Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

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Functional Title:Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)
Job Title:Speech-Language Pathologist
Agency:Health & Human Services Comm
Department:Physical Therapy Clinical Svs
Posting Number:19084
Closing Date:09/14/2026
Posting Audience:Internal and External
Occupational Category:Healthcare Support
Salary Range:$8592.89-$11864.50
Pay Frequency: Monthly
Salary Group:TEXAS-B-27
Shift:Day
Additional Shift:Days (First)
Telework:Not Eligible for Telework
Travel:Up to 5%
Regular/Temporary:Regular
Full Time/Part Time:Full time
FLSA Exempt/Non-Exempt:Exempt
Facility Location:Rio Grande State Supported Living Center
Job Location City:HARLINGEN
Job Location Address:1401 S RANGERVILLE RD
Other Locations:None
MOS Codes: 230X42BX42NX42TX65A65B68F68LHMHNHSSEI12

Brief Job Description:

Come work in an environment where we truly value and respect those we serve and believe in the mission that all people can achieve a higher level of wellness and independence.

The state supported living centers serve people with intellectual and developmental disabilities who are medically fragile or who have behavioral problems. The centers provide campus-based direct services and supports at 13 centers located throughout the state. Learn About Our State Supported Living Centers

If you are looking for a place to work where you can establish a career that is filled with purpose this is the job for you!

The Registered Therapist V Speech Language Pathologist performs highly advanced (senior-level) therapeutic rehabilitation services in speech language pathology for a wide range of individuals with speech/communication deficits swallowing and dysphagia challenges social and pragmatic delays and cognitive difficulties. Assesses diagnoses and analyzes individuals skills and abilities in the areas of speech language and cognitive-communication and related to oral pharyngeal and esophageal function to identify swallowing impairments. Conducts and/or collaborates in conducting diagnostic assessments and administers and interprets assessments related to speech language and communication skills of individuals. Develops implements and oversees therapeutic habilitative and rehabilitative programs and provides treatment and clinical services for individuals. Collaborates consistently with other departments to ensure comprehensive care and continuity of services and to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Trains instructs and/or supervises the work of others in conducting habilitation and rehabilitation activities specific to recommendations and treatment. Coordinates assigns trains and supervises the work of assigned staff and/or student interns. Monitors implemented programs/plans for compliance and efficacy to ensure quality of care and patient well-being and provides feedback to staff. Updates and revises or develops new programs and treatment protocols based on outcomes. Oversees and coordinates quality assurance and quality enhancement activities as related to provision of therapeutic services at the SSLC. Maintains competency within the scope of practice in order to serve as the Centers recognized subject matter expert on matters related to speech language and swallowing disorders. Attends assigned meetings collaborates with allied health professionals IDTs and administration to ensure the transfer of needed information and continuity of services. Performs quality documentation in the electronic medical record. Performs other duties as assigned. Works under minimal supervision with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment.

Essential Job Functions (EJFs):

Attends work on a regular basis and may be required to work a specific shift schedule or at times even a rotating schedule extended shift and/or overtime in accordance with agency leave policy and performs other duties as assigned.

May serve in an on-call status on a rotating schedule as required to meet operational needs of the facility.

Assesses diagnoses and analyzes individuals skills and abilities in the areas of speech language and cognitive-communication. Performs routine hearing screens and make necessary referrals as assigned in accordance with local protocols. Administers and interprets assessments related to speech language and communication skills of individuals. Uses advanced instrumentation and specialized training in the assessment process. Utilizes a framework that includes culturally and linguistically appropriate behavioral observation standardized and/or criterion-referenced tools use of instrumentation informal assessment review of records case history prior test results interview of the individual and/or family/caregiver to guide decision making evaluation of body function structure activity participation within the context of environmental and personal factions. Analyzes data and synthesizes information gathered from evaluation in thorough and individualized written reports.

Assesses diagnoses and analyzes individuals skills and abilities related to oral pharyngeal and esophageal function to identify swallowing impairments. Conducts and/or collaborates in conducting diagnostic assessments related to dysphagia diagnosis and treatment/management such as modified barium swallow studies in accordance with local protocols. Collaborates with professionals on the IDT including radiologists occupational and physical therapists and dieticians to develop and implement treatment plans such as texture and/or consistency modifications and recommending individualized safe swallowing strategies on the dining plan.

