Job Description:

• 1) Specializes in diagnosis and treatment of speech and language problems, and engages in scientific study of human communication: Diagnoses and evaluates speech and language skills as related to educational, medical, social, and psychological factors.

• 2) Plans, directs, or conducts habilitative and rehabilitative treatment programs to restore communicative efficiency of individuals with communication problems of organic and nonorganic etiology.

• 3) Provides counseling and guidance and language development therapy to handicapped individuals.

• 4) Reviews individual file to obtain background information prior to evaluation to determine appropriate tests and to ensure that adequate information is available.

• 5) Administers, scores, and interprets specialized hearing and speech tests.

• 6) Develops and implements individualized plans for assigned clients to meet individual needs, interests, and abilities.

• 7) Evaluates and monitors individuals, using audio-visual equipment, such as tape recorders, overhead projectors, filmstrips, and demonstrative materials.

• 8) Reviews treatment plan, and assesses individual performance to modify, change, or write new programs.

• 9) Maintains records as required by law, establishment's policy, and administrative regulations.

• 10) Attends meetings and conferences and participates in other activities to promote professional growth.

• 11) Instructs individuals to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice new skills.

• 12) May act as consultant to educational, medical, and other professional groups.

• 13) May conduct research to develop diagnostic and remedial techniques.

• 14) May serve as consultant to classroom teachers to incorporate speech and language development activities into daily schedule.

• 15) May teach manual sign language to student incapable of speaking.

• 16) May instruct staff in use of special equipment designed to serve handicapped.

• 17) See AUDIOLOGIST for one who specializes in diagnosis of, and provision of rehabilitative services for, auditory problems.