Job title: Communicative Disorders Assistant
Program: Specialized Preschool Programs
Available Positions:
- Ottawa: 1x 0.8 FTE (30 hours/week), contract ending April 30, 2027; bilingualism preferred.
- Renfrew County: 1 x regular 1.0 FTE (37.5 hours/week); bilingualism preferred.
Pay scale: $33.509/hr to $39.422/hr
Reports to: Communicative Disorders Assistant Team Lead
Start Date: September-November 2026
Application Deadline: July 5th, 11:59PM
Benefits for regular positions include:
- 4 weeks vacation plus other leave entitlements
- Extended Group Health benefits
- Flexible Health & Wellness Spending Account
- Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
Benefits for contract position include:
- 4% vacation pay (in lieu of paid vacation)
- Two (2) Personal and Family Leave days
- Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan (HOOPP)
This position is an existing vacancy.
Who are we?
Pinecrest-Queensway Community Health Centre (PQCHC) is an innovative, community-based, multi-service organization that has been serving Ottawa communities for nearly 50 years. As the region's largest community health centre, PQCHC provides a broad range of health care, health promotion, and community support services to individuals and families across the lifespan. As the Lead Agency for the First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program of Ottawa and Renfrew County for nearly 30 years, PQCHC provides leadership and oversight for the delivery of publicly funded speech and language services as part of its comprehensive continuum of community-based care.
The First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program offers services to children from birth until school entry, promoting awareness, prevention, early identification, and early intervention for communication development. Services include intake and triage, speech and language assessments, and therapy delivered through both in-clinic and virtual care. The program also supports early childhood professionals and organizations throughout Ottawa and Renfrew County through consultation, education, and community outreach.
PQCHC works in partnership with individuals, families, and communities to help people achieve their full potential, with particular attention to those who face barriers to care due to race, gender, income, and ability. PQCHC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity in its workforce. If you require accommodation at any stage of the recruitment or selection process due to a disability, please let us know the nature of the accommodation required.
Job Summary
Working within the existing PQCHC structure, the Communicative Disorders Assistant (CDA) provides supervised clinical support for the First Words Preschool Speech and Language Program in accordance with professional standards, guidelines, and established protocols. The CDA also coordinates, develops, and facilitates community-based parent education and outreach initiatives to promote communication development, raise awareness, and support early identification of speech, language, and hearing concerns. This position includes some administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling and material preparation. In addition, the CDA may be required to support the Infant Hearing Program by conducting newborn hearing screenings based on program needs and service demand.
This position reports to the CDA Team Lead, who reports to the Manager of First Words and Blind Low Vision Programs.
Job Specific Responsibilities
Provided that the training, supervision, documentation and planning are appropriate, the following tasks may be designated by the supervising Speech Language Pathologist:
- Direct Client Service - First Words
- Provides direct treatment assistance to clients from birth to school entry who are identified by the supervising speech-language pathologist. Treatment could include individual therapy or group therapy, in clinic or through virtual care.
- Completes documentation in a timely manner.
- Follows documented treatment plans or protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- Collects and documents data on client progress toward meeting established objectives as stated in the treatment plan and report this information to the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- Assists the speech-language pathologist during assessment of clients, as needed.
- Conducts speech-language screenings (without interpretation) following specified screening protocols developed by the supervising speech-language pathologist.
- Participates in program quality improvement initiatives, evaluation, and team functions as required.
- Direct Client Service- Infant Hearing Program
Comprehensive on-the-job training will be provided to support success in this specialized role
- Conduct newborn hearing screening using Automated Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emissions (ADPOAE) and Automated Auditory Brainstem Response (AABR)
- Follow established protocols and maintain screening performance standards set by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS)
- Explain procedures, obtain informed consent, and share screening results with parents in a clear, sensitive, and professional manner
- Build rapport with families and respond to questions with patience and clarity
- Administration
- Assists with informal documentation, prepare materials and assist with other clerical duties as required, including contacting and scheduling clients for Speech Language Pathologist appointments.
- Maintain accurate documentation, electronic records, and referrals
- Organize and manage clinic space, equipment, and materials
- Perform other duties, as assigned, in accordance with professional standards and guidelines.
- Community Outreach
- May attend community events to promote PQCHC and its programs, including the First Words program and the importance of early intervention.
- Develops and facilitates community-based parent education to raise awareness and promote early identification as needed.
- May provide education to community service providers and caregivers to build capacity.
- Teamwork and Collaboration
- Participates with the speech-language pathologist in research projects, in-service training, and public relations programs.
- Attends and participates at team and general staff meetings as scheduled
- Maintains effective communication of information among internal and external partners.
- Works within established PQCHC policies and procedures.
Qualifications
- Communicative Disorders Assistant diploma or post-secondary program for speech and language assistants.
- Completed training provided through the Hanen Centre (preferred)
- Valid driver’s license or transportation plan.
- Minimum 2-3 years experience working with the preschool population and their families (preferred).
- Eligible for membership as a Communication Health Assistant Associate of Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC)
Key Competencies
- Demonstrated commitment to health equity, anti-oppressive practice, cultural humility, and client- and family-centred care.
- Demonstrated skills in behaviour management and group dynamics within treatment programs.
- Demonstrates knowledge of evidence-based practice in therapy
- Demonstrates cultural competency in caregiver coaching and family-centered care
- Ability to work independently, as well as in a team environment.
- Experience providing speech and language intervention through virtual care.
- Knowledge of Guidelines for Supportive Personnel from the College of Audiologists and Speech Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with adults and children.
- Demonstrates cultural competency in interactions with clients, families and other staff members.
- Proficiency in the use of computers and various software applications.
- Flexibility in adapting to changing treatment approaches, supervisors, work demands or schedules.
- Bilingualism (English/French) at a proficiency sufficient for complex professional communication is preferred
