Speech Language Pathologist

Competition 2428

This position is part of the Association of the Academic Staff of the University of Alberta (AASUA).

In accordance with the Temporary Librarian, Administrative and Professional Staff Agreement, this position has a comprehensive benefits package and an annual salary range of $67,731 to $112,811. This position has an initial appointment of 1 year.

Location - This role is in-person at North Campus Edmonton.

Working at the University of Alberta

The University of Alberta acknowledges that we are located on Treaty 6 territory, and respects the histories, languages and cultures of First Nations, Métis, Inuit and all FirstPeoples of Canada, whose presence continues to enrich our vibrant community.

The University of Alberta is a community of knowledge seekers, change makers and world shapers who lead with purpose each and every day. We are home to over 14,000 faculty and staff, more than 40,000 students and a growing community of 300,000 alumni worldwide.

Your work will have a meaningful influence on a fascinating cross-section of people — from our students and community members, to our renowned researchers and innovators, making discoveries and generating solutions that make the world healthier, safer, stronger and more just. Learn more.

Working for the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine

The Institute for Stuttering Treatment and Research (ISTAR) is an organization that offers specialized treatment to children, teens and adults who stutter. In addition, we conduct research into stuttering, offer advanced professional training for speech-language pathology students and clinicians, and promote public awareness of stuttering and its treatment. Our clients range in age from 3 to 82, and come from all over the world.

With the main office located in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada and a satellite office located in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, ISTAR is an institute of the Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine at the University of Alberta, and is the only treatment and research facility of its kind in North America. We are committed to ensuring that people who stutter are aware of treatment options and that they have an opportunity to receive the treatment they need.

Position Summary

The primary purpose of the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) position is to provide assessment and treatment services to children, teens and adults with stuttering or other communication needs. The position will serve children, teens and adults who stutter and their families. Additionally, a portion of the caseload may be comprised of clients in ISTAR’s Communication Improvement Program (CIP) and consist of children, teens and adults seeking communication services in areas other than stuttering. The position will serve clients on-site at ISTAR or through virtual/remote service delivery. Off-site travel to provide communication services or workshops or participate in community and donor relation activities may be required.

Other duties may include assisting with research activities, training, and public education as assigned by the Clinical Director and/or the Executive Director.

Duties 

1. Assessment services to clients of ISTAR and CIP

• Schedule assessments to ensure timely client services and client flow
• Determine appropriate assessment modality (in-clinic or virtual care)
• Conducts initial and ongoing assessments to meet client needs
• Communicate with parents, administrative staff or school personnel to coordinate assessments as needed
• With consent, complete preliminary review of client files and correspond with referring clinician and/or teachers as appropriate
• Complete analysis of assessment results, upload collected audio/video samples, and complete recording protocol
• Generate appropriate recommendations, including: treatment options, funding options and referrals as needed
• Completes required documentation (i.e., reports, summaries) and shares it with the appropriate recipient (i.e., client, parent, teacher, etc) within an appropriate amount of time
• Complete follow-up with clients, families and involved personnel as needed

2. Treatment services to clients of ISTAR and CIP

• Develop appropriate treatment plan, gather and record necessary data to ensure treatment appropriateness and efficacy. Provide individually tailored treatment as needed for fluency or other communication goals in an extended, semi-intensive, or intensive format in the clinic or school, as appropriate
• Design functional and engaging treatment activities to be used during treatment sessions
• Plan school-based therapy activities in advance and communicate expectations for the preparation of materials needed for school-based remote sessions that are facilitated by support staff
• Provide suggestions for home practice and carry-over activities to promote generalization of skills to clients, family members, teachers and support personnel as needed
• Develop and share recommendations for classroom-based communication goals and activities and provide consultation to the client’s educational team
• Participate in coordinating ISTAR intensive and refresher clinics
• Prepare and maintain appropriate documentation of treatment progress (i.e., progress notes, treatment summaries)

3. Participate in the education and supervision of students and clinicians

• Provide consultation to community based SLPs to answer clinical questions and provide mentorship and training as appropriate
• Provide occasional guest lectures locally or as invited elsewhere
• Participate in supervising students completing clinical placements at ISTAR, including training, ongoing feedback, midterm and final evaluations and collaborate with student placement coordinators to address any potential concerns
• When appropriate, offer observation opportunities or consultation to students in speech pathology or related programs
• When appropriate, provide in-service training presentations or workshops to teachers or allied professionals

4. Participate in special projects

• Assist with equipment maintenance and calibration (i.e., audiometer calibration, counter maintenance)
• Maintain and update hard-copy and electronic clinical materials and resources
• Provide feedback regarding updates and changes to clinical forms and protocols
• As time and skills allow, participate in specific research, clinical or public education projects as requested
• Engage in donor relations, ISTAR, University of Alberta and other public awareness activities as requested

Minimum Qualifications

• Master degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• ACSLPA registration is required
• Experience with providing interventions to address communication difficulties
• Strong oral and written communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify speech sound difficulties by listening
• Strong problem solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills
• Demonstrates initiative and is a self-starter with strong organizational, prioritization, and self management skills
• Project and resource management skills
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a focus on stakeholder engagement, service documentation, and report writing
• Proven / demonstrated understanding of program planning, implementation, data collection, evaluation, assessment and dissemination
• Develops and/or maintains professional, positive, and collaborative working relationships with both internal / external clients and stakeholders at all organizational levels.

Preferred Qualifications 

• Specialized training in and experience with providing stuttering interventions (e.g., Palin PCI, Lidcombe Program, Comprehensive Stuttering Program, Camperdown) is an asset including other communication disorders
• Previous experience working within a school system is considered an asset
• Experience working within post secondary institutions considered an asset
• Prior experience at ISTAR may be considered an asset