Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

TX-HHSC-DSHS-DFPS • Mexia, TX

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose, this is the job for you!

The Registered Therapist V, Speech Language Pathologist, performs highly advanced (senior-level) therapeutic rehabilitation services in speech language pathology for a wide range of individuals with speech/communication deficits, swallowing and dysphagia challenges, social and pragmatic delays, and cognitive difficulties. Assesses, diagnoses, and analyzes individual’s skills and abilities in the areas of speech, language, and cognitive-communication, and related to oral, pharyngeal and esophageal function to identify swallowing impairments. Conducts and/or collaborates in conducting diagnostic assessments, and administers and interprets assessments related to speech, language and communication skills of individuals. Develops, implements, and oversees therapeutic habilitative and rehabilitative programs, and provides treatment and clinical services for individuals. Collaborates consistently with other departments to ensure comprehensive care and continuity of services and to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Trains, instructs and/or supervises the work of others in conducting habilitation and rehabilitation activities specific to recommendations and treatment. Coordinates, assigns, trains, and supervises the work of assigned staff and/or student interns. Monitors implemented programs/plans for compliance and efficacy to ensure quality of care and patient well-being and provides feedback to staff. Updates and revises or develops new programs and treatment protocols based on outcomes. Oversees and coordinates quality assurance and quality enhancement activities as related to provision of therapeutic services at the SSLC. Maintains competency within the scope of practice in order to serve as the Center’s recognized subject matter expert on matters related to speech, language and swallowing disorders. Attends assigned meetings, collaborates with allied health professionals, IDTs and administration to ensure the transfer of needed information and continuity of services. Performs quality documentation in the electronic medical record. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Requirements

• Knowledge of the principles and techniques of habilitation and rehabilitation therapy in working with people with neurological and psychological disorders.
• Knowledge of head and neck structures and functions for diagnoses and treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia and communication disorders, including habilitative supports and rehabilitative treatment programs.
• Knowledge of approved methods of facilitating, instructing, interacting, engaging, and supervising individuals with a wide range of individuals with speech/communication deficits, swallowing and dysphagia challenges, social and pragmatic delays, and cognitive difficulties.
• Knowledge of the principles of clinical therapeutic evaluation and treatment and their application to individuals with IDD complex histories, and dual diagnoses.
• Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedure to promote health and safety.
• Skill in assessing, diagnosing and analyzing individual’s skills and abilities related to oral, pharyngeal and esophageal swallow function and in in the areas of speech, language, and cognitive communication.
• Skill in clinical therapeutic evaluation, treatment and progress and constructing measurable goals/objectives for the remediation of speech/language disorders.
• Skill in informal and formal evaluation methodologies, treatment planning, and documentation of individual’s progress.
• Skill in the application, maintenance, repair and use of habilitation and rehabilitation tools, equipment, and materials.
• Skill in the use of computer software programs and the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to document, track and trend data and produce reports.
• Ability to evaluate and prescribe modified diet texture, liquid consistency, adaptive eating equipment, and compensatory strategies for safe oral consumption with reference to diagnostic imaging as appropriate.
• Ability to impart general and specific information about habilitation therapy, IDD, anatomy, physiology, and treatment techniques to persons with varying levels or experience.
• Ability to prescribe, construct, and adapt AAC systems for individuals with speech/language disorders, and to oversee staff management/usage of AAC systems.
• Ability to produce quality evaluation reports, therapy notes, clinical efficacy monitoring, supervisory documentation and daily progress notes.
• Ability to follow instructions and base decisions on current policies, ethical standards, and evidence-based practice.
• Ability to collaborate within the team setting, assume leadership as needed, and to assign and supervise the work of others and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Current Licensure in Speech Language Pathology is required.
• Graduation from an accredited college or university program with major course work in speech language therapy or speech language pathology.
• Experience administering and interpreting diagnostic assessments related to speech, language and communication skills of individuals.

Nice To Haves

• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is preferred.
• Experience assessing, diagnosing and analyzing individual’s skills and abilities related to oral, pharyngeal and esophageal swallow function, is preferred.
• Experience evaluating and prescribing modified diet texture, liquid consistency, adaptive eating equipment, and compensatory strategies for safe oral consumption with reference to diagnostic imaging as appropriate, is preferred.
• Experience working with people who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or, at times, even a rotating schedule, extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.
• May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.
• Assesses, diagnoses and analyzes individual’s skills and abilities in the areas of speech, language, and cognitive-communication.
• Performs routine hearing screens and make necessary referrals, as assigned in accordance with local protocols.
• Administers and interprets assessments related to speech, language and communication skills of individuals.
• Assesses, diagnoses and analyzes individual’s skills and abilities related to oral, pharyngeal and esophageal function to identify swallowing impairments.
• Conducts and/or collaborates in conducting diagnostic assessments related to dysphagia diagnosis and treatment/management, such as modified barium swallow studies, in accordance with local protocols.
• Develops, implements, and oversees therapeutic habilitative and rehabilitative programs, and provides treatment and clinical services for individuals such as treatment to establish a new skill or ability, remediate, or restore an impaired skill.
• Plans, develops, and implements complex Physical Nutritional Management Programs (PNMP) and treatment protocols to treat, improve, and/or maintain the individual's level of health and function related to dysphagia and communication.
• Trains, instructs and/or supervises the work of others in conducting habilitation and rehabilitation activities specific to recommendations and treatment.
• Develops detailed in-service training specific to an individual’s plan which includes communication instructions/dictionary, AAC systems, diet textures, liquid consistency, individualized dining instructions (dining/feeding/positioning plans), techniques for medication administration, and oral care instructions.
• Monitors implemented programs/plans for compliance and efficacy to ensure quality of care and patient well-being.
• Maintains open and regular communication with allied health professionals, IDTs and administration to ensure the transfer of needed information and continuity of services.
• Performs quality documentation in the electronic medical record, in the SSLC approved records and formats, on individuals’ status to include physical, cognitive, social, and psycho-affective functioning.
• Coordinates, assigns, trains, and supervises the work of staff such as SLP Assistants, and other educational/programs as needed for compliance and efficacy.
• Maintain competency within the scope of practice in order to serve as the Center’s recognized subject matter expert on matters related to speech, language and swallowing disorders.
• Oversees and coordinates quality assurance and quality enhancement activities as related to provision of therapeutic services at the facility.
• Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agency’s obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Benefits

• comprehensive benefits package includes 100% paid employee health insurance for full-time eligible employees
• defined benefit pension plan
• generous time off benefits
• numerous opportunities for career advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees