With 53 schools, over 25,000 students and more than 4,500 employees, the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board (SMCDSB) is an education community bound together by our beliefs. Our facilities are located in some of the most beautiful natural settings in the province. Our Board encompasses a large and dynamic mixture of urban centers, small towns and rural areas throughout Central Ontario. We offer excellent programs, resources and supports so that students are provided with every opportunity to reach their future goals and aspirations. At this time of reconciliation through education, we are committed to meaningful and respectful relationships as we live, work, learn, play and pray together on this traditional territory.
Speech-Language Assistant Supporting Students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit Ancestry
This role is supported through the Board Action Plan. This funding is allocated by the Ministry of Education to support the academic success and wellbeing of First Nations, Métis and Inuit students, and build the knowledge of all students and educators on First Nation, Métis and Inuit histories, cultures, perspectives, and contributions.
Open To: Open Competition
Job Location: Academic Services, 345 Livingstone Street East, Barrie
Position Type / Hours: Full Time, Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm, 35 hours weekly Starting September 2, 2026 until June 30, 2027
Annual Compensation: 10 Month Salary Grid Level 4 - $53,261 to $65,391 Commensurate with education, skills and experience.
Under the guidance of the Senior Psychologist and the supervision of the Speech-Language Pathologist, the Speech- Language Assistant plays a vital and culturally responsive role in supporting students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry facing articulation, language, and literacy challenges that impact learning and social interactions. This role involves independently delivering targeted, culturally responsive treatment to students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry with identified communication needs and literacy impairments. Additionally, the Speech-Language Assistant conducts screenings for articulation, voice quality, and fluency disorders in collaboration with the Speech-Language Pathologist supporting students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry. By closely monitoring student progress and collaborating with the Speech-Language Pathologist supporting students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry, the Speech-Language Assistant plays a crucial role in fostering the success of students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry within the Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board.
Specific duties and responsibilities include:
- Provide direct speech-language intervention with weekly in-person therapy sessions focusing on language, literacy, articulation and communication as outlined by the Speech-Language Pathologist
- Develop individualized therapy/session plans, materials and visuals for use during therapy sessions, in the classroom, or at home to support student progress
- Collaborate with the Speech-Language Pathologist supporting students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry, classroom teachers, educational assistants, and families to implement augmentative and alternative communication tools and strategies, enhancing communication access and engagement for students with complex communication needs
- Write detailed notes for each session and document student progress
- Maintaining clinical files using school board software to ensure accountability, comply with the college of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASPLO)
- Administer individualized screenings for articulation, fluency and voice difficulties for kindergarten students
- Demonstrate targeted goals for students, contribute to student progress reports shared with Special Education Resources
- Contribute to the Speech-Language team’s internal capacity by sharing culturally affirming speech-language practices to support students of First Nation, Métis and Inuit ancestry.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
The successful candidate will bring the following skills and experiences to the role:
- Undergraduate Degree and Communication Disorders Assistant Certificate or related field
- Up to 3 years experience as a Communication Disorders Assistant preferred
- Has a Communicative Disorders Assistant Certificate
- Demonstrated experience working with First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities and youth in the field of Speech-Language pathology
- Knowledge of the language structures, oral traditions, and communication patterns common to students of First Nation, Métis, and Inuit ancestry
- Knowledge of the Ministry of Education’s commitment to reconciliation with First Nation, Métis and Inuit people
- Fundamental knowledge of standardized assessments and screening tools used in speech-language pathology
- Proficiency in implementing therapeutic techniques to address speech and language disorders in school- age children
- Proficiency in using clinical record-keeping software for documentation and reporting, as well as basic assistive technology and software
- Understanding of regulations such as the Speech-Language Pathology Act, Regulated Health Care Professionals Act, and the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPPA)
- Flexible and adaptable to modified intervention techniques, and adjusting therapeutic approaches
- Strong interpersonal skills for collaborating with an multi-disciplinary team, as well as relating and empathizing with students and their families
- Strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information clearly and build rapport with students, educators and families
- Ability to identify challenges and collaborate with other clinicians to develop creative solutions
- The ability to provide reliable transportation across the school district
Interested candidates must forward, in confidence, a cover letter, resume and supporting documentation by Thursday, July 30th at 4:00pm
Accessibility accommodations are available for all parts of the recruitment process upon request.
Only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
As a condition of employment, new employees to SMCDSB are required, by legislation, to submit a satisfactory Criminal Background Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening.
The Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board is deeply committed to promoting Reconciliation through Education, Human Rights, Equity and Anti-Racism, and the elimination of Oppressive Practices, in our schools, our workplace and in the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from all individuals including those with varied lived experiences that can contribute to the diversification of the workforce at the SMCDSB.
THE BOARD IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Pay: $53,261.00-$65,391.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental care
- Employee assistance program
- Extended health care
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
