Speech Therapist- Early Childhood

POSITION PURPOSE

Provides speech therapy services by evaluating, assessing, diagnosing, selecting interventions, and treating clients in need of speech therapy. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & BASIC DUTIES

1. Administers and scores speech therapy assessments and completes comprehensive evaluations at least annually. 
2. Interprets evaluation results and completes a formal, written report of findings within 10 working days following completion of the evaluation. 
3.  Refers clients for additional evaluations and/or services, as appropriate. 
4. Develops individualized speech therapy treatment plans which include measurable goals and objectives.
5. Reviews and updates each client’s treatment plan at least annually. 
6. Provides speech therapy services to identified clients, as indicated and/or prescribed. Explanations for missed sessions are documented.
7. Identifies materials and equipment needed to provide appropriate treatment. If materials or equipment are not available, therapist may create them or request them through his/her supervisor.
8. Provides therapy in the classroom and other functional settings as appropriate in order to assist each client with generalization of skills into his/her daily environment and routine.
9. Works closely and meets regularly with each client’s interdisciplinary team to collaborate, discuss, and solve problems and issues related to the client’s plan of care and progress toward identified goals and objectives. 
10. Uses deTaso to document weekly therapy schedules, daily progress notes, and billing which are submitted within designated timeframes.
11. Completes other documentation related to speech therapy using either deTaso or paper documentation, as appropriate.
12. Provides written communication or documents verbal conversations with parents/guardians related to client progress at least every two weeks.
13. Completes written discharge summaries when the client is discharged from speech therapy.
14. Attends and actively participates in job-related functions such as department and team meetings, parent conferences, peer reviews, workshops, and mandatory trainings.
15. Supervises speech therapists completing their Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY), as indicated.
16. Serves as a clinical educator for graduate students of speech therapy programs, as indicated.
17. Manages assigned caseload to ensure clients’ needs and weekly productivity requirements are met. 
18. Maintains familiarity with health and safety guidelines, including standard precautions and daily operating procedures. 
19. Represents the program in a positive way to parents, visitors, and the public.
20. Completes relevant and approved continuing professional education each year as required to maintain professional licensure and other required standards.
21. May perform other related or non-related duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Ethics:

• Treats people with respect. 
• Keeps commitments.
• Inspires the trust of others. 
• Completes work ethically and with integrity. 
• Upholds organizational values. 

Judgment:

• Displays willingness to make decisions. 
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Supports and explains reasoning for decisions.
• Includes appropriate people in decision-making process. 
• Makes timely decisions.  
• Demonstrates safety awareness.

Client Focus:

• Demonstrates a commitment to clinical excellence. 
• Manages difficult or emotional client situations. 
• Responds promptly to client needs. 
• Includes clients, parents/guardians, teachers, and other service providers in the speech therapy process through regular communication. Solicits feedback to improve services.
• Responds to requests for service and assistance.

Planning/Organizing:

• Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Uses time efficiently.
• Plans for additional resources. 
• Sets measureable, client focused, goals and objectives and updates as indicated.
• Develops realistic action plans. 
• Maintains a neat and organized workspace.

Problem Solving:

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Demonstrates self-directed learning.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Works well in group problem-solving situations. 
• Involves team leader and relevant team members in the problem-solving process, as indicated.
• Uses reason, even when dealing with emotional topics. 

Professionalism:

• Communicates with others in a tactful and professional manner.
• Participates appropriately as a member of a team.
• Responds well under pressure.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Follows instructions and responds to supervisory direction and feedback appropriately.
• Completes tasks within established deadlines.

Quality:

• Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness.
• Looks for ways to improve and promote quality. 
• Applies feedback to improve performance. 
• Monitors own work to ensure quality. 

Written Communication:

• Writes professionally, informatively, and in accordance with payor source guidelines.
• Edits work for spelling and grammar.
• Varies writing style to meet needs.
• Presents numerical data effectively. 
• Demonstrates the ability to read and interpret written information. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Education/ Certification:  

• A degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited college or university. 
• Current Arkansas license as a Speech Therapist. 
• Current certification by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).

Experience/ Knowledge required:

• One year of experience working with the indicated client population is preferred, but not required. 

Skills/ Abilities:

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people.
• Ability to work with children and adolescents. 
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy. 
• Basic computer skills which includes a working knowledge of databases, word processing, spreadsheets, and Internet software. 
• Ability to handle multiple tasks in a very busy environment. 
• Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, policies, and other company documents.
• Ability to write routine reports and professional correspondence. 
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions provided in written, oral, or diagram form. 
• Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standard situations. 

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Minimal travel MAY be required for this position; this travel MAY include transporting students/clients.
• ACCESS drivers are required to maintain a valid Driver’s License, current auto liability insurance and registration, a clean driving record, and physical ability to drive to local locations throughout Arkansas.