Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

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.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs)

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.
• Uses advanced instrumentation and specialized training in the assessment process.
• Utilizes a framework that includes culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral observation, standardized and/or criterion-referenced tools, use of instrumentation, informal assessment, review of records, case history, prior test results, interview of the individual and/or family/caregiver to guide decision making, evaluation of body function, structure, activity, participation, within the context of environmental and personal factions.
• Analyzes data and synthesizes information gathered from evaluation in thorough and individualized written reports.

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. Collaborates with professionals on the IDT, including radiologists, occupational and physical therapists, and dieticians, to develop and implement treatment plans, such as texture and/or consistency modifications and recommending individualized safe swallowing strategies on the dining plan.

• 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.
• This includes diet texture/liquid consistency protocols, and the use of adaptive eating equipment/compensatory strategies to mitigate choking and aspiration risks, as well as recommendations to enhance communication such as designing individualized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems, recommendation for direct therapy services and/or development of individualized communication dictionaries and/or strategies.
• Collaborates consistently with other disciplines (behavioral health, OT/PT, social services, psychiatry, dental, QIDPs, nursing, medical/PCPs), IDTs, and administration to ensure comprehensive care and continuity of services and to maximize therapeutic efficacy.
• Submits data for budgets and speech therapy supplies, and assessments materials.

• 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.
• Provides education to clinical and nonclinical staff regarding strategies to best facilitate communication (both individualized and general) for non-verbal individuals with dual diagnoses.
• As needed, provides caregiver training, mentoring, and counseling pertaining to diagnosis and plans for treatment or implementation of individualized equipment/instructions.
• Develops and/or delivers new employee training on assigned topics such as communication and communication supports, personalized communication gestures, dysphagia, guidelines for improved safety during oral intake, and the PNMP.
• Delivers campus wide in-services on general topics within the scope of work, as assigned.

Monitors implemented programs/plans for compliance and efficacy to ensure quality of care and patient well-being. Provides real-time feedback to staff and others involved in direct care and rehabilitation programs. Reviews and analyzes progress reports, tracks and trends data pertaining to services. Updates and revises or develops new programs and treatment protocols based on outcomes.

• Maintains open and regular communication with allied health professionals, IDTs and administration to ensure the transfer of needed information and continuity of services.
• Participates in, and collaborates with, the IDT for prevention, treatment planning, development of the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and to recommend individualized communication strategies to support development of behavioral health plans.
• Collaborates with behavioral health staff and attends weekly Positive Behavioral Support Plan (PBSP) committee, as assigned, to provide input and approval of plans.
• Collaborates w/ Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) pertaining to beneficial and/or necessary diagnostic referrals.
• Works in collaboration with wheelchair fabrication shop for development of specialized mounting systems attached to customized wheelchairs to maximize accessibility and utilization of augmentative-alternative communication devices for persons served.
• Provides, attends and/or participates in other required meetings such as root cause analysis, Physical Nutritional Management Team (PNMT), grand rounds, community living discharge planning meetings, post-hospitalization meeting, and behavioral therapy committee, as assigned.

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. Documentation includes results of assessments, the individual’s treatment progress, changes in supports/services, results from monitoring, collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team, and the development of plans to mitigate risks related to integrated health care plans.

• Coordinates, assigns, trains, and supervises the work of staff such as SLP Assistants, and other educational/programs as needed for compliance and efficacy.
• Teaches specific skills, clarifies concepts, assists with critical thinking, conducts performance evaluations, mentors, advises and models professional behavior.
• Provides clinical supervision and oversees the competency development of student interns and/or therapeutic staff assistants, as assigned, through observation, conferences, and review of records.
• Provides required information to university personnel while maintain HIPAA requirements.
• Oversees and coordinates volunteer activities and internship programs affiliated with speech therapy in order to promote discipline specific education and continuation.

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. Attends in-service training, annual refresher retraining, and departmental cross training on such topics as lifting, mobility, transfers, complex needs, adaptive equipment, adaptive feeding equipment, trauma-focused care, response blocking, restraint, and positive behavior support plans (PBSP). Conducts research in therapeutic outcomes/practice as deemed necessary to maintain subject matter experience and the ability to work with individuals with dual diagnosis and complex needs in an interdisciplinary setting.

• Oversees and coordinates quality assurance and quality enhancement activities as related to provision of therapeutic services at the facility.
• Establishes goals, schedules, and performs efficacy monitoring, and tracks data to identify trends pertaining to services and devices.
• Collects and analyzes data to develop trend reports for review and approval by the director of habilitation therapy and presentation at the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QAQI) meeting as assigned.
• Initiates and oversees related performance improvement activities and tasks for their scope of work.
• Actively engages in quality improvement activities at the State level, as assigned.

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.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: (KSAs):

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.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements or Certifications

Current Licensure in Speech Language Pathology is required.

Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria

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.

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.

Additional Information

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre-employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS), Nurse Aide, Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 – 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

Review our Tips for Success when applying for jobs at DFPS, DSHS and HHSC [https://ng.accesshr.hhsc.state.tx.us/user_guides/documents/Tips%20for%20Success%20When%20Applying%20at%20DFPS_%20DSHS_%20and%20HHSC.pdf].

Active Duty, Military, Reservists, Guardsmen, and Veterans

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include, but not limited to those listed in this posting. All active-duty military, reservists, guardsmen, and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditor’s Job Descriptions, Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditor's Office - Job Descriptions [https://hr.sao.texas.gov/CompensationSystem/JobDescriptions/].

ADA Accommodations

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application, contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-888-894-4747. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process, please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility

Depending on the program area and position requirements, applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form [https://nam12.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.uscis.gov%2Fsites%2Fdefault%2Ffiles%2Ffiles%2Fform%2Fi-9.pdf&data=05%7C01%7CJoann.Walker%40dfps.texas.gov%7Caeee6740fb464b51a72a08da3cff25d3%7C0915ef3812cd4561ab809c7f41bfb31e%7C0%7C0%7C637889363785375919%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=vA6dFbaAUdZ6oCbSKslzR3%2F8xTEAzjkwTrQEIFYxnfU%3D&reserved=0]

Telework Disclaimer

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note, all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.