Description

Job Summary

The Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Therapist is responsible for the evaluation, re-evaluation, and the development and implementation of plan of care in accordance with the preferred practice standards/clinical guidelines for children who require Augmentative and Alternative Communication systems. Skilled in the utilization of various speech-generated devices and technology to evaluate and treat complex communication disorders. Participates as an interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary team member in the provision of care and in tracking clinical and quality of life outcomes. The AAC therapist will provide consultation, education, and in-services, as needed in order to improve outcomes for children.

Job Specific Duties

• Participates in interdisciplinary/multidisciplinary meetings and other related meetings that pertain to the care of specific patients. 
• Maintains and documents productivity standards set by leaders. 
• Records daily patient documentation, statistics, and charges accurately and in a timely manner as determined by meeting departmental standards. 
• Ensures documentation reflects evidence based practices.
• Accountable to improve access to care for the patients we serve.
• Conducts and interprets evaluations based on patient's medical concerns, developmental age, diagnosis, and prognosis. Provides recommendations based on findings. 
• Maintains active and supportive communication with the patient, caregiver(s), and others regarding progress, problems, home programs, and other issues related to the therapeutic process. 
• Develops a plan of care outlining area of deficit, activity restrictions, context and assistance needed, and ensures functional, realistic, and measurable treatment goals and/or status of ongoing goals. 
• Recommends and provides treatments based upon medical, clinical, functional, and observational findings. 
• Initiates, documents, and prepares the patient/family for discharge at the time of the evaluation based on maximum potential or when benefit of therapy is reached.
• Follows TRAAC and initiates, documents & prepares the patient/family for discharge at the time of the evaluation based on maximum potential and/or when benefit of therapy is reached. 
• Provides proof of at least 1 in-service specific to evidenced-based practices/literature review. 
• Provides proof of at least 1 peer review (case study presentation) incorporating evidenced-based practices into their treatment plan. 
• Maintains ongoing CEUs to maintain professional licensure and clinical excellence. 

Qualifications

Minimum Job Requirements

• Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) State of Florida license or Provisional Florida licensure - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• Certification of Clinical Competence by ASHA
• American Heart Association BLS - maintain active and in good standing throughout employment
• Finger printing background and Good Moral Character Affidavit must be initiated within 15 days of hire date and finalized within 90 days of hire date

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Pediatric experience preferred in Augmentative and Alternative Communication evaluations and treatment of children with complex communication needs.
• Membership of ASHA SIG related to Augmentative and Alternative Communication highly preferred.
• Ability to appropriately interact with patients, parents/guardians, vendors, and healthcare professionals in all work-related situations.
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Able to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information in accordance with HIPAA regulations.
• Current in practice standards/clinical guidelines for evaluation, diagnosis, treatment of children with complex communication needs.
• Ability to support quality outcomes.
• Familiarity with switches and the corresponding motor and cognitive skills required for effective use of AAC devices.
• Awareness of how seating and positioning impact an individual's ability to interact with AAC systems.
• Proficiency in methods for customizing AAC systems to meet individual needs.
• Ability to collaborate with vendors to design and deliver training sessions tailored to diverse audiences.
• Conduct a comprehensive assessment of the individual's speech, language, and overall communication abilities, taking into account their unique background and communication needs.
• Awareness of funding sources and the requirements for applying for funding from each source.
• Analytical ability necessary to evaluate patient condition, to interpret, analyze data, assess patient progress, and determine appropriate follow-up.
  

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