How to Be Speech-Language Services Coordinator - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Sep 8, 2020 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The Speech-Language Services Coordinator is a vital role in any educational setting, as they are responsible for ensuring that students with speech and language needs are provided with the necessary support. They work closely with educators, families, and healthcare professionals to create a plan that meets the individual needs of each student. As a result, students are able to participate in the same classroom activities as their peers, potentially reducing the need for special education services. Additionally, providing these services leads to improved academic performance, enhanced self-esteem, and better social skills for students with speech and language concerns.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelors Degree. To become a speech-language services coordinator, you must first obtain a bachelors degree in speech-language pathology. During this program, you will learn about the anatomy and physiology of the vocal tract, the development of speech and language, and the assessment and treatment of communication disorders.
Gain Experience. Before becoming a speech-language services coordinator, you should gain experience in the field by working as a speech-language pathologist. This experience can be obtained either through working in a health care setting or completing an internship.
Pass Licensure Exam. After completing your degree and gaining experience, you must then pass a licensure exam in order to practice speech-language pathology. This exam is administered by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA).
Obtain a Masters Degree. To become a speech-language services coordinator, you must obtain a masters degree in speech-language pathology. During this program, you will learn more advanced topics such as dysphagia management, voice therapy, and augmentative and alternative communication.
Pursue Specialization. You can also pursue a specialization in a particular disorder or area of practice such as school-based services or early intervention. This will demonstrate your expertise and help you stand out when applying for jobs.
Apply for Jobs. Once you have completed all of the necessary steps, you can begin applying for jobs as a speech-language services coordinator. Make sure to include information about your education, experience, and any specializations you have completed on your resume.

The increased demand for speech-language services coordinators has led to the need for individuals who are well-versed in the field. An ideal candidate for this position would have extensive knowledge and experience in the field, as well as excellent communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Having the ability to think critically and analyze data is also important.

A capable speech-language services coordinator should also be able to work independently and in a team setting, and have strong leadership skills. All of these qualities, when combined, make an individual an ideal candidate for this job.

You may want to check Speech-Language Pathology Program Manager, Speech-Language Clinical Educator, and Speech-Language Intervention Specialist for alternative.

Job Description

Develop, coordinate and supervise speech-language therapy programs for patients in a variety of settings.
Evaluate speech, language and communication needs of patients, and design individual treatment plans to meet those needs.
Plan, develop and implement strategies for the effective delivery of speech-language services.
Provide direct services to patients, including assessment, diagnosis, and treatment.
Work collaboratively with other professionals to ensure comprehensive care for patients.
Monitor patient progress and adjust treatment plans accordingly.
Monitor and maintain patient and programming records, such as individual therapy notes.
Train and supervise staff in the provision of speech-language services.
Research current developments in the field of speech-language pathology, and apply them to program planning.
Develop policies and procedures related to speech-language services.
Serve as a resource to the medical community regarding speech-language services.
Participate in educational programs, conferences, and meetings related to the field of speech-language pathology.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of speech-language pathology and audiology principles, theories, and practices.
Knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and accreditation standards related to speech-language services.
Excellent organizational, administrative, and communication skills.
Ability to develop and manage budgets and personnel.
Ability to create and implement effective programs for speech-language services.
Ability to develop policies and procedures for speech-language services.
Ability to design and evaluate clinical programs.
Knowledge of and experience with assessment techniques and service delivery models for speech-language services.
Ability to effectively collaborate with other health care professionals and community organizations in order to support the delivery of effective speech-language services.
Knowledge of reimbursement policies for speech-language services.
Ability to identify and utilize community resources to support the delivery of speech-language services.
Ability to provide leadership in the development and implementation of best practices in a variety of settings.

Having strong communication skills is essential for a Speech-Language Services Coordinator. This includes the ability to actively listen, speak clearly, and articulate ideas in a clear and concise manner. it is important to be knowledgeable in the areas of language development, speech therapy, and language disorders.