Develops implements and oversees therapeutic habilitative and rehabilitative programs and provides treatment and clinical services for individuals such as treatment to establish a new skill or ability remediate or restore an impaired skill. Plans develops and implements complex Physical Nutritional Management Programs (PNMP) and treatment protocols to treat improve and/or maintain the individuals level of health and function related to dysphagia and communication. This includes diet texture/liquid consistency protocols and the use of adaptive eating equipment/compensatory strategies to mitigate choking and aspiration risks as well as recommendations to enhance communication such as designing individualized Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems recommendation for direct therapy services and/or development of individualized communication dictionaries and/or strategies. Collaborates consistently with other disciplines (behavioral health OT/PT social services psychiatry dental QIDPs nursing medical/PCPs) IDTs and administration to ensure comprehensive care and continuity of services and to maximize therapeutic efficacy. Submits data for budgets and speech therapy supplies and assessments materials.

Trains instructs and/or supervises the work of others in conducting habilitation and rehabilitation activities specific to recommendations and treatment. Develops detailed in-service training specific to an individuals plan which includes communication instructions/dictionary AAC systems diet textures liquid consistency individualized dining instructions (dining/feeding/positioning plans) techniques for medication administration and oral care instructions. Provides education to clinical and nonclinical staff regarding strategies to best facilitate communication (both individualized and general) for non-verbal individuals with dual diagnoses. As needed provides caregiver training mentoring and counseling pertaining to diagnosis and plans for treatment or implementation of individualized equipment/instructions. Develops and/or delivers new employee training on assigned topics such as communication and communication supports personalized communication gestures dysphagia guidelines for improved safety during oral intake and the PNMP. Delivers campus wide in-services on general topics within the scope of work as assigned.

Monitors implemented programs/plans for compliance and efficacy to ensure quality of care and patient well-being. Provides real-time feedback to staff and others involved in direct care and rehabilitation programs. Reviews and analyzes progress reports tracks and trends data pertaining to services. Updates and revises or develops new programs and treatment protocols based on outcomes.

Maintains open and regular communication with allied health professionals IDTs and administration to ensure the transfer of needed information and continuity of services. Participates in and collaborates with the IDT for prevention treatment planning development of the Individual Service Plan (ISP) and to recommend individualized communication strategies to support development of behavioral health plans. Collaborates with behavioral health staff and attends weekly Positive Behavioral Support Plan (PBSP) committee as assigned to provide input and approval of plans. Collaborates w/ Primary Care Physicians (PCPs) pertaining to beneficial and/or necessary diagnostic referrals. Works in collaboration with wheelchair fabrication shop for development of specialized mounting systems attached to customized wheelchairs to maximize accessibility and utilization of augmentative-alternative communication devices for persons served. Provides attends and/or participates in other required meetings such as root cause analysis Physical Nutritional Management Team (PNMT) grand rounds community living discharge planning meetings post-hospitalization meeting and behavioral therapy committee as assigned.

Performs quality documentation in the electronic medical record in the SSLC approved records and formats on individuals status to include physical cognitive social and psycho-affective functioning. Documentation includes results of assessments the individuals treatment progress changes in supports/services results from monitoring collaboration with members of the interdisciplinary team and the development of plans to mitigate risks related to integrated health care plans.

Coordinates assigns trains and supervises the work of staff such as SLP Assistants and other educational/programs as needed for compliance and efficacy. Teaches specific skills clarifies concepts assists with critical thinking conducts performance evaluations mentors advises and models professional behavior. Provides clinical supervision and oversees the competency development of student interns and/or therapeutic staff assistants as assigned through observation conferences and review of records. Provides required information to university personnel while maintain HIPAA requirements. Oversees and coordinates volunteer activities and internship programs affiliated with speech therapy in order to promote discipline specific education and continuation.

Maintain competency within the scope of practice in order to serve as the Centers recognized subject matter expert on matters related to speech language and swallowing disorders. Attends in-service training annual refresher retraining and departmental cross training on such topics as lifting mobility transfers complex needs adaptive equipment adaptive feeding equipment trauma-focused care response blocking restraint and positive behavior support plans (PBSP). Conducts research in therapeutic outcomes/practice as deemed necessary to maintain subject matter experience and the ability to work with individuals with dual diagnosis and complex needs in an interdisciplinary setting.

Oversees and coordinates quality assurance and quality enhancement activities as related to provision of therapeutic services at the facility. Establishes goals schedules and performs efficacy monitoring and tracks data to identify trends pertaining to services and devices. Collects and analyzes data to develop trend reports for review and approval by the director of habilitation therapy and presentation at the Quality Assurance/Quality Improvement (QAQI) meeting as assigned. Initiates and oversees related performance improvement activities and tasks for their scope of work. Actively engages in quality improvement activities at the State level as assigned.

