Status: Temporary, Full-time (contract ending September 10, 2027)
Location: St. Catharines, Ontario
Open Date: June 10, 2026
Closing Date: June 24, 2026
Who We Are
Niagara Children’s Centre is recognized throughout the Niagara Region as the provider of rehabilitation and support services to children and youth with physical, developmental and communicative delays and disabilities. Core services include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech and language services, augmentative and alternative communication, family services and therapeutic recreation. Our family-centred programs aim at helping each child achieve their own unique potential within their home, school and in the community.
As an employee of the Centre, you will be part of a community dedicated to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for the children and youth we serve. We are a place where families are at the heart of all we do. We continue to provide innovative ways of delivering high quality services and strengthening our family-centred care philosophy. We want to see “Niagara’s Children and Youth at Their Best!” Join a team that makes a real difference in the lives of children and youth every day.
The Role
The Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) may provide communication and hearing screenings as well as implement communication intervention programs individually and in groups based on the goals outlined by the supervisor. The areas of treatment conducted by a CDA include augmentative and alternative communication, receptive and expressive language, articulation, phonology, fluency, voice, hearing, oral rehabilitation, literacy and pragmatics. The role also includes preparation of therapy materials to assist SLPs, planning of therapy sessions for clients on the CDA caseload, assistance with program management and waitlist, as well as promotional activities.
As an employee of Niagara Children's Centre, a CDA may be assigned to one or more services. These include single or interdisciplinary services, as well as specialized programs provided by the Centre such as the Communication Assessment and Support Team, the Infant Hearing Program, Entry to School, Preschool Language Service, School Based Rehab Services and clinics such as alternative and augmentative communication team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Screening: Administer hearing screenings in conjunction with the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services Infant Hearing Program; administer speech screenings; communication inventory or literacy screens
- Treatment planning: Prepare a child's intervention plan in order to target the goals outlined by the SLP. This may include selecting activities, creating, organizing and preparing materials, observing assessments, researching communication information, therapy ideas or equipment information, attending meetings, scheduling appointments and preparing home programs.
- Intervention: carry out intervention based on goals outlined by the supervisor and in conjunction with the CASLPO position statement on Supportive Personnel (October 2007). Service delivery models may include direct or group interventions, home programs, or parent training sessions and may take place in a variety of sites (home, schools, childcare, OEYCs, or satellite offices) and in conjunction with our community partners. Creating and preparing customized communication displays using graphic software.
- Reporting: Keep supervisor and other team members informed regarding child's progress and performance both orally and in written form. This includes reporting changes in performance, medical changes, family situations or any other relevant information which could impact the child's progress and therapy.
- Administration: Maintain and input information into relevant databases. Assist in data management and completion and dissemination of ministry forms for hearing screening outcomes.
- Record keeping: Make detailed daily progress notes of the child's outcomes, maintain statistics charting in medical records, create an up-to-date inventory and scheduling (contacting parents and setting up appointments).
- Therapy Material and Equipment: Maintain order and organize therapy materials and all therapy and screening equipment, handle complaints when equipment is not in working order. Programming and upkeep of augmentative communication equipment.
Health and Safety:
The Communicative Disorders Assistant will comply with the duties assigned to Workers as per Section 28 of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Accountability and Freedom to Act:
This position is subject to standardized practices and procedures, general work instructions, and supervision of progress and results. Program plans are prepared and implemented under the supervision of a Speech-Language Pathologist. The position is also subject to Centre policies and procedures and to the regulations of the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario that limit clinical performance.
Key Relationships:
The Communicative Disorders Assistant is concerned with the effectiveness of all relationships that affect the Centre. The following are particularly significant to the position:
External
- Children their families and caregivers
- Community partners
- Representatives and distributors of therapy equipment and supplies
- Other augmentative communication clinics and centralized equipment pool
Internal
- Clinical managers and clinical staff
- Immediate supervisor(s)
- Volunteers and students
Performance Factors:
In assessing the performance of an incumbent in this position, the following factors will be utilized as appropriate:
- Workload – the number of clients seen relative to established standards
- Clinical outcomes – the degree to which therapy plans are followed and goals achieved
- Documentation – the accuracy, relevance and timeliness of progress notes, data entry and other documentation
- Relationships – the level of cooperation and collaboration with clients and families, staff from other agencies, and other therapists at the Centre
Position Specifications:
Education:
The minimum specifications for an incumbent will include:
- Graduation from a Communicative/Communication Disorders Assistant program at a recognized college/university
Knowledge/Skills:
An incumbent will be expected to have the following knowledge and skills:
- A sound understanding and skill in the practice of Communication Disorders
- Sufficient computer literacy skills. Extensive computer literacy is required for some positions
- The ability to work effectively with children
- The ability to manage a caseload, particularly under multiple supervisors
- An interest and commitment for serving children with special needs and their families
- Knowledge of community resources and supports
- Bilingualism is a requirement of the role (French)
Other:
- Access to reliable transportation and possession of a driver’s license valid for the province of Ontario is required
- A current criminal reference check for vulnerable populations
- CPR certification
- Evidence of non-violent crisis intervention training
Why Join Us?
- We provide a total rewards package that supports your well-being and supports and encourages continuous professional development and growth.
- Provide a competitive hiring range of $54,619.5 -$64,272 commensurate with experience.
- Participation in a Defined Benefit Pension Plan (HOOPP) from day one of employment with us, we offer healthcare and dental benefits, and access to the Employee and Family Assistance program.
Application Process
If you are inspired by the work of Niagara Children’s Centre and would like to join our team, we want to hear from you! To review the job description and pursue this career opportunity, please visit our website at www.niagarachildrenscentre.com
This posting is for an existing, immediate vacancy within our Clinical team. We will be reviewing candidate submissions as they are received and move forward with interviews. Early submission is encouraged.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are not used to evaluate applications for this role. Your application will be reviewed directly by our hiring team.
Niagara Children’s Centre is committed to fair and accessible employment practices. Upon request, suitable accommodation is available under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disability Act (AODA) to applicants invited to an interview.
We thank all those who apply but only those selected for further consideration will be contacted. The selected candidate will be required to participate in a Criminal Background Check.
Pay: $28.01-$32.96 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Employee assistance program
- On-site parking
Language:
Licence/Certification:
- educational background as Communicative Disorders Assistant (required)
Work Location: In person
