Job details for:

Speech and Language Pathologist

Location: Kitchener, Ontario
Full-time, Permanent

Posted on: July 3, 2025   Closing: July 17, 2025

Sunbeam Developmental Resource Centre (SDRC) is the single point of access to developmental services for children in the Region of Waterloo. SDRC provides case management and clinical services to individuals with developmental disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders. SDRC also assists them and their caregivers in connecting with community services and supports. SDRC’s services are available to children and adults with developmental disabilities in Waterloo Region (www.sdrc.ca)

We are presently inviting applications for a permanent full-time Speech and Language Pathologist. The successful candidate will be required to work flexible hours Monday – Friday.  The successful candidates will be based out of our Kitchener location but required to travel throughout Waterloo Region.

As part of our Brightside ABA Services (https://brightsideabaservices.com/), the successful candidate will responsible for delivering speech and language assessment, consultation, and intervention services to individuals with developmental disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders. Working within a multidisciplinary team, the SLP will contribute to individualized planning and support in both community living and urgent response contexts. This role will primarily work to support those within the OAP Urgent Response Program and OAP Core Clinical Program using the mediator model to provide consultation rather than conduct standardized assessments or provide long term direct therapy.

Responsibilities:

• • Conduct comprehensive speech, language, communication, and swallowing assessments for children and adults with developmental disabilities and/or Autism Spectrum Disorders.
  • Develop individualized communication goals in collaboration with the individual, their family/caregivers, and other members of the clinical team.
  • Design and implement tailored intervention strategies that support functional communication across settings (home, day programs, supported living, school, etc.).
  • Support individuals with complex communication needs by identifying appropriate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) strategies and technologies (e.g., PECS, communication boards, speech-generating devices).
  • Train caregivers, support staff, and community partners on how to model and promote communication strategies effectively in daily routines.
  • Monitor and review communication programs to assess progress and adjust interventions as needed.
  • Advocate for communication accommodations and supports during transitions (e.g., school to adult services, residential changes).
  • Provide consultative support for swallowing and feeding concerns in collaboration with health care providers where appropriate.
  • Participate in interprofessional team meetings, care conferences, and program planning sessions.
  • Educate and build capacity within the developmental services sector through workshops, resource development, and in-service training sessions.
  • Support communication-related goals as part of person-directed planning and quality of life initiatives.
  • Respond to urgent referrals for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder experiencing high-risk or escalating behaviours that threaten their safety or the safety of others.
  • Conduct rapid communication assessments to support urgent stabilization planning.
  • Provide time-limited, targeted interventions to support immediate communication needs.
  • Collaborate with OAP service coordinators and other clinicians to develop urgent response plans.
  • Deliver training and strategies for caregivers to support communication needs during high-risk periods.
  • Participate in case conferences and contribute to multi-disciplinary crisis planning and review.

Qualifications

• • Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
  • Current registration and good standing with the College of Audiologists and Speech-Language Pathologists of Ontario (CASLPO).
  • Minimum 2 years of clinical experience, ideally with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or ASD.
  • Experience with AAC systems and communication supports in developmental service settings.
  • Previous experience in crisis response or time-limited intervention models (preferred for OAP Urgent Response role).
  • Strong knowledge of community resources and developmental service systems in Ontario.
  • Strong clinical assessment and intervention planning skills.
  • Excellent communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
  • Flexible and responsive to urgent needs in a fast-paced environment.
  • Proficient with electronic documentation and virtual service delivery platforms.
  • Commitment to culturally responsive and family-centered practices.
  • Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable vehicle (travel within Waterloo Region required).

 Please forward a resume and cover letter no later than Thursday, July 17, 2025.