Job 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
As required under the directive of House Bill 531 (2025) we are providing the link below to the Care Provider Background Screening Clearinghouse Education and Awareness website.
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