Job title: Speech-Language Pathologist
Program: Specialized Preschool Programs
Available Positions:
- Ottawa: Several regular positions available totaling 3.8 FTE. Candidates may be considered for either a 0.8 FTE position (30 hours/week) or a 1.0 FTE position (37.5 hours/week), depending on operational needs. Bilingualism (French/English) is essential for at least two positions.
- Renfrew County: Two regular positions are available, totaling 1.8 FTE. Candidates may be considered for either a 0.8 FTE position (30 hours/week) or a 1.0 FTE position (37.5 hours/week), depending on operational needs. Bilingualism is preferred.
Pay scale: $48.331/hr to $56.86/hr
Reports to: Clinical Coordinator
Start Date: September-November 2026
Application Deadline: July 5th, 11:59PM
Benefits include:
- 4 weeks vacation plus other leave entitlements
- Extended Group Health benefits
- Flexible Health & Wellness Spending Account
- Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan
This position is an existing vacancy.
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, the Speech Language Pathologists within the First Words program provide family-centered services to children from birth to school entry, supporting each child in communicating effectively in their different environments. Services will be delivered in accordance with professional standards and guidelines. This position reports to the FW Clinical Coordinator, who reports to the Manager of First Words.
Job Specific Responsibilities
Direct Client Service:
- Performs formal and informal assessment
- Offers virtual and in-person services as per FW guidelines
- Develops treatment plans and monitors progress to adjust plan as needed
- Provides reassessments as per First Words guidelines
- Provides individual therapy, group therapy and parent training programs
- Completes documentation in a timely manner
- Prepares treatment notes
- Completes initial assessment reports, reassessment reports and discharge summaries
- Initiates referrals to other services as needed and transitions to school board services
- Supervises the work of a Communicative Disorder Assistant
- Supports quality improvement initiatives
- Participates in staff development opportunities
Community Outreach:
- May attend community events to promote PQCHC and its programs, including the First Words program and the importance of early intervention.
- Develops and facilitates community-based parent education to raise awareness and promote early identification as needed.
- May provide education to community service providers and caregivers to build capacity.
Teamwork and Collaboration:
- Attends and participates at team and general staff meetings
- Collaborates within the First Words team and with community partners
- Effective communication within the team and with community partners
- Works within established PQCHC policies and procedures
Qualifications:
- Masters degree in Speech Language Pathologist
- 2 years experience working with the preschool population (preferred)
- Current CASLPO registration
- Valid driver’s license or transportation plan
- Hanen certified (It Takes Two to Talk or More than Words) preferred
Key Competencies:
- Demonstrated commitment to health equity, anti-oppressive practice, cultural humility, and client- and family-centred care.
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based practise in therapy and assessment
- Demonstrates skills in behaviour management and group dynamics within treatment and assessment
- Demonstrates skills in caregiver coaching and family-centered care
- For bilingual essential positions: Bilingualism (English/French) at a proficiency for complex communication
- SLPs in bilingual positions are expected to work in both official languages, the volume of which may fluctuate from time to time – i.e. more Francophone clients than Anglophone
- Flexibility in adapting to changing treatment approaches, supervising CDAs/students, work demands or schedules
