Speech Language Pathologist

A career at Easterseals Midwest is more than a job -- it is an opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives every day. Our staff are the link to the community for those they serve and is one of the most exemplary reflections of the wonderful mission driven work we provide every day. The people that carry out this rewarding, care giving support play an integral and crucial role in the success of our organization.

The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is responsible for conducting assessments and implementing therapy based on goals determined as a direct result of any assessments or as determined as part of the team. The SLP is responsible for decisions regarding goals, strategies and how to implement these goals across all environments.

Duties:

• Conduct communication assessments that provide detailed background and utilize formal and informal assessment measures to determine areas of strengths and deficits related to all areas of communication, including expressive, receptive and pragmatic language skills. The assessment leads to a report that outlines recommendations for frequency and duration of therapy as well as providing strategies for how to increase communication across all settings.
• Conduct therapy using best practices and implement changes as client needs change based on the data and changing needs of each person and as advances in autism treatment and hands-on experience provide better direction.
• Provide direct communication therapy services. This includes planning sessions, implementing treatment plans, monitoring progress and changing objectives as needed.
• Develop Individual Service Plans within the first two therapy visits that reflect strengths, needs, behavioral and communication concerns and goals.
• Create individual communication therapy goals that are realistic and achievable in accordance with the IEP, PCP and/or ISP.
• Record data for each goal during each session on a progress note. Include monthly data and progress at the end of each month. Upload notes to SharePoint after each session.
• Disseminate copied monthly progress notes to parents.
• Write recommendations for services, discharge summaries, funding re-authorizations, etc. as needed and complete additional paperwork as required by Easter Seals Midwest (i.e., incident reports, weekly billing sheets, etc.).
• Record frequency and duration of therapy in order to complete monthly billing and turn in encounter forms at the conclusion of each session.
• Complete billing for additional services such as consultations, observations, presentations, trainings, etc. each month.
• Schedule new therapy clients as they are presented.
• Maintain a caseload of a minimum of 80% billable hours.
• Travel to and from family homes, Easter Seals Midwest residential houses, schools etc. for therapy, consultation or meetings as needed and document the mileage as part of monthly reports.
• Brainstorm with other therapists to develop ideas for the summer program and other special projects and work as part of a team to develop and implement ideas for these special projects, including planning outings as needed and developing a lesson plan or guideline for implementation of the special project which is consistent with the goals as well as the missions and values of Easter Seals Midwest.
• Routinely consult and co-treat with therapists and staff at work to give them professional feedback.
• Provide support for families by attending IEP meetings or other conferences as appropriate and on the request of families. Serve as voice and advocate for individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

A successful candidate will possess:

• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Knowledge of treatment and training for individuals with developmental disabilities and knowledge of and experience with persons with autism spectrum disorders.
• Ability to foster positive professional relationships with families, staff, and community members. Conducts self in polite and professional manner with all.
• Ability to think and act independently and according to Easter Seals Midwest's policies and procedures.
• Willing to work evening hours and weekends.
• Ability to prioritize, problem solve, be creative, flexible, a team player, dependable and patient.
• Understand and apply the use of technology in therapy session as well as understanding basic computer skills such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master's degree in speech and language therapy from an accredited college or university. Certification through the American Speech Language and Hearing Association. Appropriate licensure.
• Experience: Minimum of two years working with clients with developmental disabilities. Knowledge of treatment and therapies for individuals with ASD especially speech/language and applied behavior analysis techniques. Previous experience in working with challenging behaviors. Knowledge of alternative forms of communication (AAC devices, sign language).