expected start date: 2024-10-01
