Speech Pathologist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

A Speech Pathologist, or Speech Therapist, is responsible for helping people communicate and swallow appropriately. Their duties include assessing patients, diagnosing disorders than can impact swallowing and speaking and providing treatment for their patients.

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Speech Pathologist duties and responsibilities

Speech Pathologists often work with individuals who experience voice disorders such as harsh voice or inappropriate pitch or who are unable to understand language. They are responsible for completing administrative tasks including documenting billing information and keeping accurate records of initial evaluations, diagnoses, treatment progress and any treatment plan notes. In addition, they are responsible for:

  • Evaluating levels of swallowing, speech and language difficulty
  • Identifying treatment options
  • Creating and carrying out individualized treatment plans addressing specific functional needs
  • Teaching patients how to make sounds while improving their voices and maintaining fluency
  • Helping individuals improve sentence structure and vocabulary used in written and oral language
  • Working with adults and children in developing and strengthening muscles used to swallow
  • Counseling individuals and families on ways to cope with swallowing and communication disorders

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Speech Pathologist Job Description Examples

 

Example 1

Job Summary:

Seeking a highly motivated bilingual speech and language pathologist to join our team working with the pediatric population. Must be professional, ethical, and dependable. Responsible for the evaluation, re-evaluation, development, and implementation of a plan of care in accordance with the departmental policies and procedures and preferred practice patterns.

Minimum Job Requirements
  • Master’s degree required
  • CPR: Healthcare Provider
  • Florida Professional license or Provisional license required.
  • Level II finger printing background
  • References
  • New graduates will be considered
    Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Maintains and documents productivity standards set by the Director.
  • Develops a plan of care outlining area of deficit, target activity, context, assistance needed, functional, realistic and measurable goal(s), and/or status ongoing goal(s).
  • Recommends and provides treatment based upon medical, clinical, functional, and observational findings.
  • Continually documents active & supportive education with the patient, parents, and others concerned, regarding progress, problems, home programs, & other issues related to the therapeutic process.
  • Maintains ongoing continuing education to maintain professional licensure and clinical excellence.
  • Supervises assistants and others (i.e., interns/students) according to experience.
  • Prepares the patient/family for discharge at the time of the evaluation based on maximum potential and/or when benefit of therapy are reached.
  • Make productive use of schedule void times
    Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
  • Pediatric internship highly preferred
  • Ability to appropriately interact with patients, parents/guardians and other health care professionals in all work related situations.
  • Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in both English and Spanish.
  • Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Able to relate cooperatively and constructively with patients, families and co-workers.
  • Ability to problem solve to formulate a plan of care and evaluate the patient's response to care
  • Ability to interpret, adapt and react calmly under stressful conditions
  • Must be dependable and professional.

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Pay: $50,261.00 - $99,797.00 per year

    Schedule:
  • Monday to Friday

    Ability to commute/relocate:
  • Miami, FL: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location
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    Example 2

    Job Description

    A stronger bond with patients
    A stronger chance of recovery

    BE THE Connection.

    Your role as a speech pathologist (SLP) lets you be the connection between the compassionate care you provide and exceptional patient outcomes. Use your passion for rehabilitation to ensure that patients receive care that sets the standard while you lead with compassion and empathy. Enhance the impact of your abilities with national post-acute care leader Encompass Health.

    What Makes Encompass Health Careers Different—and Better:

    Working at Encompass Health means being part of something special: A team that is passionate about making an impact on patients’ lives each day. Unlike the typical hospital setting, Encompass Health offers you the unique opportunity to walk alongside patients on their road to recovery from stroke, spinal cord injuries, neurological disorders, joint replacements, multiple trauma and cardiac/pulmonary conditions. As you help patients achieve goals and regain independence, you can form significant relationships with them and celebrate the successes they experience along the way.

    Our culture of compassion and collaboration is founded on more than just the care we provide our patients; it is expressed in the values we live. We encourage and empower each employee to keep learning and growing by providing the resources to deliver a better way to care. At Encompass Health, you’ll find something decidedly different and more satisfying: A career that is challenging, inspiring and rewarding. Maximize your talent and join a team that is committed to setting the standard for better healthcare with this engaging opportunity:

    Speech Pathologist (SLP) POOL
    Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital OF Cumming

    Cumming, GA.

    Here is your opportunity to channel the full extent of your knowledge, skills, ambition, and experience on a daily basis. Inspire our patients to progress each day as you:

  • Provide speech-language treatment and patient care according to hospital, state and federal regulations and professional guidelines.

  • Delegate tasks and supervise fellows, technicians and assistants.

  • Maintain open and ongoing communication with hospital departments to ensure that patient, staff and hospital needs are met.

    Credentials:

  • Current state licensure or certification on or before the first day of employment required.

  • CPR certification preferred unless otherwise required by hospital policy essential.

  • Successful completion of an accredited master’s degree program or an accredited bachelor’s degree program plus sufficient experience in the field a must.

