Speech Language Pathologist, Inpatient Adolescent Psychiatry - BC Children’s Hospital

Speech Language Pathologist, Inpatient Adolescent Psychiatry

BC Children’s Hospital

Vancouver, BC

The Speech-Language Pathologist provides a range of clinical services that focus on promoting communication, language and speech and that contribute to a client/patient’s overall cognitive, physical, social and emotional well being.  The Speech-Language Pathologist supports the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of children within their specified program or programs. 

Working collaboratively as part of an inter-professional team within an evidence based Trauma Informed model of care , the Speech-Language Pathologist uses level knowledge of child development, diagnostic and therapeutic principles, disorders of development, cognition and mental health, in combination with advanced clinical reasoning and best practice to provide evidence-based therapeutic, clinical, diagnostic, and preventative services to develop functional solutions for the day-to-day issues in the lives of clients/patients and their various environments. In addition, the Speech-Language Pathologist provides information, develops educational materials and resources for children and families, participates in research/evidence-based practice activities and in ongoing quality improvement and risk management initiatives/projects.  Services may be provided across a continuum of care either onsite or on outreach in communities throughout the province.

What you’ll do

• Provide assessment, diagnostic and intervention services to children/adolescents with psychiatric disorders in a tertiary child and adolescent setting, using advanced level clinical skills and knowledge in the specified program area and within the full range of communication and swallowing disorders (as required). Utilizes processes such as the administration and interpretation of standardized assessment tools, detailed history taking, informal observation/evaluation procedures and consultation with other professionals to ensure consideration of additional factors (e.g. cognitive factors, mental health, medical status, environmental influences) that may affect assessment, subsequent diagnosis and recommendations for treatment.
• Provide counselling and psycho-education to families and other relevant caregivers to understand the nature, treatment and prognosis of the specific speech and language diagnoses and the relationship of these diagnoses to the individual’s developmental, cognitive and/or mental health presentation/profile.
• Provide clinical leadership within the specified clinical area, speech and language pathology discipline, and in partnership with community services, demonstrated by initiating and participating in activities such as evaluating and developing clinical treatment practices, guidelines and protocols and promoting excellence in practice and treatment team in partnership with the Program Director and/or Professional Practice Lead
• Take leadership in program planning, identifies, promotes and leads program and discipline specific development and planning strategies in collaboration with the Program Leadership to enhance system processes and resources for patients. Attends and contributes to ongoing discipline/program and quality improvement, risk management activities as required.
• Develop orientation and mentorship structures for new and Grade 1 employees, provides clinical supervision and case discussion, initiates and supports the development and completion of learning plans for Grade 1 and new staff in collaboration with the Program Manager/Director and PPL. Identifies and initiates learning opportunities, role development and support requirements in collaboration with other team members, Program Director and Professional Practice Leader.

What you bring

Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

• Masters degree in speech-language pathology from an approved academic program by the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
• Three (3) years recent, related experience in child and adolescent mental health, child development and rehabilitation.
• Documented evidence of post graduate education in the specified program area/areas.
• Documented learning related to professional development and leadership/personal development.
• Evidence of current advanced competency in child and adolescent mental health as defined by the current competency requirements of the program patient population.
• Current full registration as a Speech Language Pathologist with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC.
• Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the historic and ongoing impacts of settler colonialism and systemic racism on Indigenous Peoples within social and health contexts. This includes understanding how these factors contribute to current health disparities and barriers to care. Show a clear commitment to identifying, challenging, and eradicating Indigenous-specific racism and all forms of discrimination impacting equity-deserving groups within healthcare settings. This involves recognizing personal biases, institutional barriers, engaging in anti-racism education and training and advocating for systemic change.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of legislative obligations and provincial commitments within BCCH contexts found in the foundational documents including Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, BC Human Rights Code, Anti-racism Data Act and how they intersect across the health care system.
  

Core Competencies

• Brings an understanding of the Indigenous specific racism and the broader systemic racism that exists in the colonial health care structure, and has demonstrated leadership in breaking down barriers and ensuring an environment of belonging. Embed Indigenous Cultural Safety and Humility into all aspects of work. This means creating an environment where Indigenous patients feel respected, valued, and understood. Foster trust through respectful communication, active listening, and honoring equity-deserving people's perspectives on health and wellness. Commit to ongoing education and training on Indigenous health issues, cultural safety, and DEI principles. Participate in workshops, cultural immersion experiences, and continuous professional development to stay informed and responsive to equity-deserving groups. Provide patient-centred care that respects Indigenous ways of knowing and healing, respects BIPOC experiences and world views ensuring that care plans are culturally relevant and holistic.
• Knowledge of social, economic, political and historical realities of settler colonialism on Indigenous Peoples and familiarity with addressing Indigenous-specific anti-racism, anti-racism and Indigenous Cultural Safety and foundational documents and legislative commitments (The Declaration Act, the Declaration Action Plan, TRC, IPS, Remembering Keegan, etc.).

