Speech-Language Pathologist

Assess and treat persons with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Bilingual Speech-Language Pathologist (Bilingual SLP); Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (Pediatric SLP); Speech and Language Clinician; Speech and Language Specialist; Speech and Language Teacher; Speech and Language Therapist; Speech Clinician; Speech Pathologist; Speech Therapist; Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Tasks

• Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
• Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
• Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
• Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
• Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
• Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.

Knowledge

• English Language
• Education and Training
• Customer and Personal Service
• Psychology
• Therapy and Counseling
• Administrative
• Sociology and Anthropology
• Medicine and Dentistry

Skills

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Critical Thinking
• Writing
• Speaking
• Learning Strategies
• Active Learning
• Monitoring

Abilities

• Oral Comprehension
• Oral Expression
• Written Expression
• Speech Recognition
• Written Comprehension
• Speech Clarity
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Fluency of Ideas
• Information Ordering
• Category Flexibility
• Near Vision
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Originality
• Flexibility of Closure
• Speed of Closure
• Perceptual Speed
• Auditory Attention
• Selective Attention