The Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) is currently seeking qualified candidates for the position of Speech Therapist at Georgia Regional Hospital - Atlanta, located in Decatur, GA.

PRN – As needed up to 29 hours weekly

Salary:  $55.00 per hour

Job Description:

Assess and treat persons with hearing, speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May fit hearing aids and provide auditory training. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use.

Job Responsibilities & Performance Standards:

·       Administers hearing or speech/language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairment, using specialized instruments, electronic equipment, and/or written and oral tests

·       Communicates with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology

·       Counsels and instructs clients in techniques to improve hearing or speech impairment, including sign language or lip-reading

·       Develops speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities

·       Evaluates hearing and speech/language disorders, test results, and medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, and swallowing disorders

·       Examines and cleans clients' ear canals

·       Fits and dispenses assistive devices, such as hearing aids

·       Maintains client records at all stages, including initial evaluation and discharge

·       Monitors clients' progress and adjusts treatments accordingly

·       Plans and conducts treatment programs for clients' hearing or speech problems, consulting with physicians, nurses, psychologists, and other health care personnel as necessary

·       Recommends assistive devices according to clients' needs or nature of impairments

·       Refers clients to additional medical or educational services if needed

·       Teaches clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, and breathing mechanisms.

Sample Technical Competencies:

1.     Knowledge of normal speech and language development

2.     Knowledge of the nature and causes of speech, language and/or hearing disorders

3.     Knowledge of diagnostic instruments and equipment pertinent to the field of specialization

4.     Knowledge of procedures used to assess speech, language and/or hearing disorders

5.     Ability to develop a plan of care that is reasonable, concise and within program parameters.

This position is subject to close at any time once a satisfactory applicant pool has been identified.

FOR THIS TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT, STATE LAW REQUIRES A NATIONAL AND STATE BACKGROUND CHECK AS A CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT.