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Speech-Language Pathologist

This information is for reference only. These classifications are no longer valid and were replaced 7/1/2020.

Class Number: 
4466
Annual Salary Range:
$41,208.00 – $65,544.00
Twice-a-Month Salary Range:
$1,717.00 – $2,731.00
Pay Grade: 
07
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Definition

This is professional work involving the evaluation, coordination, implementation and/or monitoring of the treatment of communication disorders.

An employee in this class plans, develops, evaluates, coordinates, implements and/or monitors speech, language and hearing services for children and/or adults. Work normally includes evaluating the speech, language and hearing status of individuals; recommending or administering therapy and/or other corrective measures; assisting families and teachers of individuals with speech and hearing problems; and coordinating cooperative therapeutic programs with staff and other agencies to meet the needs of individuals with communication disorders. Work may include supervision of subordinate staff engaged in speech and hearing activities. The employee works under the supervision of a practitioner of higher rank, medical superior or treatment program supervisor who periodically reviews work methods, reports and processes; however, the employee exercises considerable independent judgment and initiative in the development and implementation of assigned activities.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following eligibility requirements:

(The following minimum qualifications will determine merit system eligibility. Allowable experience and education substitutions are provided in italics below the corresponding minimum qualification statement. These minimum qualifications may also be used to evaluate applicants for Missouri Uniform Classification and Pay System positions not requiring selection from merit registers.)

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master's degree in the area of speech-language pathology as approved by the Council on Academic Accreditation of the American Speech-Language Hearing Association; and including or supplemented by successful completion of a clinical fellowship (nine months duration or its equivalent) under the supervision of a licensed speech-language pathologist in the evaluation and/or treatment of speech, voice and language disorders. (Possession of a current license to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the State of Missouri will substitute for the stated education and clinical fellowship qualifications. A provisional license does not satisfy this qualification substitution or the licensure requirement.)

Special Requirements

Possession of a current license to practice as a Speech-Language Pathologist in the State of Missouri at the time of appointment. Certification as a Speech and Language Specialist by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education may also be required for certain positions or assignments within an agency.

Job Duties

This description may not include all of the duties, knowledge, skills, or abilities associated with this classification.

Administers, interprets, and/or arranges for diagnostic tests to assess speech production, including articulation, phonological development, phoneme stimulability, vocal quality and/or speech fluency, and language abilities, such as receptive, expressive and/or pragmatic skills.

Administers screening tests for hearing acuity and assessment of auditory skills; recommends referrals for follow-up.

Administers or arranges for remedial and therapeutic services through individual and/or group instruction for children and/or adults with speech, language or hearing disorders; observes and tests for progress.

Identifies, develops and maintains cooperative relationships with existing community, educational, service and health agencies to facilitate speech, language and hearing (re)habilitation for disabled children and/or adults.

Confers with family members and prepares written instructions for home treatment; provides information regarding normal speech and language development.

Provides consultation to educational and treatment staff; demonstrates speech therapy techniques; participates as a member of an interdisciplinary team in developing and/or implementing individual treatment plans.

Prepares and presents informational and educational programs for lay and professional groups.

Prepares client assessments, case histories and progress notes.

Develops and conducts in-service training to improve services to individuals with communication disorders.

Performs other related work as assigned.

Key Skills

Thorough knowledge of the current principles, procedures, techniques and instrumentation used in evaluating the speech, language and hearing status of children and/or adults.

Thorough knowledge of the various types of speech, language and hearing disorders, and of their classifications, etiologies and manifestations.

Thorough knowledge of the principles and treatment procedures used in the (re)habilitation of communication disorders.

Considerable knowledge of the relationships among speech, language and hearing problems, with particular concern for individuals having multiple disabilities.

Considerable knowledge of the normal development of speech, language and hearing abilities and the effect of degenerative processes.

Working knowledge of sound recorders, audiometers, electronic communication devices and other specialized equipment used in evaluation and treatment of communication disorders.

Working knowledge of services available to individuals with communication disorders from related professional fields and from various public and private service organizations.

Ability to develop, implement and coordinate speech, language and hearing services for those with communication disorders.

Ability to evaluate (re)habilitative communication potential of clients and apply appropriate therapy plans.

Ability to understand problems of disabled persons and to exercise tact and sympathetic understanding in the training process.

Ability to speak and write effectively and to prepare and interpret evaluations, progress reports, therapy plans and other written recommendations.

Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with others.

(Revised 10/1/99)