Speech Therapist

Speech Therapist

Location: Merrillville, IN Job Type: Full-Time Shift: 1st

Job Summary: As a Speech Therapist specializing in working with all ages, you will assess, diagnose, and treat communication disorders, implementing evidence-based strategies to support language development, social engagement, and overall communication success. You will collaborate with families, educators, and multidisciplinary teams to create and deliver individualized treatment plans tailored to each child's unique needs.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Conduct comprehensive speech and language evaluations to identify communication and feeding difficulties, using standardized tools and clinical observations.
• Therapeutic Interventions: Provide direct therapy using evidence-based approaches such as Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS), Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, and social communication strategies.
• Individualized Treatment Planning: Develop and implement personalized treatment plans targeting language, speech, and social communication goals. Monitor progress and adapt plans as necessary.
• Family Education and Support: Educate families on strategies to support communication and interaction in the home environment. Offer guidance on reinforcing therapy goals outside of sessions.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Work with educators, occupational therapists, psychologists, and other professionals to ensure a holistic approach to supporting the child's development.
• Social Skills Training: Facilitate group and individual sessions to help children develop peer interaction, conversation, and play skills.
• Documentation: Maintain accurate and timely records of assessments, therapy sessions, progress notes, and communication with families and teams.
• Advocacy: Serve as a resource for families, helping them navigate services and access additional support in the community.
• Ethical Practice: Adhere to professional ethical standards and ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.

Requirements:

Licensures: Must hold an active and unrestricted Speech-Language Pathologist license in the state of Indiana.

Education: Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program.

Certification: Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA preferred; current Basic Life Support (BLS) certification preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience working with children with autism or similar developmental disorders preferred.

Skills: Proficiency in evidence-based therapy techniques for autism. Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build trust and rapport with children and families. Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Proficiency in maintaining accurate and confidential records.

Physical Requirements: Ability to engage in play-based therapy sessions, including sitting on the floor and moving actively with children. Must be able to commute within La Porte and Lake Porter Counties as needed.

Non-Discrimination Statement: AVD Workforce Connect is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. All employment decisions are based on qualifications, merits, and business needs.