Speech Therapist

SCCMHA JOB VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

Speech Therapist

Pay Range: $83,352.52 - $105,056.79 annually

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Under general supervision of Mental Health Supervisor (Enhanced Health Services), performs professional speech assessments/assignments, develops goals and objectives utilizing the methods and techniques through the person-centered-planning process (PCP) for adults and children, through Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA). Monitors goals, objectives and attends service planning meetings as needed by striving to restore, promote and enhance speech performance. This position will be knowledgeable about and actively support culturally competent recovery-based practices; person centered planning as a shared decision-making process with the individual, who defines his/her life goals and is assisted in developing a unique path toward those goals; and a trauma informed culture of safety to aid persons served in the recovery process.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Performs assessments using person-centered principles to evaluate basic physical abilities such as swallowing, speech, cognitive communication, fluency, language, and hearing.
2. Evaluates individuals by assessing many aspects of communication skills using therapeutic service intervention and writing professional reports to summarize findings and develop treatment strategies to maximize independence.
3. Services application of therapeutic techniques in areas such as cognitive communication; speech intelligibility; oral motor skills; swallowing disorders/dysphagia; perceptual abilities; orientation; memory; pragmatics; psychosocial expression; and/or functional communication.
4. Treating and supporting children and adults including, but not limited to, improving non-verbal communication, speech pragmatics, conversation skills, and concept skills who may have a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, Intellectual Developmental Disability, and Severe Emotional Disturbance.
5. Evaluates weaknesses/need(s) of the individual relative to their desired outcomes and writes skill building and/or therapeutic clinical goal(s) for the individual to achieve. Develops objectives, goals and implementation procedures and communicates to staff about how to initiate/implement these goals.
6. Performs regular monitoring of the plan as appropriate. Reviews information from staff and summarizes what each person has done in multiple settings to meet objectives. Evaluates for progress, no change, or regression and makes appropriate goal and objective revisions.
7. Participates as a member of a SCCMHA interdisciplinary team, made up of the persons served and other healthcare professionals, that collaborate with a common purpose to enhance the individual care and outcomes.
8. When appropriate, develops/creates speech related learning materials and/or simple adaptive communication devices for the individual use as part of a treatment strategy.
9. Meets and consults over the telephone and/or face to face with case holder, nurse, therapist, other clinicians, person served, family and/or home provider. Summarizes findings from assessment and makes recommendations for maximizing use of evidence-based practices.
10. Provides counseling and support of individuals and/or families on speech disorders and on how to cope with the stress associated with these problems. Develop treatment techniques to use at home or community and on how to modify behavior that impedes communication.
11. Obtains information on individual behavior and progress at home to provide perspective individual skill level in order to assist the individual in achieving their goals.
12. Acts as the resource on speech therapy services and provides training opportunities to staff. May plan and conduct lectures and training programs on speech therapy and related topics to staff, persons served, support person(s) and/or community groups.
13. May participate in the person-centered planning meeting if the individual and/or guardian requests.
14. Maintains accurate records regarding services provided on behalf of individuals receiving services at Saginaw County Community Mental Health Authority (SCCMHA).
15. Participates in staff meetings to receive current information, guidance, and direction from supervisor.
16. Adheres to the mission, vision, core values, and operating principles of SCCMHA at all times.

Incidental Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Socializes informally with individuals to facilitate friendly, respectful treatment relationship with the individual and family And Adult Foster Care (AFC) home/s.
2. Attends meetings, seminars, workshops, and community events related to public mental health mission.
3. Reacts productively to change and handles other essential tasks as assigned.
4. Uses computer hardware and software to perform tasks.
5. Participates in Quality Improvement functions.

(The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities required of personnel so classified.)

Reporting Relationships:

Reports to: Mental Health Supervisor (Enhanced Health Services)

Supervises: None

Working Conditions/Environment:

Works in various locations including both internal and external service programs, residential settings, a person served work sites and community locations which include pressures with time constraints and stress from serving a carrying caseload size. Drives vehicle on regular basis in all kinds of weather. Will have close contact with individuals and/or families who may have communicable disease and be hostile, aggressive, and potentially violent.

QUALIFICATIONS :

Education: Master’s degree in a mental health related field from an accredited school.

Experience: A minimum of one (1) year responsible professional experience (internship will be considered) as Speech Therapist with an understanding of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

License and Credentials:

Valid Michigan Driver’s license with a good driving record.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

1. Knowledge of speech therapy and intellectual and developmental disabilities.
2. Ability to use tact and diplomacy and relate to individuals from all social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.
3. Ability to exercise independent and mature judgment.
4. Ability to maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
5. Ability to work effectively in a team environment.
6. Clinical awareness and sensitivity, including belief that individuals with intellectual and development disabilities and mental illness can be meaningful participants in our community.
7. Knowledge related to special issues surrounding children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
8. Analytical ability.
9. Ability to handle individuals who may be distributive or potentially violent.
10. Excellent communication skills.

Physical/Mental Requirements:

1. Hearing acuity to converse in person and on telephone.
2. Visual acuity to observe individual behavior, read and proofread documents and use Electronic Health Record and other electronic devices.
3. Ability to walk, stand or sit for extended periods of time.
4. Manual dexterity to write and to operate standard office equipment (PC, Keyboard, Copy Machine, Fax Machine, etc.)
5. Ability to lift and carry files and supplies at least 20 pounds.
6. Strong interpersonal skills to interact with leadership, employees, individuals, families, and the general public.
7. Analytical skills necessary to conduct research, analyze, and interpret complex data and identify and solve problems by proposing courses of action.
8. Ability to plan short and long range and to manage and schedule time.
9. Ability to handle stress in meeting deadlines and dealing with large numbers of employees and/or individuals and families.

(Listed qualifications are for guidance in filling this position. Any combination of education and experience that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities will be considered; however, mandatory licensing or certification requirements cannot be waived. Physical/mental requirements cannot be waived unless specifically indicated.)