A Speech Language Pathologist diagnoses and treats speech, language, and swallowing disorders in patients with a variety of conditions. Helps patients improve their ability to make sounds or use language, or develop non-spoken means of communication. May specialize in working with patients of a certain age group, or treat speech problems resulting from a condition such as a stroke or cleft palate. Works in schools, hospitals and other healthcare facilities and works closely with physicians, psychologists, social workers, and other therapists.
Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students' ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.
Qualifications:
Education/Certification:
Master's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university Valid license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or Bachelor's degree and valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate
Special Knowledge/Skills:
Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders and conditions Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech-language disorders and conditions Ability to instruct and manage student behavior Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
One year supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience
Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students
Environment:
Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel
Mental Demands:
Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistants must be licensed by TDLR as speech-language pathologists. A person with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may supervise a licensed speech-language pathology assistant, but not if services are billed through School Health and Related Services (SHARS).