Speech Therapist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

The Speech-Language Pathologist conducts speech-language skill and/or oral-motor-feeding skill evaluations, develops and implements speech-language and/or oral-motor and feeding programs, assists teachers to design and implement speech-language and/or oral-motor and feeding programs for students in their classrooms, and consults with families and/or caregivers on ways to facilitate speech-language skill development and/or oral-motor-feeding skill development in the home environment. It is essential that they demonstrate professionalism, a respect for confidentiality and a commitment to the agency's mission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Therapy Services

1. Each therapist shall maintain productivity as assigned by Therapy Manager.

1. Conduct comprehensive, specialized evaluations using standardized and criterion referenced assessment tools to assess the speech-language skill and/or oral-motor-feeding skill needs of students.

1. Develop functional and measurable treatment programs that reflect each student’s current strengths and needs as indicated by formal evaluation and observation.

1. Implement evidence-based treatment programs through direct individual instruction using developmentally appropriate therapeutic techniques for children ages 0 to 21 years of age.

1. Monitor each student’s progress daily and makes modifications or changes to facilitate skill development.

Paperwork and Billing

1. Monitor each student’s progress through accurate record keeping procedures.
2. Complete all necessary paperwork according to due dates/deadlines. This includes progress notes, evaluation reports, prior authorizations, and updating treatment plans. 
3. Maintain accurate record of direct service hours for each student.

Parent communication

1. Communicate with parents and/or caregivers regarding speech and language concerns for their students through conferences, written communication, and/or phone contacts, at a minimum of bi-weekly.
2. Utilize Brightwheel app to communicate with families and provide updates.

Interdisciplinary team

1. Participate as an interdisciplinary team member to assist teachers and families in meeting the speech-language and feeding needs of each student.

1. Assists teachers to implement programs appropriate for students in the classroom.

1. Participate in staff consultations regarding each student’s program and assists in the revision/modification of the program as needed.

1. Provide staff training on speech-language and feeding skill development and intervention strategies.

1. Participate in conferences, staffing and team meetings as needed.

Scheduling and Productivity

1. Independently plan therapy sessions based on the assigned caseload. This includes coordinating with other therapists, parents, and utilizing teletherapy options when needed. 

1. Schedule and maintain outpatient therapy appointments. 

1. Communicate schedule changes directly with families.

1. Maintain a current and accurate calendar and communicate any changes with manager in a timely manner.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Request instructional materials and equipment as needed to provide for individual student needs.

1. Participate in relevant continuing education to improve therapeutic skills and stay up to date with evidence-based practices to ensure our therapy services are innovative and effective. 

1. Complete mandatory training to maintain state and national licensure. 

1. Participate in staff development and training activities based upon an individual staff development plan and mandated staff training.

1. Other duties as assigned that promote the agency’s mission.

This job description and the enumerated Essential Duties and Responsibilities are intended to provide general guidance for job expectations and the employee’s ability to perform the position described. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills, and abilities. Additional functions and tasks may be assigned by the incumbent’s supervisor, or the agency as deemed appropriate.

Qualifications

1. Education and credentials requirements: 

1. Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Communication Disorders.

1. Arkansas License in Speech-Language Pathology.

1. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) or Clinical Fellow for ASHA.

1. Approved Medicaid Provider of Speech-Language Therapy services.

1. Experience working with developmentally delayed/disabled children 0-21 years of age is preferred.

1. Experience working with families and/or caregivers of developmentally delayed/disabled children 0-21 years of age is preferred.

1. Experience working with interdisciplinary teams (teachers, PT, OT, ABA, consultants, etc.) is preferred.

1. Background clearance from the Child and Adult Abuse and Maltreatment Central Registry and Arkansas State Police criminal background check.

1. Meet agency’s drug screening requirements.

1. Experience working with interdisciplinary teams (teachers, SLP, PT, consultants, etc.) is preferred.

1. Essential physical and mental requirements to perform the duties of this position include:

Must be able to work in a constant state of alertness and concentrate for long periods of time. Operate computers, copy machine, printer, and other office equipment repeatedly throughout the day. Regularly required to talk, hear, and communicate information effectively and accurately to varied individuals and groups. The employee frequently is required to use hands or fingers; handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is often required to stand, walk, sit; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must often lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this position include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Desired Abilities and Attributes: 

1. Professional office manner and appearance. 

1. Ability to maintain high level of confidentiality. 

1. Ability to problem-solve and act with independent discretion. 

1. Self-motivated and customer service oriented. 

1. Excellent organizational and communication skills. 

1. Able to multitask and prioritize various project assignments and take direction from a variety of individuals. 

Days/Hours: This position is based on the annual in-center staff calendar. Additional hours/days may be required to meet the needs of the agency. Hours for this position are 8 hours per day to be scheduled between the hours of 7:15 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. as agreed upon with supervisor. 

This job description does not represent a contract of employment and is not meant to alter the at-will status of an employee’s employment in any way. It is subject to change at any time, without prior notice, as needed to support the agency mission.