Indigenous Speech-Language Pathology Assistant in Saanich, British Columbia at Victoria Native Friendship Centre

Indigenous Speech-Language Pathology Assistant

Frontline

Early Childhood Supports

Indigenous Speech-Language Pathology Team

Director of Early Childhood Supports

April 4th, 2025

Working asa part of the Indigenous Speech-Language Pathology (ISPL) team and reportingdirectly to the Registered Speech-Language Pathologist(s) (RSLPs) and EarlyChildhood Supports Department Director, the Indigenous Speech-LanguagePathology Assistant will work collaboratively to support the communicationdevelopment of Indigenous preschool-aged children and their families using afamily-centred and strengths-based approach.

As an ISLP Assistant, job duties include the following:

• Administrativetasks including assisting clients with completion of clinical forms andscheduling appointments.

• Maintainingsupplies and equipment, and preparing therapy materials.

• Maintainclient records, including obtaining and entering client demographics,histories, and charts, in accordance with department policies and procedures,as well as professional practice standards.

• Workingdirectly with children and families to administer screenings, implementtreatment plans, and run groups under the supervision of the RSLP.

• Assistthe RSLP directly during assessment and therapy sessions (collecting data,assisting with behaviour management, etc.)

• Assistin program development.

• Assistin reporting or documenting client information, observations and servicesprovided in accordance with standards set by the College of Health and CareProfessionals of BC.

As a member of the VNFC Team, job duties include thefollowing:

• Maintainconfidentiality.

• Documentand report activity in alignment with VNFC practices and supports internal andexternal reporting as required.

• Attendrelevant professional training and meetings when directed.

• Participatein staff development, staff meetings and department meetings as required,including community and cultural events.

• Participatein data collection and evaluation tasks as requested.

• Familiarity and experience in Indigenous Communities

• Someknowledge of Indigenous cultures and practices including from the territory inwhich the work of VNFC takes place. Ability to speak about one’s own Indigenous culture, if applicable, andany communities the (prospective) employee has previously lived in or held jobswithin.

• Indepth knowledge of the experience of Indigenous peoples in Canada including theongoing processes of colonization, discrimination, and structural violence, andthe effects on the health and wellbeing of Indigenous communities;understanding of the wellness and healing capacities of Indigenous culturalresiliency and resurgence.

• Knowledgeand practice of providing community-based services to Indigenous peoples usingphilosophies of cultural humility and cultural safety.

Communication Skills and Abilities

• Excellent interpersonal communication skillswith the ability to successfully develop and maintain relationships withdiverse internal and external stakeholders.

• Excellent written communication skills withthe ability to independently write reports, presentations, electroniccorrespondence, and other forms of professional communication.

• Ability to effectively present informationand respond to questions from clients and the general public.

• Abilityto read, process and integrate findings into practice from a range of resourcesincluding peer-reviewed literature and governmental reports.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 includingWord, Excel, and Outlook a requirement.

Leadership Skills and Abilities

· Ability to work under the supervision of an RSLPand follow instructions effectively.

· Ability to work independently, be reliable andself-motivated, and be part of an integrated community team and in partnershipwith a variety of agencies and resources.

· Ability to multi-task while remaining composedand maintain a respectful, professional attitude in high stress situations.

· Ability to relate well with families, co-workersand other professionals.

Program Abilities andKnowledge

· Understanding of early child development,specifically around early communication development.

· Ability to practice using philosophies ofcultural safety and humility, harm reduction, and trauma informed care.

· Knowledge and ability to work ethically andmaintain professional boundaries when working with vulnerable clients.

· Knowledge of family centred practice, childdevelopment, early intervention, family support, inclusive childcare andcommunity-based services.

· Ability to maintain professional standards andmaintain confidentiality with respect to families served.

Education

• Completionof a Therapy Assistant Diploma for S-LP assistants or equivalent education andexperience

• Recognizedcourse(s) related to position, particularly any focused on cultural safety andhumility; or equivalent lived and/or professional experience.

Work Experience

• Preferencefor past experience working in an Indigenous serving organization or communitysetting.

• Preferencefor previous experience working with children in a therapeutic setting.

• Preferencefor experience working with children with communication challenges, includingchildren with neurodiversity.

Licenses and/or Certificates

• CurrentVulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check

• ValidBC Driver’s license

• CleanDriver’s record