  • Demonstrated competence in speech-language pathology evaluation, assessment, care planning and treatment required.

  • Effective communication skills for working with patients, families and caregivers required.

    Enjoy competitive compensation and benefits that start on day one, including:

  • Benefits that begin when you do.
  • Affordable medical, dental and vision plans provided to meet the needs of full and part-time employees and their families.

  • Generous paid time off that increases with tenure.

  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education opportunities.

  • Company-matching 401(k) and employee stock-purchase plans.
  • Flexible spending and health savings accounts.

    About Us:

    Helping patients regain hope and independence, Encompass Health is a national leader in post-acute care. We operate rehabilitation hospitals and offer home health and hospice care in 36 states as well as Puerto Rico. Following the Encompass Way, we are driven by our core values: We proudly set the standard, lead with empathy, do what’s right, focus on the positive, and remain stronger together.

    Realize the powerful difference you can make. Take this opportunity to join our team.

    To learn more about us, please visit us online at [website]

    Connect with us:
    [website]
    [website]
    [website]
    [website]IE1959649.11,[website]

    Equal Opportunity Employer

    Address: 1165 Sanders Road, Cumming 30041
    Shift: Day Job
    Schedule: PRN / Pool / As Needed
    Job ID: 2219802

    Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

    Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • Day shift

    Education:
  • Bachelor's (Preferred)

    License/Certification:
  • CPR Certification (Preferred)
  • Speech Language Pathology License Location: One location
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    Example 3

    MUST APPLY AT WWW. [website] TO BE Considered, OR AT URL BELOW:

    [website] [website]

    Resume MUST BE Submitted WITH Application

    Location: Richard A Middleton Education Center

    Work Schedule: 10 Months

    Work Type: Regular Full-Time

    Exempt: Yes

    Pay Grade: A3

    Education AND Experience:

    Master's Degree in Communication Disorders from an accredited college or university

    Bilingual skills a plus

    Certification/License:

    Valid Licensure by the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology

    High School Diplomas and college/university degrees must be obtained from an accredited program or university approved by the United States Department of Education and the Texas Education Agency.

    Primary Purpose Summary:
    To identify and help reduce or eliminate communication disorders that interfere with the individual student's ability to derive benefit from the District's education program.

    Essential Requirements AND Responsibilities:
    1. Assists in the collection of referral information data for students who are suspected of having a speech impairment.
    2. Conducts Full Individual Evaluations to identify students who may be eligible for speech and language services.
    3. Conducts re-evaluations of identified students in accordance with state and federal regulations.
    4. Develops and ensures full implementation of Individual Educational Plans for students with speech impairments using a workload approach to caseload management.
    5. Translates appraisal data into an instructionally relevant speech and language program that is aligned with the District's curriculum and the student's education program.
    6. Plans, schedules, and implements all direct and/or indirect services as needed.
    7. Provides services in the least restrictive environment and coordinates intervention with general education and special education staff.
    8. Coordinates, prepares sections of and/or participates as a member of the ARD committee.
    9. Consults with instructional staff members, other school personnel, and parents regarding students' communication needs.
    10. Attends staffing of children served, as needed.
    11. Provides parent training in the area of speech and language, as needed.
    12. Participates in District in-service and public awareness presentations.
    13. Attends and participates in in-service opportunities designed to enhance the skills of the special education staff.
    14. Maintains service-related records, session data/notes, and nine-week progress reports.
    15. Provides appropriate service coordination for children.
    16. Participates in Medicaid SHARS Time Studies, when selected.
    17. Monitors students' audit folders.
    18. Serves as a team leader for other Speech/Language Pathologists, as needed.
    19. Follows billing and reimbursement procedures for the Medicaid SHARS program.
    20. Maintains confidentiality of information.
    21. Drives personal vehicle, when required, for the performance of assigned tasks - Driving requirements will be determined by the specific position assigned.
    22. Reports to work on time every day.
    23. Performs additional duties and accepts other responsibilities as may be assigned.

    Qualification Requirements:
    - Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation and rehabilitation of speech-language disorders and conditions
    - Excellent organizational, communication and interpersonal skills
    - Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess and evaluate communication disorders and conditions
    - Ability to align speech and language goals and activities with student's curriculum and education program
    - Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
    - Valid Texas Drivers License with driving record that meets the requirements of the District

    \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\

    While all applications will be reviewed, not all applicants will be interviewed.

    NORTH EAST Independent School District IS AN EQUAL Opportunity Employer

    Work Remotely
  • No

    Job Type: Full-time

    Pay: $54,176.00 - $66,473.00 per year

    Benefits:
  • Dental insurance
  • Flexible spending account
  • Health insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Retirement plan
  • Vision insurance
    Schedule:
  • 8 hour Location: One location
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    What does a Speech Pathologist do?

