MightyRecruiterSpeech-language pathologists perform a variety of duties related to diagnosing, treating and facilitating proper communication in patients. They must have a thorough understanding of speech, swallowing and language disorders and what causes them. They must also know how to use accepted techniques and practices to prevent swallowing and communication disorders and help patients communicate more effectively.
It is important to clearly state the qualities and experience you expect from applicants in your speech-language pathologist job description. Speech-language pathologists frequently work in schools, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. They may treat patients in one-on-one or group settings as needed. They should be personable, patient and naturally caring.
Speech-language pathologists should also have strong problem-solving abilities. For more insight into what you should require from a candidate, take a look at our speech-language pathologist job description template.
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Summary
Are you looking for an opportunity to help others overcome speech challenges and learn to communicate more effectively in a safe and comfortable environment? Join our team of talented professionals who want to support you in reaching new levels of success! With dozens of locations scattered throughout the nation, we give you the opportunity to work from any location of your choice. When you become part of our team, you will benefit immediately from some of the most competitive benefits and compensation packages in the industry. You will also have access to cutting-edge equipment and a supportive environment that enables you to meet your professional goals.
Job Responsibilities
- Evaluate patients to determine their specific speech or language challenges, such as swallowing disorders, stuttering, inappropriate pitch or delayed language, then develop and implement treatment plans to address these issues
- Maintain accurate documentation and write reports detailing initial evaluation, progress, treatment and discharge information
- Monitor patients’ progress continually and make treatment plan adjustments when needed
- Educate patients and their family members on speech-related topics, including coping strategies for communication problems and techniques for improved communication
- Perform administrative duties, including case management activity scheduling, lesson plan creation and paperwork filing and coordination
- Teach clients how to perform various exercises designed to strengthen the muscles of the face, jaw and tongue
- Participate in continuing education courses, additional training, conferences and other activities designed to augment or share knowledge of speech disorder treatment methods
- Consult with medical staff or advise educators on hearing and speech topics, including language stimulation and effective communication strategies
Job Skills & Qualifications
Reqiured:
- Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from a program that meets ASHA certification requirements or is accredited by the Educational Standards Board
- One year of experience
- Current state license in speech-language pathology
- Experience developing and implementing speech-language treatment programs
- Ability to pass background check and drug screening
Preferred:
- Experience treating a variety of patient ethnicities/populations
- Experience working with disabled individuals
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Responsibilities
Speech-language pathologists and other vital roles in the health profession that support people with disabilities often have a wide variety of practices that go into their approach to therapy. That’s why it is vital to write a speech-language pathologist job description that makes both the responsibilities of the position and your organization’s professional orientation clear. Accomplish this by remembering the speech-language pathologist job responsibilities should be the most detailed and expansive part of any job description.
Once you commit to writing a detailed set of responsibilities, you still need to revise them to their most effective point. That typically means writing in active language so there is no excess verbiage. It also means starting each point with an active verb that helps the reader visualize the job and ordering the responsibilities to reflect the priorities of your organization. Last but not least, remember that your specific word choice helps communicate your organization’s professional outlook. Here are a few examples of responsibilities you might include in your speech-language pathologist job description:
* Prepare and summarize patient diagnostic reports and other supporting documents* Collaborate with other healthcare professionals to design treatment* Administer non-medical therapies to support patient growth and development* Monitor and document patient progress through the course of therapy
Speech-Language Pathologist Job Specifications
While it is not the longest section by any means, the job qualifications and skills section of your speech-language pathologist job description still has an important role to play. As the checklist of qualifications and training, it needs to have specifications that are easy for jobseekers to recognize. That way, as readers move through the list, they can easily sort out whether they have the professional qualifications to do the job.
Communicating those qualifications means using specific language that reflects the position’s duties and goals. If you are unfamiliar with the speech-language pathologist job specifications you should use, it is a great idea to talk to a hiring manager or someone else who has experience with the role.
Keep each bulleted item concise, and remember you do not need examples or explanations in this section, just a list of skills and credentials. In theory, this list of job specifications works with the job responsibilities section, with each drawing attention to the importance of the other by showing how the job’s skills and daily duties fit together. Here are some examples you could adapt as you put together your own speech-language pathologist job description.
Strong active listening skills Master’s in Speech Pathology or a related field Current continuing education credentials Strong social perceptiveness and social reasoning skills
