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Speech Language Pathologist Job Description

What does a Speech Language Pathologist do?

A Speech Language Pathologist, or SLP, works with individuals who have difficulties with speech, language, and communication. They assess, diagnose, and treat a wide range of communication disorders, such as stuttering, language delays, and voice disorders, among others. SLPs also work with patients who have suffered from strokes, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurological conditions that can affect their ability to communicate. They create individualized treatment plans and use a variety of techniques and tools, such as exercises, technology, and games, to help their clients improve their communication skills. Additionally, SLPs work in collaboration with other healthcare professionals to provide the best possible care for their patients.

Our Speech Language Pathologist job description includes the Speech Language Pathologist responsibilities, duties, skills, education, qualifications, and experience.

Speech Language Pathologist Example


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If you need an example job description for a Speech Language Pathologist download the one below, alternatively we have many other Healthcare job description samples and a job description library with over 3000 job descriptions templates that you can download for free.

What does a Speech Language Pathologist do?

A Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for assessing, diagnosing and providing therapy to individuals with communication disorders. They work to help individuals develop, or regain, the ability to communicate effectively by providing treatments that improve the individual's speech, language, voice and fluency. The Speech Language Pathologist will develop treatment plans tailored to the individual needs of each patient and will use a variety of techniques such as verbal and non-verbal strategies, language-based activities and creative strategies to help the patient achieve their communication goals. They will also provide education and support to families and caregivers as well as collaborate with other professionals to ensure the patient receives the best possible care.

Speech Language Pathologist Role Purpose

The purpose of a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is to assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders. They provide a range of services to individuals of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. SLPs work with clients to develop, maintain, and restore their communication skills. They also work with families, caregivers, and other professionals to ensure that their clients have the best possible outcome.

Speech Language Pathologist Role

A Speech Language Pathologist is a professional who helps people with communication problems, including speech, language, swallowing and fluency difficulties. They assess, diagnose, and treat individuals to help them improve their communication skills.

Speech Language Pathologist Duties

  • Assess, diagnose and treat speech, language and communication problems in children and adults
  • Develop and implement individual therapy programmes to help clients improve their communication skills
  • Provide advice and support to clients, families and carers
  • Develop and implement strategies to help clients improve their literacy and cognitive skills
  • Keep up to date with new techniques and developments in the field of speech language pathology
  • Liaise with other professionals, such as teachers, doctors and social workers

Speech Language Pathologist Requirements

  • A degree in Speech and Language Therapy
  • Knowledge of a wide range of speech and language disorders
  • Ability to work with clients with physical and mental disabilities

Speech Language Pathologist Skills

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Patience and empathy
  • Ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Knowledge of anatomy and physiology
  • Ability to think and work logically

Speech Language Pathologist Personal Traits

  • A passion for helping people
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to be patient and understanding
  • Strong problem solving and analytical skills
  • Ability to work in a team environment

How to write a Speech Language Pathologist Job Advert

Use our job advert template to write a job advert for posting on job sites and job boards. Our job advertising templates are carefully created to help you reach your audience and beat the competition to the best talent.

A job description informs the reader about a job, whereas a job advert’s main objective is to sell the job opportunity to attract as many suitable applicants possible. A job advert maybe the first touch-point a candidate has with your company so it is important to create a great impression.

Job Advertisements should enticing, so considering using short, exciting language which get the reader’s attention.

How to write a Speech Language Pathologist Job Description

To write a job description, we recommend starting with a job description template from our job description library, which contains examples for 800+ positions and professions. Our job description examples include a job summary with duties and responsibilities and skills and requirements, which can be personalised for your job vacancy.

Job Description Advice - Guidance on How to Personalise a Speech Language Pathologist Job Specification

The hiring process and recruiting new employees to fill your key roles requires a degree of personalisation if you are to attract the best employees in a competitive employment market. The right person for a crucial role or more senior roles will likely have other employers targeting them. As your job description will be the first point of contact, you need to nail your pitch and provide the best possible service.

Job Description Tips - Help on formatting a Speech Language Pathologist Job Specification

When creating your bespoke description and advert, you should cover and promote these points:

Job title: This should accurately reflect the role and include keywords that top talent might be using to search for jobs.

Job duties: The day to day duties, such as administrative tasks, which vary depending on the company and inform the candidate if they can complete the role.

Technical skills: These are the hard skills required through training, such as proficiency with Microsoft Office.

Soft skills: These include the interpersonal skills and general abilities the right candidates will possess. For example, the competency to prioritise multiple tasks, handle customer queries and customer complaints, work alone, or build a good relationship with coworkers.

The company's culture: Highlighting your company culture and values ensures employees thrive and find outstanding job satisfaction. Candidates that are not the right fit won’t waste their time completing the application process, meaning you can focus on qualified individuals and hire in a more timely manner.

Career progression: Including the career path will entice candidates looking for career growth. 

Training and development programs: Smaller companies may need employees with previous experience or provide educational assistance over internal training offered by larger organisations with more significant resources. 

Employee benefits: Compensation and benefits often fail to appear in job ads and while you may want to hold your cards close to your chest, failing to include them is a mistake. Consider answering common questions, such as working hours and paid leave. Researching the average salary for the role in these early stages will ensure you don’t waste your interviewer’s and the candidate’s time.

Skill gaps: Your company may need to bring in new skills beyond those required to complete the key role and duties. Thinking on an organisational level can be beneficial when contemplating skills diversity.

Legal requirements: Ensure your job advert and description does not ask for inappropriate or discriminatory personal details, such as age, marital status, or religion.

How to Hire a Speech Language Pathologist

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