    Speech Pathologists are typically either employed by an institution like a hospital, school or nursing home, or they have their own private practice where they see patients. They perform duties like assessing, diagnosing, treating and helping to prevent swallowing and communication disorders in adults and children. Swallowing, speech and language disorders result from a variety of causes including autism, a cleft palate, Parkinson’s disease, developmental delay, hearing loss, brain injury and stroke.

    Speech Pathologist skills and qualifications

    Skills and qualifications that will assist individuals looking to enter into a Speech Pathologist career include:

    • Analytical skills for selecting the best diagnostic tools and analyzing results to identify an accurate diagnosis while developing an effective treatment plan.
    • Communication skills for communicating diagnoses, test results and available treatments in terms that clients and their families can understand.
    • Compassion when working with individuals frustrated by the difficulties they are experiencing.
    • Critical thinking skills for adjusting treatment plans as required and identifying alternative ways to help.
    • Attention to detail for maintaining notes on treatment and progress.
    • Listening skills for listening to concerns and symptoms of clients so they can decide the most appropriate course of treatment.

    Speech Pathologist salary expectations

    Speech Pathologists can expect a salary range of $11.10 to $91.65 an hour with the average salary at $41.66 per hour based on 7,554 anonymously submitted salaries to Indeed by Speech Pathologists, Indeed users and past and present Indeed job postings within the last 36 months.

    Speech Pathologist education and training requirements

    Speech Pathologists usually need a minimum of a master’s degree. While master’s degree programs don’t require specific undergraduate degrees for admission, certain coursework is often required to be completed prior to entering a program.

    Graduate programs typically include supervised clinical experience along with coursework in swallowing disorders, alternative communication methods, age-specific speech disorders and speech and language development.

    The Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA) which is part of the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association is responsible for accrediting educational programs in speech-language pathology. Certification and state licensure require candidates to graduate from an accredited program.

    Speech Pathologist experience requirements

    All states regulate Speech Pathologists, and most require them to be licensed while a few states also require registration. Licensure usually requires a minimum of a master’s degree, supervised clinical experience and passing exams.

    Speech Pathologists can also earn the Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. Certification usually satisfies many state licensure requirements and is required by some employers.

    In order to obtain CCC-SLP certification, applying candidates must have a degree from an accredited program, successfully pass an exam and complete a fellowship while being supervised by a certified Speech Pathologist. An additional 30 hours of continuing education is required every three years in order for Speech Pathologists to maintain their CCC-SLP credentials.

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    Frequently asked questions about Speech Pathologists

     

    What makes a good Speech Pathologist?

    Speech Pathologists are trained professionals who must have extensive education and training to perform their jobs well. Generally, Speech Pathologists share a number of qualities that make them excellent at their jobs: 

    • Communication: Speech Pathologists should excel at all types of communication, including written, verbal and non-verbal to best support their patients. 
    • Organization: Since most Speech Pathologists treat a number of different patients, organization is key to ensure they’re meeting the needs of each individual they work with. 
    • Time management: Most Speech Pathologists have set appointments with their patients. Managing time appropriately during these sessions is vital. 
    • Empathy: Great Speech Pathologists are empathetic of their patient’s situation and treat them with kindness and respect. 
    • Professionalism: Excellent Speech Pathologists are professional in all settings with their patients. 

     

    What is the difference between a Speech Pathologist and an Occupational Therapist?

    Speech Pathologists and Occupational Therapists share a similar goal — to help their patients master certain physical abilities to improve their lives. Speech Pathologists focus exclusively on the mouth, throat and face to help patients who struggle with speech or swallowing challenges. Occupational Therapists work with the whole body and treat a wide range of physical disorders and injuries that result in physical challenges for their patients. 

     

    What are the daily duties of a Speech Pathologist?

    Most Speech Pathologists perform similar duties from day to day, although those duties can vary depending on the environment in which the Speech Pathologist works. For Speech Pathologists who work for a school, hospital, nursing home or other institution, they may spend the majority of their day working with their regular patients and attending meetings with institutional leadership. For Speech Pathologists in private practice, they may evaluate new patients and hold sessions with current patients. 

     

    What are the different types of Speech Pathologists?

    Speech Pathologists can specialize in certain disorders and types of speech pathology by pursuing additional education and training, usually concluding in a certificate. One of the most common certificates for Speech Pathologists to pursue is the board-certified specialist certification, or BCSC, which allows Speech Pathologists to focus in one of four areas: 

    • Child language disorders: These Speech Pathologists help children who have trouble forming words and speaking appropriately for their age. 
    • Fluency disorders: Speech Pathologists who specialize in fluency disorders help those who suffer from stuttering or similar speech challenges. 
    • Swallowing disorders: A Speech Pathologist who specializes in swallowing disorders helps those who have trouble swallowing. 
    • Audiology: The field of audiology is closely related to that of speech pathology. These Speech Pathologists help their patients with hearing loss or hearing impairment manage their speech. 

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