Speech-Language Pathologist

Description

Summary of Position: 

The Speech Language Pathologist is experienced in all areas of the field and preferably in augmentative communication. The Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for providing comprehensive services to meet the communication and learning needs of children and adults with disabilities. This includes, but may not be limited to, consultations, evaluations, direct service provision with its related tasks (i.e. IEP development, progress reporting), education and training to clients, service providers, caregivers, family members and the community. This position is a service provider position and is expected to spend the majority of time providing service. Goals for service hours are established by the supervisor and performance is monitored on an ongoing basis.  

Essential Responsibilities: (other duties as assigned)

· Performs speech and language and AAC evaluations by using appropriate standardized, informal and/or social pragmatics criterion-referenced assessments. Assessments will include feature matching (when required) and making appropriate recommendations for meeting the speech/language or AAC needs of the clients based on information gathered.

· Provides direct service with students exhibiting the full range of communication disorders, including those involving language, articulation (speech sound disorders), fluency, voice/resonance, social pragmatics and swallowing using systematic and evidence-based intervention methods and materials to foster communicative competence. 

· Maintains accurate records and monitors progress through data collection and analysis.

· Provides ongoing service to maintain the effectiveness of AAC systems by monitoring whether at-site contacts are meeting the AAC needs of the user, providers and caregivers as defined in educational/vocational planning meetings.

· Markets speech/language, social pragmatics and AAC services to the community by networking with other speech pathologists and AAC providers and through phone contacts, mail, web contacts, conferences/workshops and on-site meetings.

· Acts as a resource to the Pine Tree Society program staff for increasing knowledge, awareness and breadth of understanding of areas within speech and language, social pragmatics and AAC.

· Plans, designs and implements programming for Camp Communicate, the annual Pine Tree Society AAC retreat in collaboration with the Director of Communication Pathways. Assists in writing and presenting appropriate workshop topics when required during Camp Communicate.

· Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending speech/language/AAC workshops, conferences and in-service training sessions, developing and maintaining vendor contacts and reviewing periodicals and online information.

· Communication skills necessary to respond to questions and to clearly explain the options, research and theories behind AAC use to clients, families, care givers, service providers and others involved in supporting a client. 

· Ability to respond to questions and to teach computer-based systems in a clear, comfortable and non-threatening manner

· Ability to maintain work hours, which may extend beyond the 40-hour workweek.

Additional Responsibilities:

· Recognizes the primary importance of the organization’s stated mission. This job position will require flexibility and continuous development of job performance to achieve its intended purpose.

· Adheres to Pine Tree Society’s communication platform and media policies to ensure consistent brand messaging and image to internal and external stakeholders.

· Respects confidentiality and strictly abides by the Society’s HIPAA policy when discussing client, staff, volunteer and organizational matters including fiscal and related information.

· Adheres to a safety/risk management program that includes assessment, evaluation, establishment of procedures, incident review, workplace engineering, infection control protocol, training and such other measures that ensure a safe and healthy workplace environment.

Requirements

Qualifications; knowledge, skills and abilities:

· Knowledge of a variety of speech and language delays and disorders, AAC systems, vendors and products including search strategies for locating specific systems and methods to access these systems.

· Ability to use standardized, modified and criterion-referenced assessment procedures and techniques to identify a communicative need.  Ability to document findings and recommendations in comprehensive written evaluation reports.

· Ability to identify goals and objectives, AAC systems and/or strategies and procedures that will meet identified needs as well as generate the short- and long-term outcomes hoped for. 

· Communication skills necessary to respond to questions and to clearly explain the options, research and theories behind speech and language recommendations, or AAC-use to clients, families, caregivers, service providers and others involved in supporting a client. Ability to respond to questions and teach computer-based common and special needs systems in a clear, comfortable and non-threatening manner.

· Ability to organize time effectively and remain flexible in order to meet occasionally competing demands also requiring time and attention.

· Possess a valid driver’s license with a clear driving record, have a reliable vehicle with at least the state minimum automobile insurance coverage and the ability and willingness to travel to off-site locations.

· Must pass all required background checks including, but not limited to: motor vehicle, criminal, Adult Protective Services, Child Protective Services, US DHHS Fraud Prevention and Protection (OIG) and MaineCare background checks.

Education/Experience:

· Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology

· State of Maine Speech-Language Pathologist license

· Certificate of Clinical Competence

Physical Demands:

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions. While performing the responsibilities of the job, the employee is required to:

Physical Demand               ADA Compliant language            Specifics and Frequency for this position

Sit or Stand                          Remain in stationary position          Regularly/Daily 

Walk                                       Move                                                   Regularly/Daily 

Use Hands/Fingers to handle or feel Activate, use, position, prepare, place Regularly/Daily 6 hours

Climb or balance                Ascend/descend, traverse                Occasionally

Stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl Position and move self to stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl Occasionally

Talk and hear                    Communicate, convey, exchange info Regularly/Daily 6 hours

See                                      Observe, identify, recognize, determine Regularly/Daily 6 hours

Taste and smell                Distinguish, determine                       Rarely

Lift and carry weight       Position, move, transport, put          Reg. 15lbs, Occas.   40 lbs

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is located in an office and/or classroom environment with frequent interruptions and a quiet to moderate noise level.  Computer use is frequent and regular. Automobile travel, typically within the State of Maine, is frequent.