SPEECH PATHOLOGIST/AUDIOLOGIST I7261F2 Pay Grade: 26 DEFINITION OF WORK Summary This is professional work in the clinical study and treatment of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Work involves studying abnormal speech and language patterns of individuals, evaluating speech, language, and hearing disorders; and providing appropriate therapy. Work may include participation in a speech pathology research program or in training programs for students from universities cooperating in clinical programs for practicum or internship training. Incumbents usually specialize exclusively in Speech Pathology or Audiology, but may have overlapping areas of responsibilities. Standard Classification Factors Supervision Received - Level D: "Under general direction…" Employees at this level are usually in charge of a large and important organizational unit. They plan and carry out assignments with little supervision. They report regularly to a superior, usually by means of occasional conferences, to discuss work progress or new problems which require advice from above. This designation will pertain to classes with a high order of independence. Difficulty - LEVEL B: Average… Where the employee is confronted with a variety of duties susceptible to different methods of solution which, in turn, places a correspondingly higher demand upon resourcefulness and concentration. Positions which require the analysis and evaluation of raw data and the rendering of conclusions would, in many instances, fall into this category. Complexity - LEVEL C: Work is of a standardized nature that may involve a variety of duties. Analytical thought becomes more important at this level due to increased data and changing situations. Tasks usually have several steps, some of which may not be directly related. Alternatives may exist for processes or methods to be used in solving problems. Workers at this level exercise a moderate amount of independent judgment. Work is controlled by routine review and reporting to or consultation with supervisors. When guidelines exist at this level, they tend to be more complicated or technical in nature requiring careful interpretation. Consequence of Actions or Decisions - LEVEL C: Consequences of actions or decisions at this level are limited in scope and effect as the work is reviewed occasionally. Errors may cause moderate inefficiency. Costs due to errors may be significant. Contacts - LEVEL C: The purpose of the contact is to influence, motivate, conduct interviews, make formal presentations or counsel to achieve common understanding or solutions to problems when the information is sensitive in nature or the individuals or groups are skeptical or uncooperative. Communication techniques and well developed communication skills become an important requirement at this level. Physical Demands - LEVEL B: The work requires light physical exertion. The employee may be required to perform handling activities with lightweight or easily moved items (e.g. books, file folders, boxes of office supplies, small machine parts, etc.); perform moving activities for brief periods; operate light equipment; perform repetitive motions for brief periods; confined to a work area. Environmental Conditions - LEVEL A: The work environment involves normal everyday hazards or discomforts typical of offices, meeting and training rooms, or libraries. Comfortable levels of temperature, ventilation, lighting and sound are inherent in the work environment. Exposure to deviations from pleasant environmental conditions is only occasional. The likelihood of injury is remote. Supervision/Leadership - LEVEL C: Typically involves limited supervisory responsibility which entails performing as a "first line supervisor" for a small number of employees. Supervision is not the primary responsibility of the job. Responsibility includes training, instructing, scheduling, and reviewing work and recommending hiring and disciplinary actions to a higher level of authority. Distinguishing Features Differs from the Speech Pathologist/Audiologist II class which has supervisory responsibility over lower level professionals and administrative duties. EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED Selects, administers, and interprets diagnostic speech and hearing tests to evaluate patients or students, reporting findings, interpretations, and recommendations to the supervisor. Counsels with patients and families regarding the therapy required. Diagnoses language, communication, hearing disorders of patients or students. Plans and engages in group or individual speech therapy auditory training, and speech reading. Maintains records concerning the progress of individuals. Makes work assignments, observes speech pathology students in giving tests and carrying out treatment and evaluates their progress in the training program. May plan, assign and evaluate the work of paraprofessional and technical staff. REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, ABILITIES AND SKILLS Knowledge *Knowledge of the causes of, and therapeutic techniques and practices pertinent to speech or hearing disorders. *Knowledge of the growth and development of the child physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. *Knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing mechanisms. *Knowledge of the materials and equipment used for testing and correcting speech or hearing disorders. Abilities *Ability to administer and interpret diagnostic speech and hearing tests. *Ability to establish and maintain satisfactory relationships with patients, patient's relatives, and hospital personnel. *Necessary at Entry MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS: Eligible to be licensed as a speech pathologist/ audiologist in the State of Kansas. Necessary Special Requirements: NC: 12/87 |