Permanent Full-Time (1.0)
Please Note: If you are a current CHEO employee with access to Workday, please apply to this posting via the Workday application as an internal applicant using the Jobs Hub.
To successfully apply for this position, please submit your application by 11:59 pm the day before the advertised closing date in the posting to ensure your application is received.
Ottawa is built on un-ceded Algonquin Anishinaabe territory. The peoples of the Algonquin Anishinabek Nation have lived on this territory for millennia and we honour them and this land. Their culture and presence have nurtured and continue to nurture this land. CHEO also honours all First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples and their valuable past and present contributions to this land.
CHEO is one of the few stand-alone, global leaders in pediatric health and is home to more than 6,500 staff, clinicians, scientists and researchers, as well as volunteers – all of whom work together to help children and youth achieve their best lives. Within its own walls and through partnerships with community providers, CHEO has transformed from a 20th century acute care hospital into a 21st century integrated child and youth health system.
Ranked in the top 1% of Canadian hospitals for the digitization of its clinical infrastructure, CHEO combines excellence in clinical care, research, and education to advance seamless care that’s provided where, when, and how it is needed. CHEO’s Research Institute is dedicated to world-class clinical, translational, and basic science research covering a wide range of children’s health concerns. CHEO has been named Canada’s best health-care employer by Forbes in 2024, 2025 and 2026 and is ranked second among Canadian hospitals on its list of Canada’s Best Employers for multiple consecutive years. For the 14th consecutive year in a row, the editors of Canada’s Top 100 Employers has recognized CHEO as a top employer in the National Capital Region. Every year CHEO helps more than 500,000 children and youth from Eastern Ontario, western Quebec, Nunavut and Northern Ontario.
POSITION SUMMARY
The Communications Disorders Assistant (CDA) works under the direction of the Clinic for Augmentative Communication (CAC) speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists to support clients who use augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) for face-to-face and/or written communication. The CDA also assists in providing general AAC resources and support to families and community service providers.
LOCATION: THURSTON SITE
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
- Make communication boards/overlays and program voice output communication devices for client, as directed by CAC therapists.
- Dispense AAC equipment and provides training to clients, families and other facilitators, at home, school and/or clinic visits, as directed by CAC therapists.
- Support lease and purchase of equipment for CAC clients by obtaining vendor quotes and ordering equipment, preparing documentation and arranging for collection of funds, and liaising with the Assistive Devices Program (ADP) and Centralized Equipment Pool (CEP) as required.
- Assist therapist during assessments as needed.
- Collaborate with therapists to streamline and systematize caseload flow.
- Monitor and identify the need to order resources and clinical supplies.
- Perform other related duties as assigned by the manager
QUALIFICATIONS
- Vulnerable Sector Check (Essential)
- One year post-graduate Community College Communications Disorders Assistant Diploma (Essential)
- Knowledgeable regarding Guidelines for Supportive Personnel from the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO) (Essential)
- Minimum two (2) years of related, pediatric experience (Essential)
- Knowledge of current special needs technology and Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) (Preferred)
- Demonstrated ability to comprehensively use relevant computer technology (Preferred)
- Excellent communication skills in working with clients, families and team members. (Essential)
- Ability to work independently and as a team player (Essential)
- Process-oriented and excellent attention to detail (Essential)
- Good organizational skills (Essential)
- Bilingualism (English/French) (Essential)
*Please note you will be represented by the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU). Please note that this position will be based out of Ottawa. Please note that location may be subject to change at any time at the discretion of the employer. All OPSEU members shall be granted an interview upon passing the pre-screening. Pre-screening might include testing.
Effective March 29, 2021, CHEO will conduct a more comprehensive pre-screening and evaluation process. This process may include more varied and multidimensional testing such as a written test, practical exam, or other assessment. All candidates who meet the essential and preferred qualifications may be tested.
Bilingualism (French/English) will be validated by a language proficiency assessment conducted by a third party provider. Candidates will be required to meet the minimum linguistic profile prior to the date of hire.
Should you require accommodation during any phase in the recruitment process, please contact Human Resources at TalentAcquisition@cheo.on.ca. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential and will be handled in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.
CHEO is committed to providing a safe environment for staff, patients, and visitors. Consistent with that commitment, all applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to be considered for any staff or volunteer opportunities. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to receive their COVID-19 booster shots when eligible to protect against the spread of COVID-19. Upon hiring, presentation of government issued documentation confirming full vaccination must be provided, or presentation of supporting documentation of a valid medical contraindication or other reasonable consideration pursuant to the Ontario Human Rights Code.