Speech Language Pathologist

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

SHIFT: 21 hours per week (day shift with potential evenings) 

LOCATION: Oradell, NJ (travel to Wayne, Paramus, and Hackensack, NJ)

PRIMARY FUNCTION: The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will serve as a member of the interdisciplinary habilitation teams within North Jersey Friendship House's Day Habilitation programs for adults with developmental disabilities. The SLP will conduct speech, language, communication, and swallowing evaluations and provide appropriate intervention services within their scope of practice to support functional communication, social participation, safety, and independence. This position requires travel to multiple NJFH program locations.

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: Although each position has its own unique duties and responsibilities, the following listing applies to every employee of North Jersey Friendship House, Inc.:

• Works toward the accomplishment of department/Agency goals
• Maintains confidentiality and immediately reports to management breaches in confidentiality
• Observes and maintains appropriate professional boundaries with members, co-workers and supervisors
• Attends all scheduled meetings as assigned
• Meets relevant continuing educational/training requirements
• Completes all required documentation/paperwork accurately and within established time frames

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Coordination of Services:

• Partner with Support Coordinators and caregivers to facilitate timely initiation of speech-language services for new referrals including, requesting physician orders, ISP authorizations and related approvals prior to service delivery.
• Ensure services are delivered within the authorized allotment of units as listed on the member's ISP.

2. Comprehensive Assessment:

• Conduct thorough and standardized assessments to identify speech, language, and communication disorders
• Utilize validated assessment tools and techniques to gather data, analyze results, and formulate accurate diagnoses.
• Collaborate with other healthcare professionals and caregivers to obtain a holistic understanding of clients' needs and challenges.

3. Individualized Treatment Planning and Implementation:

• Develop individualized treatment plans that align with evidence-based practices and best-in-class standards.
• Design and implement targeted individual and group therapy sessions aimed at improving articulation, language comprehension, expression, fluency, voice production, social skills, adaptive strategies and quality of life.
• Employ innovative and proven therapeutic techniques to address the unique communication goals and abilities of each member.
• Support the use of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, visual supports, and adaptive communication tools as appropriate.

4. Progress Tracking and Documentation:

• Monitor members' progress systematically through ongoing assessment, adjusting treatment plans as necessary to achieve optimal outcomes.
• Maintain accurate and detailed records of assessments, treatment plans, session notes, and progress reports, ensuring compliance with regulatory and ethical guidelines and within the required timeframe.

5. Collaborative Care and Education:

• Collaborate seamlessly with interdisciplinary teams and caregivers to ensure holistic care.
• Educate members, families and caregivers on strategies to enhance communication and integrate therapy techniques into daily routines.
• Provide consultation and training to direct support professionals and program staff on communication strategies, cueing techniques, and environmental modifications.

6. Ethical and Professional Standards:

• Adhere to the Code of Ethics and Scope of Practice for Speech-Language Pathologists as outlined by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.
• Current New Jersey Speech-Language Pathologist license.
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or eligibility with a plan to obtain.
• Experience working with adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities preferred.
• Experience with Day Habilitation, DDD-funded services, or community-based programs preferred.
• Knowledge of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems and functional communication interventions preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and documentation skills.
• Ability to document within an Electronic Medical Record
• Ability to work independently
• Valid Driver's License to be able to travel between multiple NJFH program locations.

Work Environment and Physical Demands

• Services are provided in Day Habilitation program settings. The position requires mobility between program sites, active engagement with program participants, and collaboration with interdisciplinary team members. Physical demands may include assisting participants in accordance with established safety protocols.

North Jersey Friendship House is an Equal Opportunity Employer.