The Speech and Language Pathologist will work as part of the Student Services team in supporting diverse learners' access to meaningful and effective learning opportunities. This is accomplished through coordinating support, materials and services as well as building staff capacity. This position works closely with Student Services, Learning Services and other MESC central office branches to ensure the vision and mission of MESC are realized within the school communities. The Speech and Language Pathologist is also responsible for providing regular updates to the Inclusive Services Coordinator on all areas of responsibility.

The Speech and Language Pathologist will have specific responsibilities for:

1. Build staff capacity around supporting the developmental needs of children
2. Maintains a high level of knowledge regarding current and developing best practices in the field of speech and language pathology as well as inclusive practices from a Nehiyaw lens.
3. Provides universal, targeted and individualized support and services around communication as a member of the Student Services team
4. Supports the Child and Family Centered approach to the delivery of services that views the whole family including the child as the focus
5. Engages parents as active partners at home and in planning and decision-making
6. Provides a flexible approach to service delivery adjusting to the diverse and changing needs of the child and family
7. Provides consultative supports and services that promote academic and social inclusion
8. Supports and develops a strength-based model of services
9. Delivers specialized services that include: screening and assessing for articulation, language, and communication delays or disorders, creating consultation notes and advising on programming
10. Assist families and school staff in accessing and utilizing Augmented and Assistive Communication devices that meet the needs of individual students.
11. Provide staff training in a variety of contexts for increased language development of students
12. Provide program and session guidance to school-based Speech and Language Pathologist assistants
13. Promotes engagement and participation in literacy and numeracy by reducing barriers to learning
14. Delivers services to several schools within MESC running from headstart to preparation for graduation
15. Participate in a variety of Inclusive Education initiatives
16. Completes other tasks as assigned by direct supervisor or Director of Student Services.

Assessment, Caseload and Record Management

1. 1. Triage referrals and caseload management in collaboration with other Student Services staff
   2. Maintain an inventory of materials, assessments, and supplies including AAC devices and software
   3. Assist in the creation, design and implementation of school Speech and Language Assistant rooms/spaces
   4. Maintain appropriate, confidential records, and provide timely reports
   5. Meet with school teams in structured debriefing and multidisciplinary meetings in addition to caseload consultation
   6. Complete requested screenings and assessments such as CELF or PLS surveys and collaborate with other professionals in referrals for additional specialized services and assessments
   7. Use district protocols for properly administering, storing and distributing caseload consultation reports and records.
   8. Assist families and other Student Services staff in completing paperwork for grants, funding requests or other assistive resources/supports for students with identified communication needs
   9. Communicate with supervisor on a regular and timely basis
   10. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor

Qualifications

• Masters Degree in Speech and Language Pathology
• Registered with the Alberta College of Speech-Language Pathologist
• Experience in working in a school setting is preferred

Working Conditions

• Interacts with students, teachers, administration, family members, visitors, government agencies and personnel under all circumstances.
• Intermittent physical activity including walking, standing, sitting, lifting, and supporting children.
• Manual dexterity is required to use a desktop computer and peripherals.
• Expected to work outside of regular work hours as required.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent organizational and management skills.
• Clean criminal background check including vulnerable sector clearance.
• Knowledge of Cree culture and language.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire and encourage other staff and professionals.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High levels of patience and energy.
• Broad knowledge of child development and supportive strategies.
• Excellent problem-solving skills.
• High level of attention to confidentiality.