It is also essential to be able to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and to be patient and understanding while providing services. Furthermore, having excellent organizational and problem-solving skills is critical in order to effectively coordinate the services that are offered. Good interpersonal skills are also important for this role, as the Coordinator will need to be able to effectively interact with both clients and colleagues.

Finally, having strong research and writing skills is beneficial for developing reports and researching data on language development and speech therapy. As a result, these skills are essential for a successful Speech-Language Services Coordinator.

Speech-Language Pathology Technician, Speech-Language Development Specialist, and Speech-Language Pathology Diagnostic Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with speech-language services?
How do you keep up to date with developments in the field of speech-language services?
Describe a time when you effectively collaborated with other professionals to achieve a successful outcome for a patient.
What strategies do you employ to ensure patient confidentiality?
How do you foster a positive and productive working environment?
What challenges have you encountered while managing speech-language services?
How do you handle difficult conversations with patients and families?
How do you prioritize tasks and manage competing deadlines in order to maximize efficiency?
Describe a time when you successfully identified a need and developed a plan of action to address it.
What is your approach to developing effective partnerships with other service providers?

Common Tools in Industry

Speech recognition software. Software that allows users to dictate text or control a computer system using their voice. (eg: Dragon NaturallySpeaking)
Speech synthesis software. Software that enables a computer to generate spoken language from text. (eg: Vocalizer)
Language evaluation tools. Tools used to assess an individuals language abilities, such as word knowledge, sentence structure, and articulation. (eg: CELF-5)
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) systems. Technology-aided devices and strategies that facilitate communication for individuals with limited speech. (eg: Proloquo2Go)
Communication boards. Visual aids that allow individuals to point to symbols or pictures to express their thoughts and needs. (eg: Picture Communication Symbols)
Language intervention activities. Activities designed to help individuals improve their ability to understand and use language. (eg: Story-retelling tasks)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
American Academy of Audiology (AAA)
National Association of Speech and Language Pathologists and Audiologists (NASLPA)
International Association of Logopedics and Phoniatrics (IALP)
National Hearing Conservation Association (NHCA)
Canadian Association of Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists (CASLPA)
British Society of Audiology (BSA)
World Federation of Speech-Language Pathologists (WFSLP)
International Speech and Communication Association (ISCA)
European Federation of Audiology Societies (EFAS)

We also have Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Research Associate, Speech-Language Pathology Clinical Supervisor, and Speech-Language Audiology Technician jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP). A professional trained in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders.
Speech-Language Assessment. A comprehensive evaluation of an individuals speech, language, and communication skills.
Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC). Methods of communication other than spoken language that can be used by individuals with speech and language impairments.
Dysphagia. Swallowing difficulties often caused by neurological disorders such as stroke or traumatic brain injury; can lead to aspiration and choking.
Articulation Disorder. Difficulty producing speech sounds in the correct manner.
Language Disorder. Difficulty understanding or using language.
Fluency Disorder. Difficulty speaking in a smooth and effortless manner.
Audiology. The study of hearing and hearing disorders.
Hearing Aid Devices. Devices worn to improve hearing in those with hearing loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the duties of a Speech-Language Services Coordinator?

A Speech-Language Services Coordinator is responsible for the coordination of speech and language services for school districts, such as conducting assessments, developing individualized education plans, and providing support to students and staff.

What qualifications are necessary to become a Speech-Language Services Coordinator?

To become a Speech-Language Services Coordinator, you must have a master's degree in speech-language pathology or a related field, typically with at least two years of experience working in the field. Additionally, most states require that Speech-Language Services Coordinators be licensed or certified.

How much does a Speech-Language Services Coordinator typically earn?

The average salary for a Speech-Language Services Coordinator varies by location and experience level, but the median annual salary ranges from $60,000 to $90,000.

What type of environment do Speech-Language Services Coordinators typically work in?

Speech-Language Services Coordinators typically work in school districts, private clinics, and other educational settings.

What type of support do Speech-Language Services Coordinators provide?

Speech-Language Services Coordinators provide support to students, staff, and families by providing assessments, developing individualized education plans, and providing direct therapy services when needed.