Purpose
This job reports to the Manager, Health Science Services, and on a day-to-day basis, works under the direction of the Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP), Occupational Therapist (OT) and/or Physical Therapist (PT). The purpose of this job is to assist the therapists in providing support to children and students in the Calgary Board of Education (CBE).
Accountability
This job is accountable for:
- Supporting the therapist, as directed, in observing, identifying, and assessing the needs of students.
- Providing intervention, as developed by the SLP, OT and/or PT, to individuals or groups of children.
- Displaying and promoting a professional working relationship within a multidisciplinary team.
- Maintaining a patient, supportive and enthusiastic commitment to children.
- Effectively planning and performing work in timely and efficient ways, following a systematic approach, and directed toward specific outcomes.
- Appropriate, clear, and concise oral and written communication.
Major responsibilities
I. Clinical Support Activities
Under the direction of the SLP, OT, and/or PT:
- Interacts with children in the classroom to gather information and assist the therapist with observation, identification, and assessment.
- Selects, prepares for and implements intervention activities for individuals, groups, and/or classrooms, as directed by the SLP, OT and/or PT.
- Models strategies and supports for the teacher and student.
- Documents progress and shares observation and client information with the SLP, OT and/or PT.
- Communicates with multidisciplinary team members in order to support children’s needs
- Administers hearing screenings as directed by the SLP.
In conjunction with the SLP, OT and/or PT:
- Participates in discussions and team meetings regarding child progress with CBE personnel and other professionals as appropriate and/or required.
- Provides input into planning and reviewing individual children's program plans as appropriate and/or required.
- Demonstrates and communicates intervention activities and child progress to parents and teachers within a framework established by the SLP, OT and/or PT.
Il. Program Support Activities
- Prepares materials to be used in intervention.
- Under the direction of the Supervisor or delegate, orders or purchases supplies, materials and/or equipment for the therapy team.
- Maintains an inventory of supplies and/or equipment.
- Completes clerical tasks (e.g., filing, photocopying, and laminating).
- Records and maintains workload and other statistical data.
- Assists the therapists in preparing and delivering in-service events.
- Attends staff meetings and training sessions as provided.
- Performs other related responsibilities as assigned to meet the purpose and accountabilities of the role.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Diploma in a recognized Therapy Assistant or Rehabilitation Therapy Assistant program.
- Three (3) years of directly related pediatric experience is an asset. An equivalent combination of a directly related post-secondary degree and directly related experience may be considered.
Demonstrated Skills and Competencies
- Understanding of early childhood development and developmentally appropriate practice with young children.
- An awareness and/or belief in the value of an integrated multidisciplinary approach to assessment and intervention, as it relates to development.
- Maintaining a strict level of confidentiality pertaining to CBE issues and matters.
- Able to work effectively as a team member in cooperation with school personnel, multidisciplinary team members, parents/guardians, instructional resource personnel, and children.
- Able to establish trust and rapport with children.
- Flexibility to undertake a variety of assignments.
- Good organizational and time management skills.
- Able to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Commitment to life-long learning.
- Exceptional and clear oral English language skills.
- Personal suitability.
Note:
- This job requires lifting and carrying demands that require the ability to bend at the waist, stoop, and twist frequently, the ability to lift between 10 to 50 lbs, the ability to carry, push and pull between 10 to 50 lbs, and the ability to stand, walk and sit frequently.
- The incumbent may be subject to challenging behaviours of students.
- This job requires personal transportation to conduct job responsibilities.