Skills and Abilities

• In depth specific knowledge and experience in specific areas of clinical practice related to child and adolescent mental health
• Demonstrated experience in multiple clinical areas and an ability to apply this knowledge across clinical populations.
• Demonstrated leadership ability within own professional group and in an inter-professional capacity
• Experience of working collaboratively and a proven record of successfully working within an inter-professional team environment.
• Broad knowledge of trauma informed Care and attachment theory.

• Demonstrates a commitment to beginning and continuing their personal learning journey related to Indigenous-specific racism and dismantling systems of oppression, as well as addressing racism more broadly. Shows willingness to articulate and share their learning experiences to contribute to a culture of motivation and inspiration among peers.
• Demonstrates foundational knowledge of the social, economic, and political realities of settler-colonialism and its impacts on Indigenous peoples and equity-deserving groups within social and health contexts. Understands the impact of social determinants of health-on-health outcomes. Shows a commitment to learning about and upholding legislative obligations and provincial commitments outlined in foundational documents such as the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan, Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study, the BC Human Rights Code, Anti-Racism Data Act, and the Distinctions Based Approach.

What we bring

Every PHSA employee enables the best possible patient care for our patients and their families. Whether you are providing direct care, conducting research, or making it possible for others to do their work, you impact the lives of British Columbians today and in the future. That’s why we’re focused on your care too – offering health, wellness, development programs to support you – at work and at home.

• Join one of BC’s largest employers with province-wide programs, services and operations – offering vast opportunities for growth, development, and recognition programs that honour the commitment and contribution of all employees.
• Access to professional development opportunities through our in-house training programs, including +2,000 courses, such as our San’yas Indigenous Cultural Safety Training course, or Core Linx for Leadership roles.
• Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including municipal pension plan, and psychological health & safety programs and holistic wellness resources.
• Annual statutory holidays (13) with generous vacation entitlement and accruement.
• PHSA is a remote work friendly employer, welcoming flexible work options to support our people (eligibility may vary, depending on position).
• Access to WorkPerks, a premium discount program offering a wide range of local and national discounts on electronics, entertainment, dining, travel, wellness, apparel, and more.

Job Type: Regular, Part-Time (0.80 FTE)
Wage: $42.27 – 52.81/hour

Location: 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC, V6H 2N9
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Hours of Work: Tuesday – Friday; 0830-1630
Requisition # 186310E

What we do

BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) provides care for the most seriously ill or injured children and youth from across British Columbia.

BCCH is part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) plans, manages and evaluates specialized health services with the BC health authorities to provide equitable and cost-effective health care for people throughout the province. Our values reflect our commitment to excellence and include: Respect people – Be compassionate – Dare to innovate – Cultivate partnerships – Serve with purpose.

Learn more about PHSA and our programs: jobs.phsa.ca/programs-and-services

PHSA and BCCH are committed to employment equity, encouraging all qualified individuals to apply. We recognize that our ability to provide the best care for our diverse patient populations relies on a rich diversity of skills, knowledge, background and experience, and value a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment.

One of PHSA’s North Star priorities is to eradicate Indigenous-specific racism, which includes ongoing commitments to Indigenous recruitment and employee experience as well as dismantling barriers to health care employment at every level. We welcome Indigenous individuals to apply and/or contact the Sanya’k̓ula Team (Indigenous Recruitment & Employee Experience) for support at indigenous.employment@phsa.ca.

Indigenous-specific anti-racism initiatives are rooted in addressing the unique forms of discrimination, historical and ongoing injustices, and exclusion faced by Indigenous peoples. These initiatives align with an Indigenous rights-based approach, recognizing the inherent rights and title of BC First Nations and self-determination of all First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. PHSA is mandated to uphold legislative obligations and provincial commitments found in the foundational documents including the Truth & Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action (2015), In Plain Sight (2020), BC's Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (2019), United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), Reclaiming Power and Place Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Girls Calls for Justice (2019), the Declaration Act Action Plan and Remembering Keegan: A First Nations Case Study.

Attention current employees of PHSA: 

You must apply via your internal profile at http://internaljobs.phsa.ca.

The internal job posting expires on July 19, 2025 and will no longer be accessible. If the internal job posting has expired, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with the six-digit job requisition number and your PHSA employee ID number to be considered as a late internal applicant. Please do not apply for the external job posting.

If you have not yet set up an internal profile, please e-mail internaljobshelpu@phsa.ca with your PHSA employee ID number to obtain your temporary password. Our business hours are Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm, excluding Statutory Holidays and a Help Desk Representative will respond to you with 1-2 business days.  

If you are not a current employee of PHSA and require assistance with your application, please contact the External Careers team at careers@phsa.ca.