Speech-Language Pathologists

Key Responsibilities

• Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
• Communicate with students who use an alternative method of communications, using sign language or computer technology.
• 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.
• Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
• Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, technologies, or treatments.
• 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.
• Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
• 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.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Participate in conferences, training, continuing education courses, or publish research results to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
• 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.
• Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
• 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.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
• Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
• Supervise students or assistants.
• Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
• Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
• Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.