• Expand your SLP skills while honouring First Nations culture
• Explore the Yukon while making a difference to the community
• Earn a competitive annual salary of $84,485 - $106,041 and comprehensive benefits! 

About the Yukon First Nation Education Directorate 

The Yukon First Nation Education Directorate (YFNED) is a beacon of transformative education, weaving a First Nations worldview with modern educational practices. 

 

Since its establishment in 2020 by the Chiefs Committee on Education, YFNED embodies a vision of "Unified control over First Nation education to empower our people in our ways of knowing and prepare our children to be active participants in the current world."

 

At the heart of YFNED is Jordan's Principle, ensuring children have immediate and equitable access to all public services, paired with culturally-rich education through initiatives like their Mobile Therapeutic Unit and Nutrition Program.

"Our children. Our education. Our way." is more than a statement—it's a pledge to ensure that our educational practices are led by First Nations culture and values, offering a sense of belonging and empowerment to Indigenous children in the Yukon. 

About the Opportunity

YFNED offers an exciting opportunity for a full-time Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) based in Whitehorse, YT, with options to be based out of other communities.

In this role, you will be responsible for delivering a full range of culturally appropriate speech and language services to Indigenous students in the Yukon facing communication challenges, including issues in language, speech, voice, fluency, or swallowing.

Your responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Conducting assessments, diagnoses, and treatments for speech, language, and communication issues
• Analyzing test results and recommending strategies for home and classroom integration
• Identifying and advocating for necessary speech and language program materials
• Providing culturally sensitive consultations to support families and children in need
• Educating and mentoring therapy assistants and other community health professionals
• Developing and coordinating comprehensive education on communication health
• Arranging travel clinics for underserved communities and coordinating follow-up care
• Representing YFNED in committees, health fairs, and meetings to promote First Nations education
• Building networks with First Nations and Indigenous organizations for collaborative support
• Enhancing YFNED's profile and public awareness through various forums
• Ensuring access to effective Speech-Language Pathology services for community wellbeing
• Identifying best practices for health services to support First Nations families
• Working occasionally in family homes or other locations families are comfortable with

More About You

To qualify, applicants must have a Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology with a minimum of two years' pediatric experience or an equivalent mix of education and relevant experience.

The following are also required:

• Registration or eligibility for registration with Speech-Language and Audiology Canada (SAC) [https://www.sac-oac.ca/]
• Possess a Valid Yukon Driver’s License & acceptable driver’s abstract (or the ability to operate on a license from your jurisdiction for the first 3 months and access an abstract from that jurisdiction)
• Ability to obtain an acceptable RCMP security check with vulnerable sector clearance (or an equivalent check from your local city or provincial police)

The following skills and experience will be strong assets:

• Broad clinical experience and knowledge of rehabilitation best practices
• An awareness of educational, cultural and social issues affecting Indigenous children and youth in the Yukon
• Proficient communication abilities with diverse groups, including school-aged children, their parents/guardians, knowledge keepers, other professionals and colleagues
• Demonstrated capacity for problem-solving and decision-making
• An understanding of First Nations cultures and history
• Strong computer literacy, especially in Microsoft Office applications
• Capability to learn and apply First Nations learning practices and history
• Skills in working within resource-limited settings and developing community therapy programs
• Creativity and adaptability in team environments and partnership development
• Willingness to travel in-community by vehicle & air, sometimes for periods of up to a month

As our ideal candidate, you exhibit strong interpersonal skills, cross-cultural sensitivity, and an innovative mindset. Your ability to empathetically communicate effectively and maintain confidentiality, coupled with a commitment to fostering partnerships, makes you a perfect fit for our team.

Note: Preference will be given to applicants who have First Nations ancestry.

About the Benefits

You will receive an annual salary of $84,485 - $106,041, negotiable dependent on experience, along with a great host of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive Benefits Plan: extended health care, dental, vision, life and long-term disability, etc.
• Competitive Registered Retirement Pension Plan with up to 5.5% employer matching
• Paid membership fees for professional associations
• Generous professional development and training opportunities, with employer-sponsored travel for out-of-territory conferences or training
• 3 weeks paid vacation leave, 3 weeks sick leave, 6 days special leave, and 5 days cultural leave in the first year
• Up to 2-week December holiday closure with pay (subject to the approval of the CCOE)
• Flexible work arrangements, with some provision to self-schedule
• Employer-covered employee assistance program
• Access to a fleet vehicle
• Support finding your home in the Yukon
• Snacks and drinks provided on-site and a dog-friendly main office
• Regular team bonding events, including paid ‘SACRED’ (staff on the land) and staff days, plus much more!

If you are interested in making a real difference in a supportive, healthy, and employee-centered workplace, apply today!