The Adult Recreation Therapy Centre (ARTC) is a community-based, integrated adult day program offering structured activities for individuals affected by conditions associated with aging such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, MS, cognitive impairment and other progressive disorders, who are residing within the community. ARTC is the lead agency for the HNHB Regional Aphasia programs and is responsible for offering aphasia support services to individuals in the Brantford-Brant, Haldimand and Norfolk areas.
The Aphasia Program at ARTC is a specialized service that follows a life participation approach, enhancing the communication skills and quality of life of people with aphasia. Conversation groups are intended to meet the need for social interaction, information, conversation, and support for people with aphasia and for their families and caregivers.
Job Summary: Reporting to the Aphasia Program Coordinator/Speech Language Pathologist, the casual/on-call Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) will be available for casual/on-call coverage as part of the Aphasia Program team along with a Social Worker and Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA). Providing assistance and support to staff, clients, and caregivers attending the Aphasia Program at ARTC.
ARTC is seeking applicants for the position of an On-Call/Casual Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) or Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA). This is an on-call/casual position, with no regular scheduled working hours. The successful applicant will be available for call-in and pre-arranged hours to cover staff within the Aphasia Program.
Responsibilities:
- Setup and take down for daily programs and activities
- Assist in facilitating conversation groups and related activities for clients with Aphasia, as delegated by SLP
- Assist clients and volunteers in using supported communication strategies and personalized communication aids
- Maintain client and volunteer attendance and records
- Be available to clients and caregivers, as a point of contact, referring to SLP and SW as appropriate
- Provide information and updates to clients attending as required
- Assist with skill building groups and computer activities
- Collaborate with ARTC staff to facilitate effective communication for clients
- Assist with client and program related special events as needed
- Participate in meetings, rounds, and discussion
Preferred Qualifications:
- Understanding of Aphasia and the impact on people affected by aphasia
- Knowledge of supported conversation techniques and group facilitation skills
- Resourcefulness and flexibility to meet the needs of the program and the demands of the position
- Ability to work independently, and confidently lead groups
- Ability to manage time effectively
- Be a positive role model as an employee and to present a positive and welcoming demeanor to clients, families, and staff
- Ability to exercise mature and professional judgement and maintain respectful and cooperative communication with staff, co-workers, clients and families
- Adhere to the mission of ARTC and the Aphasia Program
- Adhere to policies and procedures of ARTC and the Aphasia Program. Understand the philosophy of the HNHB Regional Aphasia Program
Additional Requirements:
- Be available to accept shifts and communicate effectively with staff
- Perform other duties as required
- Trained in Supported Conversation for Adults with Aphasia (SCA™) preferred
- Familiar with the Life Participation Approach to Aphasia (LPAA) preferred
- Experience in providing education, counselling and support to clients with aphasia and to their families an asset
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of and experience with group approaches, group dynamics, and adult learning principles
- Knowledge of community resources
- Current police check for the vulnerable sector
- CPR/First Aid level C certified
- Computer skills, including Microsoft Office Apps, Zoom, Electronic charting platform (an asset)
The ARTC is an equal opportunity employer, and we encourage applications from all qualified candidates. We offer accommodations for applicants if needed in all aspects of our selection process. If you are contacted about this job opportunity, please let us know prior to the interview if you require accommodations. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Job Type: Casual
Pay: $22.38-$24.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
