Speech Language Specialist - Adult Autism Services

• Benefits: Eden offers a well-rounded benefits package including medical and dental, life insurance, retirement savings, paid time off, and more.
• Growth: In addition to tuition assistance, we have many opportunities for team building and professional development.
• Core Values: Believe More Do What it Takes Work Together Show Compassion Be True

Education/Certification Requirements:

• Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
• Licensed by the State of New Jersey.

Responsibilities include:

Direct Services

• Participate in the development of Individualized Support Plans (ISPs) for the adult participants.
• Provide services as outlined in each participant’s ISP; including individual and group speech and language services.
• Maintain data relating to each participant’s performance on individual speech and language programs.
• Model effective communication for the staff by using appropriate language during daily interactions and expanding the participant’s overall receptive, expressive and pragmatic language skills.
• Ensure each participant’s augmentative communication devices/systems are individualized and updated.
• Enhance communication skills through the participant’s primary mode including verbal language, sign language, pictures or an augmentative device.
• Ensure each participant’s speech programs are implemented with the appropriate frequency as outlined in their Individualized Service Plans (ISP).
• Monitor data collection and troubleshoot if necessary to ensure progress is made.
• In conjunction with the Director of Speech and Language Services, create new speech and language programs.
• Assist with training staff on how to most effectively integrate speech programs into each participant’s daily routine.
• Implement Picture/Activity Schedules.
• Complete/maintain Therap logs on a daily basis to document all speech sessions.

Communication & Meetings

• Attend meetings with the Lead Speech Language Specialist and the Director of Speech and Language Services as scheduled.
• Attend and participate in Adult Services staff meetings.
• Maintain good working rapport with families, colleagues and community members.
• Provide progress updates during ISP meetings with regard to each participant’s speech and language goals.
• Work cooperatively with Direct Support Professionals, program supervisors and managers with respect to each participant’s speech and language goals.
• Communicate speech programming to parents during ISPs.
• Build collaborative relationship with all staff members.

Training

• Attend mandatory in-service trainings provided throughout the year.
• Assist with in-service trainings as required.
• Maintain continuing education credits as outlined by the American Speech Language and Hearing Association to maintain the Certificate of Clinical Competence.
• Maintain continuing education credits as outlined by the New Jersey Audiology and Speech Language Pathology Advisory Committee to maintain New Jersey licensure. 

(The responsibilities listed are representative and not all inclusive; other duties may be assigned by supervisor/s.)

Additional requirements:

Experience  

• 2 years of experience working with individuals with speech and language disorders, preferably with autism.

Physical/Other 

• Ability to lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to pass and maintain Professional Crisis Management (PCM) certification, including implementation of all strategies and techniques.
• Ability to move or be moved freely and quickly to ensure the safety of students/participants at all times.         
• Valid drivers’ license with record in good standing (5 points or less).

Eden Autism Services is an E-Verify Employer.

Keywords: speech therapy; speech pathologist; slp; sls; speech specialist, AAC, PECS