Speech-Language Pathologist I
Job Description
Pappas Rehabilitation Hospital for Children, part of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), is seeking a licensed Speech-Language Pathologist to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients by helping them overcome communication, swallowing, and cognitive-linguistic challenges. This position focuses on providing individualized therapy, family training, and educational support to foster patient progress and independence. Working as part of a collaborative care team, you will design and implement treatment plans tailored to each patient's unique needs while serving as a trusted resource for caregivers and other professionals involved in the patient's care.
This role is well-suited for someone passionate about advancing their expertise in speech-language pathology while contributing to a supportive and interdisciplinary environment. With opportunities to participate in professional development, train students, and share innovative practices, you will be essential in promoting communication growth and enhancing overall quality of life for patients and families.
Please note: The schedule is Wednesday through Friday, 8:00 - 4:30 with weekends off, except for one required weekend rotation per month. Thursdays will be your scheduled days off before and after your working weekend.
Duties and Responsibilities (these duties are a general summary and not all inclusive):
• Conduct comprehensive evaluations to assess communication, swallowing, and cognitive-linguistic abilities, and interpret assessment results to guide treatment planning.
• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans, including both short- and long-term goals, tailored to each patient's developmental, cognitive, and educational needs.
• Provide outpatient therapy services, including patient assessments, family training, and school-based collaboration through phone consultations or conferencing.
• Educate patients, families, and caregivers on communication strategies, alternative communication (AAC) system usage, and oral motor or feeding programs to support ongoing progress.
• Participate in interdisciplinary team meetings and contribute to coordinated care planning and discharge processes for patients on caseload.
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• Design and implement indirect rehabilitative carry-over programs to reinforce therapy goals in various environments.
• Stay current with advancements in speech-language pathology by attending professional conferences and sharing new knowledge and techniques with colleagues.
• Provide in-service training to staff on communication development, therapeutic strategies, and integration of AAC devices within daily activities.
• Supervise and mentor speech-language pathology students, offering guidance on clinical performance, goal setting, and professional development.
• Assess patients preparing for discharge to provide caregiver instruction on maintaining and enhancing communication skills post-treatment.
Required Qualifications:
• Strong understanding of the theories, principles, and practices of communication therapy, including treatment techniques and methods in speech-language pathology.
• Proficiency in diagnostic and prognostic testing methods to evaluate and plan effective therapy interventions.
• Knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and the types and causes of speech and language disorders, as well as related social, psychological, and educational challenges.
• Familiarity with medical terminology, symbols, and abbreviations relevant to speech-language pathology.
• Experience with the use, calibration, and adjustment of communication therapy equipment and assistive devices.
• Awareness of trends, challenges, and best practices in delivering effective communication therapy services.
• Understanding of the unique needs of individuals with hearing impairments, physical impairments, and related conditions affecting communication.
Preferred Qualifications:
• Previous clinical experience in outpatient or interdisciplinary care settings, with demonstrated success in treating diverse patient populations.
• Familiarity with augmentative and AAC systems, and evidence-based intervention strategies.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams.
• Commitment to ongoing professional growth through continuing education, research, or participation in professional organizations.
DPH Mission and Vision:
The mission of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is to promote and protect health and wellness and prevent injury and illness for all people, prioritizing racial equity in health by improving equitable access to quality public health and health care services and partnering with communities most impacted by health inequities and structural racism.
We envision a Commonwealth with an equitable and just public health system that supports optimal well-being for all people in Massachusetts, centering those with systemically and culturally oppressed identities and circumstances.
Learn more and share a one-pager on DPH and what we do: DPH at a Glance PDF | Doc
Pre-Hire Process:
A criminal background check will be completed on the recommended candidate as required by the regulations set forth by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services prior to the candidate being hired. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/hhs/cori and click on "Information for Job Applicants."
Education, licensure and certifications will be verified in accordance with the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines.
Education and license/certification information provided by the selected candidate(s) is subject to the Massachusetts Public Records Law and may be published on the Commonwealth's website.
If you require assistance with the application/interview process and would like to request an ADA accommodation, please click on the link and complete the Reasonable Accommodation Online Request Form
For questions regarding this position please contact the Executive Office of Health and Human Services Human Resources at 1-800-510-4122 ext. #4.
Qualifications
First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.
Minimum Entrance Requirements: None
Special Requirements:
Possession of a current and valid Speech-Language Pathologist license issued by the Massachusetts' Board of Registration for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology.
Based on assignment, possession of a current and valid Massachusetts Class D Motor Vehicle Operator's license may be required.
Salary placement is determined by a combination of factors, including the candidate's years of directly related experience and education, and alignment with our internal compensation structure as set forth by the Human Resources Division's Hiring Guidelines. For all bargaining unit positions (non-management), compensation is subject to the salary provisions outlined in the applicable collective bargaining agreement and will apply to placement within the appropriate salary range.
Comprehensive Benefits
When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.
Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!
Title 101 CMR 23.00 ("Regulation") requires certain agency staff to have received the COVID-19 vaccination and Influenza vaccination, or have taken required mitigation measures, to prevent viral infection and transmission in State Hospitals and State Congregate Care Facilities. The Regulation applies to this position. Successful candidates will be required to acknowledge and attest to your vaccination status for both COVID-19 and Influenza.
An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.
Perks and Benefits
Health and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- Health Reimbursement Account
- Dental Insurance
- Vision Insurance
- Life Insurance
- Short-Term Disability
- Long-Term Disability
- FSA
- HSA
- Mental Health Benefits
Parental Benefits
- Adoption Assistance Program
- Family Support Resources
Work Flexibility
- Flexible Work Hours
- Hybrid Work Opportunities
Office Life and Perks
- Commuter Benefits Program
Vacation and Time Off
- Paid Vacation
- Paid Holidays
- Personal/Sick Days
- Volunteer Time Off
Financial and Retirement
- Pension
- Financial Counseling
Professional Development
- Promote From Within
- Mentor Program
- Access to Online Courses
- Lunch and Learns
- Internship Program
- Leadership Training Program
- Associate or Rotational Training Program
Diversity and Inclusion
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program