SLP - AAC Therapist - Miami Lakes (Full Time, Days)

Nicklaus Children's•Miami, FL

About The Position

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.

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
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.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

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.