Job title: Clinical Coordinator, Renfrew County (bilingual preferred)
Program: Specialized Preschool Programs
Status and Hours: Regular, Full-Time (37.5h/week)
Pay scale: $49.539/hr to $58.282/hr
Reports to: Manager, First Words and Blind-Low Visions Programs
Start Date: September-November 2026
Application Deadline: July 5th, 11:59PM
This position is an existing vacancy.
Benefits include:
- 4 weeks vacation plus other leave entitlements
- Extended Group Health benefits
- Flexible Health & Wellness Spending Account
- Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Who are we?
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC) is an innovative, community-based, multi-service organization that has been serving Ottawa communities for nearly 50 years. As the region's largest community health centre, PQCHC provides a broad range of health care, health promotion, and community support services to individuals and families across the lifespan. As the Lead Agency for the First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County for nearly 30 years, PQCHC provides leadership and oversight for the delivery of publicly funded speech and language services as part of its comprehensive continuum of community-based care.
The First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program offers services to children from birth until school entry, promoting awareness, prevention, early identification, and early intervention for communication development. Services include intake and triage, speech and language assessments, and therapy delivered through both in-clinic and virtual care. The program also supports early childhood professionals and organizations throughout Ottawa and Renfrew County through consultation, education, and community outreach.
PQCHC works in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to help people achieve their full potential, with particular attention to those who face barriers to care due to race, gender, income, and ability. PQCHC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process due to a disability, please let us know the nature of the accommodation required.
Job Summary
Working within the established PQCHC structure, coordinates the delivery of clinical services for the Renfrew County team of the First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program and provides clinical and operational leadership to staff across multiple service sites. Delivers speech and language assessment and intervention services to children from birth until eligibility for junior kindergarten. This position reports to the Manager, First Words and Blind-Low Vision Programs.
Job-Specific Responsibilities
Clinical Service Delivery
- Provide speech and language assessment, consultation, and intervention services to children from birth until eligibility for junior kindergarten.
- Perform formal and informal assessments to identify communication strengths and needs.
- Offer virtual and in-person services in accordance with First Words guidelines.
- Develop individualized treatment plans and monitor client progress, adjusting intervention approaches as needed.
- Provide reassessments in accordance with First Words guidelines.
- Deliver individual therapy, group therapy, and parent education/training programs.
- Complete clinical documentation in a timely manner.
- Prepare treatment notes and maintain accurate client records.
- Complete initial assessment reports, reassessment reports, and discharge summaries.
- Initiate referrals to other community services as appropriate and support transitions to school board services.
- Supervise the work of a Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA).
Leadership and Program Coordination
- Maintain day-to-day staff assignments and coordinate coverage across service sites.
- Represent the Renfrew County team at leadership meetings and advocate for the unique needs of staff, children, and families in the region.
- Act as the primary point person for operational and clinical issues within the Renfrew County team.
- Review incoming transfers from other Preschool Speech and Language Programs and Children's Treatment Centres to determine appropriate service recommendations.
- Serve as a key resource for intake and scheduling inquiries from the First Words intake team.
- Provide leadership, consultation, and mentorship to staff regarding clinical practice. administrative procedures, referrals, and data collection requirements.
- Support excellence in professional practice through coaching, consultation, and ongoing professional development.
- Develop agendas for team huddles and staff meetings in collaboration with the First Words Leadership Team.
- Participate in leadership meetings and contribute to program planning and operational decision-making.
Program Development and Quality Improvement
- Collaborate with the First Words Leadership Team to develop and update clinical policies, procedures, and service standards.
- Participate in the review and enhancement of service delivery models to align with best practices, current research, funder expectations, and community needs.
- Champion a culture of continuous quality improvement.
- Monitor service waitlists and support activities related to data collection, reporting, and performance measurement.
- Work with the HCD-ISCIS Team Lead to conduct quality assurance activities, including data audits and monitoring clinician documentation within EPIC.
Staff Development and Supervision
- Complete performance appraisals and support staff performance management processes.
- Coordinate the onboarding of new staff, including orientation planning, mentorship assignments, and regular check-ins during the probationary period.
- Identify and coordinate staff development and continuing education opportunities in collaboration with the clinical team.
- Foster a positive, collaborative team culture that supports staff engagement and professional growth.
Partnerships and Community Engagement
- Collaborate with colleges and universities to coordinate student placements and clinical learning opportunities.
- Participate in the semi-annual First Words Community Partner Meetings.
- Organize and chair the semi-annual Transition to School Meetings with community partners.
- Participate in health promotion activities that increase awareness of speech, language, and communication development and support access to First Words services.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with community agencies, school boards, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to support integrated service delivery for children and families.
- Support other PQCHC programs and services.
Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology and minimum 5 years of clinical experience (essential)
- Experience working with the preschool population (essential)
- Hanen It Takes Two to Talk and/or More Than Words certification (essential)
- Current CASLPO registration (essential)
- 2 years of demonstrated leadership skills (essential)
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work with a variety of people and agencies (essential)
- Completion of the Speech and Stuttering Institute (SSI) motor speech and/or fluency training (preferred)
- Experience leading quality improvement initiatives within a community health setting (preferred)
- Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt certification (preferred)
- High level of proficiency in using EPIC software (preferred)
- Valid driver’s licence and access to a vehicle required (required)
Key Competencies
- Commitment to Health Equity: Demonstrated commitment to health equity, anti-oppressive practice, cultural humility, and client- and family-centred care.
- Collaboration: Demonstrates the ability to work effectively and cooperatively with colleagues, community partners, and partners. Builds positive relationships through respectful communication, diplomacy, and sensitivity to diverse perspectives. Fosters a collaborative team environment that values open communication, shared learning, and the exchange of information.
- Inclusivity: Applies a holistic and respectful approach to decision-making by considering the perspectives, priorities, experiences, and knowledge of others. Creates and maintains an environment where diverse individuals feel welcomed, valued, supported, and empowered to contribute fully to team and organizational goals.
- Leadership: Provides guidance, mentorship, and support to staff while fostering accountability, professional growth, and excellence in practice. Demonstrates sound judgment, initiative, and the ability to balance clinical, operational, and team priorities.
- Communication: Demonstrates strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills. Conveys information clearly and effectively to families, colleagues, community partners, and other stakeholders.
- Continuous Improvement: Demonstrates a commitment to quality improvement, evidence-informed practice, and ongoing professional development. Embraces innovation and contributes to the ongoing enhancement of programs, services, and client outcomes.
