Speech-Language Pathologist (AAC & Adult Communication Specialist)

Location:

Nogales, AZ (Home-based and/or Santa Cruz Training Center)

Schedule:

Flexible (1–2 sessions per week; hours negotiable)

Compensation:

Competitive hourly rate based on experience

About the Position

We are seeking an experienced Speech-Language Pathologist to provide individualized speech-language services for a 21-year-old young adult with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Moderate Intellectual Disability, and complex communication needs. This position is designed to continue the communication, AAC, and functional language goals he developed through his school transition program as he enters adult services. Services may be provided in the family's home, at the Santa Cruz Training Center, or a combination of both, depending on provider preference and scheduling.

About The Client

He is an engaging, social young man who enjoys meeting people, talking about sports, animals, music, and his family. He communicates verbally using single words and short phrases, but his speech can be difficult for unfamiliar listeners to understand. He also uses an AAC device (TouchChat on an iPad) to supplement communication.

He benefits from:

• Visual supports
• Consistent routines
• Extra processing time (10–15 seconds)
• One-step directions
• Positive reinforcement
• Patient communication partners who model and encourage AAC use across natural environments.

Primary Responsibilities

• Continue and expand the client’s functional communication goals following graduation.
• Support effective use of his TouchChat AAC system across home and community environments.
• Increase intelligibility of verbal speech while encouraging multimodal communication.
• Develop communication strategies that improve independence during daily living activities.
• Improve conversational skills, including initiating conversations, responding appropriately, asking questions, and maintaining social interactions.
• Support cognitive-communication skills, including attention, memory, executive functioning, problem-solving, and processing speed as they relate to communication.
• Teach functional communication routines used during community outings, day program activities, volunteering, and future employment opportunities.
• Collaborate with family members and Santa Cruz Training Center staff to ensure communication strategies are consistently implemented throughout the day.
• Provide caregiver coaching and training to promote carryover outside of therapy sessions.
• Modify and update AAC vocabulary to reflect his daily routines, interests, and communication needs.
• Document progress and provide recommendations for ongoing services.

Desired Experience

• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Moderate or Severe Intellectual Disabilities
• AAC systems (TouchChat experience preferred)
• Cognitive-communication disorders
• Adult transition-aged individuals (18–26)
• Functional communication
• Community-based therapy
• Neurogenic communication disorders
• Motor speech disorders
• Social communication disorders

Experience collaborating with occupational therapists, physical therapists, behavioral staff, families, and adult day programs is highly preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Current Arizona SLP license
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) preferred