Employment Opportunities - 2 Job Postings

2. Augmentative and Alternative Communication Facilitator

Job Type: Full-time

Location: Toronto/GTA, ON (In-person role)

Deadline: March 31, 2024

Overview

The Ontario Federation of Cerebral Palsy (OFCP) is seeking a dynamic and compassionate individual to fill the role of Augmentative and Alternative Communication Facilitator. This position plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with Cerebral Palsy, their service providers and their support network to build and enhance their augmentative and alternative communication abilities. The successful candidate will work closely with members, families, and relevant stakeholders to facilitate access to effective communication tools and techniques.

The role of an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) Facilitator is to facilitate successful interactions with and for the AAC user with the objective of maximizing the user’s opportunity to have positive and valuable interactions. This, in turn, should add to and encourage their autonomy and their capacity to achieve their best possible life in society. More generally, the AAC Facilitator will assist in providing solutions and strategies that support the above objective.

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Support and facilitate the communication needs of a variety of AAC users in order to address their daily and complex communication requirements.
• Assist in interpreting and clarifying messages conveyed either directly from the user or indirectly through AAC devices, both in daily and more complex interactions (e.g., doctor’s appointments).Accompany AAC users to appointments, as needed, including to but not limited to, medical/dental appointments, hospital visits, seating/ home supports/ equipment procurement and fittings (e.g., for AAC devices) and social service appointments.
• Help AAC users to understand and maximize their communication potential by ensuring that their equipment (e.g., speech-generating devices, tablets, word boards etc.) are well maintained, updated to include relevant vocabulary, and available to the user.
• Explain to and encourage support staff (e.g. Personal Support Workers or Developmental Service Workers) of the importance of ensuring that the AAC user has access to their fully functional communication tools/methods at all times.
• Assist the AAC user in assessing and updating the vocabulary on their speech-generating device and word board as required.
• Help with obtaining information on and referrals for a variety of services (e.g., applications for supportive housing, required health care appointments, health card renewals and other forms of documentation, access to police services, community members, justice services, and educational and social opportunities).
• Work to identify and minimize the communication barriers for AAC users, including providing guidance and information to the user on how to communicate more effectively 
• Identify environmental factors that can potentially support or detract from the AAC user’s ability to communicate as effectively as possible (e.g., ensuring appropriate seating for their speech-generating device and operating switch)
• Interact/trouble shoot with family members, community members and support personnel as required, with a focus to encourage healthy, interactive and open communication for positive and functional relationships

Education And Work Experience

A valid driver’s license (have the ability to travel to offsite meetings where your facilitation skills will be required)

Accompany AAC users on Wheeltrans if requested and appropriate

A relevant college or university diploma, such as Communication Disorders Assistant or Developmental Service Worker. Relevant work experience will also be considered in the acquisition of useful knowledge and skills. 

Familiarity with and comfort in using high-tech methods of communication (e.g., speech-generating devices) and low-tech devices (e.g., word and picture boards)

Experience in working with persons with disabilities, particularly people with speech impairment. Previous experience working with clients with AAC would be an asset.

Preferred, but not essential at hire, First Aid, CPR and Crisis Intervention training 

Skills

A genuine interest in assisting AAC users with their vocational, educational, emotional and recreational interactions and overall connections in society.

Ability to analyze AAC users relevant skills, strengths, limitations and needs.

Excellent listening skills.

Strong verbal and writing communication skills, including the ability to assimilate the information provided by the AAC users, analyze and then respond appropriately either directly to the user or to a third party on the user’s behalf.

An ability to be patient and want to help people with complex communication needs.

Ability to assimilate, record and communicate information provided by an AAC user in an objective and unbiased manner.

Ability to work independently, as well as work with others, including professional specialists, such as communication Clinics, not-for-profit and government organizations.

Ability to acquire, maintain and troubleshoot operational skills for speech-generating devices to a variety of ACC users.

Respect for the rights of all clients at all times, including the right to privacy and confidentiality.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume by March 31, 2024 to info@ofcp.ca

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits: Extended health care, RRSP contributions, Paid time off

Work Location: Community based. Head Office is Toronto, ON M2P 2A9

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, or responsibilities associated with the role.