Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist

Job Title: Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

Department: Pediatric Rehabilitation Services

Position Summary:

The Pediatric Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) at Athena Medtech is responsible for conducting comprehensive assessments providing accurate diagnoses and delivering individualized evidence-based therapeutic interventions for children facing a wide range of speech language communication and feeding/swallowing disorders. The ideal candidate will possess a strong foundation in pediatric development a genuine passion for fostering communication in children and exceptional interpersonal skills to effectively collaborate with families caregivers and interdisciplinary healthcare and educational teams.

Key Responsibilities:

Comprehensive Assessment & Diagnosis:

• Perform thorough evaluations of speech language voice fluency and feeding/swallowing disorders in pediatric populations utilizing standardized assessments and clinical observation.
• Interpret diagnostic data to accurately identify and characterize communication and feeding challenges.

Individualized Treatment & Intervention:

• Develop and implement highly individualized family-centered treatment plans with measurable goals drawing upon clinical assessments and evidence-based practices.
• Deliver engaging and effective therapy sessions tailored to each childs unique developmental needs utilizing age-appropriate techniques and materials.
• Employ a variety of therapeutic approaches potentially including Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and specialized feeding therapy techniques.

Family & Team Collaboration:

• Collaborate extensively with families caregivers and educational staff to ensure consistent carryover of therapy goals into various daily environments.
• Provide comprehensive education and training to parents and caregivers on communication strategies home exercise programs and strategies for supporting their childs development.
• Actively participate in multidisciplinary team meetings contributing to holistic patient care plans and assisting with Individualized Education Program (IEP) development if working within a school-based or integrated setting.

Documentation & Professional Standards:

• Maintain accurate timely and comprehensive documentation of all evaluations progress reports and treatment notes in accordance with professional ethical standards and regulatory requirements.
• Ensure all practices adhere to HIPAA guidelines for patient confidentiality.

Continuous Professional Development:

• Maintain current state licensure as an SLP and actively engage in continuing education to stay abreast of the latest advancements research and best practices in pediatric speech-language pathology.

Qualifications:

Education:

• Masters degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program is required.

Licensure & Certification:

• Current and valid state licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) in Arizona (AZ) is required.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) is strongly preferred. Clinical Fellows (CFs) who are eligible for licensure may be considered.
• CPR certification (as required by the specific setting) is required.

Experience:

• Proven experience with pediatric populations in clinical educational or home health settings is highly desired.
• Strong understanding of typical and atypical developmental milestones in speech language and feeding.
• Proficiency in applying child-friendly and engaging therapeutic techniques.

Skills & Competencies:

• Exceptional communication skills both verbal and written for effective interaction with children families and team members.
• Meticulous documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently while also thriving as a collaborative member of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual or multilingual skills to support diverse patient populations.
• Direct experience with Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices complex feeding and swallowing therapy or specialized experience with autism spectrum disorders.
• Familiarity and proficiency with electronic medical record (EMR) systems.

Working Conditions:

• This role may involve working across various settings including clinical outpatient facilities school environments or home-based therapy.
• Requires physical agility including sitting standing bending and occasional lifting of up to 25-30 pounds (e.g. therapeutic materials assisting children).