Other duties as assigned include but are not limited to actively participating and/or serving in a supporting role to meet the agencys obligations for disaster response and/or recovery or Continuity of Operations (COOP) activation. Such participation may require an alternate shift pattern assignment and/or location.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities (KSAs):

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of habilitation and rehabilitation therapy in working with people with neurological and psychological disorders.

Knowledge of head and neck structures and functions for diagnoses and treatment of oropharyngeal dysphagia and communication disorders including habilitative supports and rehabilitative treatment programs.

Knowledge of approved methods of facilitating instructing interacting engaging and supervising individuals with a wide range of individuals with speech/communication deficits swallowing and dysphagia challenges social and pragmatic delays and cognitive difficulties.

Knowledge of the principles of clinical therapeutic evaluation and treatment and their application to individuals with IDD complex histories and dual diagnoses.

Knowledge of infection prevention and control procedure to promote health and safety.

Skill in assessing diagnosing and analyzing individuals skills and abilities related to oral pharyngeal and esophageal swallow function and in in the areas of speech language and cognitive communication.

Skill in clinical therapeutic evaluation treatment and progress and constructing measurable goals/objectives for the remediation of speech/language disorders.

Skill in informal and formal evaluation methodologies treatment planning and documentation of individuals progress.

Skill in the application maintenance repair and use of habilitation and rehabilitation tools equipment and materials.

Skill in the use of computer software programs and the Electronic Medical Records (EMR) system to document track and trend data and produce reports.

Ability to evaluate and prescribe modified diet texture liquid consistency adaptive eating equipment and compensatory strategies for safe oral consumption with reference to diagnostic imaging as appropriate.

Ability to impart general and specific information about habilitation therapy IDD anatomy physiology and treatment techniques to persons with varying levels or experience.

Ability to prescribe construct and adapt AAC systems for individuals with speech/language disorders and to oversee staff management/usage of AAC systems.

Ability to produce quality evaluation reports therapy notes clinical efficacy monitoring supervisory documentation and daily progress notes.

Ability to follow instructions and base decisions on current policies ethical standards and evidence-based practice.

Ability to collaborate within the team setting assume leadership as needed and to assign and supervise the work of others and to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.

Registrations Licensure Requirements or Certifications:

Current Licensure in Speech Language Pathology is required.

Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) is preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria:

Graduation from an accredited college or university program with major course work in speech language therapy or speech language pathology.

Experience administering and interpreting diagnostic assessments related to speech language and communication skills of individuals.

Experience assessing diagnosing and analyzing individuals skills and abilities related to oral pharyngeal and esophageal swallow function is preferred.

Experience evaluating and prescribing modified diet texture liquid consistency adaptive eating equipment and compensatory strategies for safe oral consumption with reference to diagnostic imaging as appropriate is preferred.

Experience working with people who have Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) is preferred.

Additional Information:

Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check pre-employment drug screen and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System (CANRS) Nurse Aide Medication Aide and Employee Misconduct and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities (LEIE).

Males between the ages of 18 25 must be registered with the Selective Service.

All State Supported Living Center Employees are subject to Random Drug Testing.

Flexibility in work hours may be required for this position. The position may be required to work overtime and/or extended hours. Must be willing to work weekends and holidays.

All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state-operated facility.

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Active Duty Military Reservists Guardsmen and Veterans:

Military occupation(s) that relate to the initial selection criteria and registration or licensure requirements for this position may include but not limited tothose listed in this posting. All active-duty military reservists guardsmen and veterans are encouraged to apply if qualified to fill this position. For more information please see the Texas State Auditors Job Descriptions Military Crosswalk and Military Crosswalk Guide at Texas State Auditors Office - Job Descriptions.

ADA Accommodations:

In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process for qualified individuals with a disability. If you need assistance completing the on-line application contact the HHS Employee Service Center at 1-. If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodation to participate in the interview process please notify the person scheduling the interview.

Pre-Employment Checks and Work Eligibility:

Depending on the program area and position requirements applicants selected for hire may be required to pass background and other due diligence checks.

HHSC uses E-Verify. You must bring your I-9 documentation with you on your first day of work. Download the I-9 Form

Telework Disclaimer:

This position may be eligible for telework. Please note all HHS positions are subject to state and agency telework policies in addition to the discretion of the direct supervisor and business needs.