Speech Therapist

Roles and responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive evaluations of children’s speech, language, cognitive-communication, and swallowing abilities.
• Use standardized tests, observations, and interviews with parents, caregivers, and teachers to identify speech and language disorders.
• Diagnose conditions such as speech delays, articulation disorders, fluency disorders (e.g., stuttering), voice disorders, and receptive or expressive language disorders.
• Develop and implement personalized therapy plans based on the child’s specific needs, age, and developmental level.
• Set measurable goals and objectives for improving speech and language skills.
• Incorporate play-based and child-centered approaches to engage young clients in therapy sessions.
• Provide one-on-one or group therapy sessions to address speech and language deficits.
• Teach children how to produce sounds correctly, improve their fluency, and develop language skills.
• Use techniques such as modeling, repetition, and reinforcement to help children learn new communication skills.
• Assist children with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices if they have severe communication challenges.
• Educate and train parents and caregivers on strategies to support speech and language development at home.
• Provide materials and activities for continued practice outside of therapy sessions.
• Communicate regularly with families to discuss progress, challenges, and adjustments to the therapy plan.

• Assessment and Diagnosis

  • Evaluating speech, language, and swallowing abilities.
  • Identifying disorders such as stuttering, aphasia, dysarthria, or dysphagia.

• Therapy Implementation

  • Designing and conducting therapy sessions for speech articulation, voice modulation, and fluency.
  • Providing exercises to strengthen oral and facial muscles for speech or swallowing improvement.

• Patient and Family Education

  • Teaching families how to support therapy goals at home.
  • Providing strategies to improve communication or adapt to challenges.

• Documentation

  • Maintaining detailed patient records, treatment plans, and progress reports.
  • Writing reports for schools, doctors, or insurance purposes.

• Specialized Care

  • Helping patients with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), hearing impairments, or traumatic brain injuries.
  • Supporting stroke survivors and individuals with degenerative conditions like ALS.

Desired candidate profile

• Expertise in Speech and Language Development

  • Understanding normal and atypical speech, language, and communication patterns.
  • Knowledge of phonetics, linguistics, and cognitive-communication disorders.

• Assessment Skills

  • Conducting evaluations to identify speech, language, or swallowing problems.
  • Using diagnostic tools and techniques, such as articulation tests and video fluoroscopic swallowing studies.

• Therapeutic Techniques

  • Developing personalized therapy plans for speech articulation, fluency, and voice.
  • Implementing exercises for swallowing therapy and language comprehension.

• Patience and Empathy

  • Supporting individuals facing communication challenges.
  • Encouraging patients and families during long-term therapy processes.

• Communication Skills

  • Explaining treatment plans and progress to patients and families.
  • Collaborating with educators, doctors, and other therapists for holistic care.

• Problem-Solving

  • Developing creative approaches to address individual communication needs.
  • Adjusting therapy methods based on patient progress.

• Attention to Detail

  • Accurately recording evaluations, therapy goals, and progress.
  • Ensuring treatments align with evidence-based practices.

• Team Collaboration

  • Working with multidisciplinary teams, including teachers, occupational therapists, and medical staff.
  • Participating in IEP (Individualized Education Plan) meetings for children with special needs.