Speech Language Pathologist

Position Summary: The Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for delivering direct therapy to adults with a disability of “speech or language impairment.”  State Run Developmental Center residents have intensive needs related to their intellectual and developmental disabilities, and many also have co-occurring mental health, behavioral health, and/or medical needs. Work individually with adults 1-2 times a week in individual and/or small-group sessions.  Consult with physicians and other members of the resident’s care team to improve services the residents receive.

State Run Developmental Centers vary with respect to whether they require SLPs to complete speech and related evaluations.  Regardless, SLPs must collaborate with other professionals to gain an understanding of patients’ strengths, interests, and needs with respect to speech and language services.  Depending upon the Center’s requirements and residents’ needs, SLPs should be able to utilize a variety of evaluation tools to assess the resident’ speech or language needs and use that information to develop and implement interventions to help residents reach their full potential.  SLPs will need to collect and summarize data on residents’ progress, and provide residents’ team with progress reports/updates on a quarterly basis. 

SLPs will need to work closely with professionals such as psychologists, behavior analysts, and mental health therapists.  SLPs will often need to support residents’ use of high, and low-tech AAC systems. 

Experience with feeding and swallowing evaluations and interventions is a bonus.

Additional Job Functions

• Review/discuss caseload with Aveanna’s Clinical Director at least once a month.
• Assists and guide physicians and staff in observing, describing, and referring suspected and identified speech and language impairments.
• Conduct initial assessments to determine if residents are in need of speech and/or language interventions.
• Serves as a resource consultant for other clinical staff at the Center.

Requirements

• Masters’ Degree from accredited university or program in Speech Language Pathology.
• Current and unrestricted SLP license to practice in the state of practice (not under investigation for anything that may jeopardize one’s license).
• Additional requirements vary by state and district (e.g., First Aid, CPR certification, mandated reporter training, child abuse clearances, criminal history background checks).
• Continuing Education as required by state and/or licensing/regulatory bodies.

Other Skills/Abilities

• Ability to adhere to confidentiality standards and professional boundaries at all times.
• Effective problem-solving and conflict resolution.
• Good organization and communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to speak, write, read and understand English.
• Must be able to travel.
• Must be able to lift 50 pounds.
• Prolonged walking, standing, bending, kneeling, reaching, and twisting.
• Must be able to appropriately respond physically and mentally to emergency situations.
• Must be able to sufficiently reposition students and move equipment without assistance.