Speech Pathologist

Class Specifications – H.80
Senior Speech Pathologist – 9472
Speech Pathologist – 9473

February, 1973

Series Concept

Speech Pathologists examine, test, diagnose, and administer remedial treatments for patients with speech and language disorders; and perform other related duties as required.

Incumbents typically plan, direct, and/or conduct remedial programs designed to restore or improve communication efficiency; diagnose, treat and/or perform research related to speech and language problems; diagnose speech and language problems; diagnose speech and language disorders by evaluating causes and test results; interpret findings; treat speech and language impairments such as articulatory disorders, stuttering, voice problems, delayed speech, organic disorders including cleft palate, cerebral palsy, aphasia, and speech and language disorders resulting from impaired hearing; train patients in the technique of esophageal voice or in the use of artificial larynx; and write reports on diagnostic findings, therapy used, and progress made.

Incumbents may act as advisors to educational, medical, and other professional groups; may direct scientific projects concerned with the investigation of biophysical and biosocial phenomena associated with voice, speech and language; may counsel patients and families concerning social and psychological problems associated with speech disabilities; and may conduct research related to diagnostic and remedial techniques or procedures or design of apparatus. The series consists of two levels. Senior Speech Pathologist is the lead/advanced operational level; and Speech Pathologist is the operational level.

Class Concepts

Senior Speech Pathologist

Under direction, incumbents perform the range of duties as outlined in the Series Concept and in addition may direct the work of one or more Speech Pathologists. Incumbents in this class are typically assigned the more difficult cases requiring the use of advanced operational level skills.