Speech Language Pathologist

Job Summary:

In accordance with the Mission, Vision and Values, and strategic directions of Provincial Health Services Authority patient safety is a priority and a responsibility shared by everyone at PHSA, and as such, the requirement to continuously improve quality and safety is inherent in all aspects of this position.
Speech-Language pathology services include communication and/or swallowing assessment, management, treatment and patient/family education for patients under the care of BC Cancer Agency. The Speech-Language Pathologist has experience in the care and treatment of cancer patients, including laryngectomy care/rehabilitation, and dysphagia and communication problems associated with cancer.
Works collaboratively within a cancer care team providing information and developing educational materials and resources; participates in research activities and in ongoing quality improvement and risk management programs. Services will be provided across a continuum of care either onsite or on outreach in communities throughout BC via videolink.

Duties/Accountabilities:

1. Performs screening, assessment and diagnosis for cancer patients with speech, language, voice and swallowing disorders such as dysphagia, including performance of VFSS.
2. Works closely with the BC Cancer Agency’s Registered Dietitians and other relevant team members to determine whether and what treatments are appropriate.
3. Provides recommendations based on clinical findings and diagnoses and communicates these findings through informal and formal interdisciplinary meeting structures, patient rounds and written documentation.
4. Provides appropriate speech language/swallowing services including: treatment, education and counseling of clients/family on swallowing, speech and language enhancement techniques.
5. Maintains detailed records and charting of the patient’s assessment, treatment plan, interventions, progress, discharge and related matters according to professional and facility standards.
6. Liaises with community agencies when appropriate in order to arrange follow-up services for patients.
7. Records relevant workload statistical data by entering information as required by the established system of the service.
8. In conjunction with the Provincial Director, Clinical Operations and Practice Leader, Oncology Nutrition, reviews SLP financial and statistical budget. Participates in program planning related to Speech Language Pathology to ensure efficient and effective delivery of services. Participates in quality assurance activities such as accreditation.
9. Instructs and supervises SLP students during clinical practicums. May provide consultation, instruction or inservices in Speech Language Pathology to medical, educational and other professional groups in allied disciplines. Provides shadowing or observational opportunities for dietetic interns.
10. Maintains knowledge of current developments in Speech Language Pathology by methods such as reviewing relevant journals, consulting with clinical and community experts, attending educational seminars, evaluating clinical practice and contributing to the improvement of patient care.
11. Responsible for care, use, and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
12. Evaluates equipment and submits annual request for replacement or upgrading.
13. Participates and collaborates on approved Speech Language Pathology research projects by providing input into the planning and formulation of the research question, collecting data, integration and interpretation of data and recommending and identifying implications of study findings for Speech Language Pathology practice.
14. Collaborates with other BC Cancer Agency’s Speech Language Pathologists and participates in special interest groups such as the BC Head and Neck Cancer Special Interest Group.
15. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience
- Masters Degree in Speech Language Pathology from a University program recognized by Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
- Eligible for certification with the Speech-Language & Audiology Canada
- Registered with the College of Speech and Hearing Health Professionals of BC (CSHHPBC)
- Certificate of advanced competency in Advanced Certificate I: Videofluoroscopic Assessment of Swallowing Disorders in Adults (CSHHPBC)
- Eligible for certification in Voice Restoration (Voice Prosthesis) or has the prerequisites for assessing and managing voice disorders and restoration using tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) techniques and prostheses
- Recent, related work experience with head and neck cancer patients. Recent and related work experience in a hospital, rehabilitation or outpatient setting.
Skills and Abilities
- Able to approach patients/families in a compassionate, professional manner.
- Able to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Able to develop working relationships with other healthcare professionals.
- Able to work collaboratively and effectively within an interprofessional environment.
- Able to determine and deal with urgent situations and use judgment when dealing with patients and families.
- Able to deal effectively with conflict and/or stressful situations.
- Able to organize workload, set priorities and timelines, and work independently.
- Able to research and review information in a systematic way, apply evidence based practice principles into clinical setting, and participate in program development.
- Able to conduct and interpret a video-fluoroscopy.
- Able to operate computer equipment and other related technology
- Able to travel as required by operational needs.
- Physically able to perform the duties of the job.