AAC Specialist Career Links - 3.1 Salem, OR Job Details Full-time 8 hours ago Qualifications Master's degree Full Job Description AAC Specialist Full-Time | Onsite | Sign-On Bonus Available to Qualified Candidates Empower Communication. Expand Access. Transform Student Outcomes. Career Links is seeking a dedicated AAC Specialist (Speech-Language Pathologist) to support students with complex communication needs across a regional school-based program. This highly specialized role serves students from birth through age 21 who experience low-incidence disabilities and require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports. As an AAC Specialist, you will work alongside a collaborative team of educators, therapists, families, and community partners to evaluate, design, implement, and sustain communication systems that promote meaningful participation in educational and social environments. This position offers the opportunity to combine clinical expertise with consultation, training, and systems-level support to improve outcomes for students throughout a multi-district service area. Position Overview The AAC Specialist provides district-wide and regional consultation for students with complex communication needs through comprehensive evaluations, communication system design, professional development, and ongoing support. The specialist collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure AAC systems are integrated into daily routines, academic instruction, and community participation. This dynamic and independent position allows professionals to work closely with school districts, families, and community agencies while benefiting from the support of an experienced regional team of specialists dedicated to serving students with unique learning and communication needs. Essential Responsibilities AAC & Assistive Technology Evaluations Conduct comprehensive AAC and Assistive Technology (AT) evaluations utilizing evidence-based assessment practices. Evaluate functional communication skills, student strengths, educational environments, and academic demands. Determine appropriate communication strategies, systems, devices, and access methods for students with complex communication needs. Prepare clear, comprehensive, and legally defensible evaluation reports for educational programming and funding purposes. Communication System Design & Implementation Recommend, customize, program, and maintain high-tech speech-generating devices, including eye-gaze systems, switch-access technologies, head-tracking systems, and tablet-based communication applications. Develop and implement low-tech and light-tech communication supports, visual systems, and communication boards. Adapt and modify materials and equipment to support student access and participation in educational environments. Monitor communication system effectiveness and make ongoing adjustments as needed. Consultation, Coaching & Professional Development Provide consultation, technical assistance, and follow-up support to students, educators, paraprofessionals, therapists, administrators, and families. Deliver professional development and in-service training regarding AAC best practices, implementation strategies, and communication partner supports. Coach school teams to ensure successful integration and long-term use of communication systems while minimizing device abandonment. Serve as a liaison between schools, families, districts, and community service providers. IEP & Educational Team Collaboration Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Collaborate with educational teams to establish measurable communication goals and identify appropriate accommodations, modifications, and supports. Support Speech-Language Pathologists, teachers, educational assistants, and related service providers in implementing communication systems across environments. Assist teams with behavior supports, crisis protocols, and communication strategies as appropriate. Funding, Procurement & Resource Management Collaborate with districts and families to secure communication devices through educational procurement processes, Medicaid/OHP, private insurance, and other funding sources. Facilitate access to local, state, and national resources related to AAC funding and support services. Manage equipment inventories, software licenses, device deployment, maintenance, and loan libraries. Order supplies and maintain communication-related equipment and resources. Compliance & Documentation Maintain accurate records, service documentation, student progress data, and required reports. Participate in Medicaid billing processes as assigned. Maintain compliance with IDEA, Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS), Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR), FERPA, HIPAA, and other applicable state and federal regulations. Ensure adherence to all timelines and procedural requirements related to special education services. Qualifications Required Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Disorders.

One of the following:

Oregon Speech-Language Pathology License issued by the Oregon Board of Examiners, OR Oregon TSPC License with Communication Disorders Endorsement (if applicable) and ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) or active pursuit of certification. Oregon Teacher Standards and Practices Commission (TSPC) licensure or eligibility for an Oregon clinical services credential. Preferred ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP). Minimum of 2-3 years of AAC and Assistive Technology evaluation and implementation experience. Experience supporting students with significant disabilities and complex communication needs. Previous experience within public school or educational service district settings. Experience supervising Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs). Knowledge & Skills Expertise in AAC assessment, implementation, and best practices. Strong understanding of motor access methods, including eye gaze, switch scanning, head tracking, and alternative access technologies. Knowledge of language representation systems, core vocabulary approaches, and robust communication frameworks. Ability to write professional evaluation reports for educational and medical funding purposes. Strong consultation, collaboration, organization, and problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently while maintaining strong relationships with multidisciplinary teams. Physical & Work Requirements Frequent travel between schools, district sites, community locations, and family homes throughout the region. Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds. Ability to sit for extended periods while traveling, documenting, and attending meetings. Why Join Career Links? At Career Links, we partner with educational organizations to connect highly skilled professionals with meaningful opportunities that support student success. As an AAC Specialist, you will play a vital role in empowering students with complex communication needs while collaborating with an exceptional network of educators, families, and specialists dedicated to inclusive education. If you are passionate about communication access, innovative technology, and helping students find their voice, we encourage you to apply today.