Communication Disorders Assistant

Are you a Communication Assistant and/or interested in supporting children and their families? Are you interested in working in a team environment with other professionals such as psychologists, pediatricians, occupational therapists, rehab assistants, dieticians, behaviour therapists, mental health counsellors, and others?

FIREFLY is a multi-service, non-profit organization and Children's Treatment Centre located in Northwestern Ontario. In November 2022, FIREFLY achieved "Exemplary Standing" with Accreditation Canada. We are dedicated to supporting and strengthening the health and well-being of families, children, and youth through emotional, physical, developmental, and community services. Clients can access FIREFLY service in a variety of locations: centre based, in community (fly-in and drive-in communities), in schools, pre-school and child care settings. FIREFLY offices are located throughout Northwestern Ontario, providing a unique opportunity to build strong relationships with children and families, local colleagues and community partners. FIREFLY delivers many of our services in partnership with local First Nation organizations and is committed to building cultural safety into all that we do.

For additional information on what it is like to work at FIREFLY please take a few moments to watch to following video: https://youtu.be/AmiSO4lP-j0

FIREFLY is seeking one (1) full-time Communication Assistant. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic multi-disciplinary team in the Indigenous communities surrounding the Kenora area through the FIREFLY partnership with Kenora Chiefs Advisory. The Communication Assistant will work collaboratively supporting the delivery of Speech-Language Pathology (SLP) services and are supervised by qualified SLPs.

Benefits of working at FIREFLY:

• Pension Plan (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan HOOPP).
• Professional development opportunities including access to educational websites and opportunity to attend trainings.
• Vacation entitlement starting at 4 weeks per year with a gradual increase after 3 years.
• Paid sick leave accrued monthly up to a maximum of 30 days.
• Additional paid days off: Wellness Days (3 total per fiscal year) and Community Service and Cultural Days (3 total per fiscal year).
• Option to work towards a self-funded leave (i.e. 4 over 5).
• Flexibility within the 35 hour workweek to meet the needs of the client and yourself. Opportunity to bank overtime to be used as additional vacation.
• Excellent benefit plan with coverage including health, dental, vision, travel, life insurance and critical illness with 100% of the premiums paid by FIREFLY.
• Short and long term disability coverage paid by employee.
• Ability to join, contribute, and learn from a multitude of committees that support your progressive attitude including neurodiversity, inclusion, ethics, family engagement, wellness, truth and reconciliation.
• A supportive team and great workplace culture.

Key Job Functions:

• Conduct client sessions in-person
• Assist in conducting hearing assessments
• Follow and administer documented treatment plans with clients developed by the SLP
• Provide program support including informal documentation and report writing
• Prepare resource and promotional materials for the use in therapy, home programs and classrooms
• Daily travel within the region is required to the surrounding Indigenous communities
• Perform other duties as required

Conditions of Employment:

• You want to work with children, youth and their families
• You want to share your skills, talents and hobbies with an amazing team and have ideas of how to incorporate them into bettering the service we provide to our clients.
• You know every child and youth has hidden strengths that you are craving to help expose and build.
• You value the concept of teamwork but you're able to work independently.
• You want to be a role model of the vision and values of the Agency: Heart, Reaching Beyond, Empowerment, Sharing & Playing, Accountability.
• You generally don't deal with a lot of conflict but when it arises you are able to mediate and problem solve.
• You have a valid driver's license.
• You have a clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen.
• You love the great outdoors and adventure.
  

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Diploma in Communication Disorders, Early Childhood Education, Health Sciences or related field is required
• Communication Disorders Assistant certification preferred.
• Experience working with children who experience a variety of challenges, including communication disorders
• Ability to work creatively with clients both individually and in group settings, in the home and school settings
• Understanding of the Anishinaabe culture, First Nation communities and language is a definite asset
• Demonstrated knowledge or mature experience in child development
• Sensitivity to the need of parents/caregivers and the unique needs of each community
• Computer literate with experience in written documentation
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team