Speech Language Pathologist (SLP)

Texas Health and Human Services; Harlingen (TX); On-site; USD 95,896 - 132,407; Full time

Job summary

Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) seeks a Speech Language Pathologist for the Rio Grande State Supported Living Center in Harlingen, TX. The role is full time, exempt, requires current licensure in Speech Language Pathology; CCC-SLP preferred.

Salary range is $8,592.89 – $11,864.50 per month. Responsibilities include delivering advanced therapies, assessments, dysphagia management, and collaboration with IDT to develop care plans.

Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited program in speech-language pathology.
• Current licensure in Speech-Language Pathology; CCC-SLP preferred.
• Experience with swallowing assessment and dysphagia treatment is preferred.
• Experience with individuals with IDD is preferred.
• Experience evaluating and prescribing modified diet textures and adaptive eating equipment.
• Preparedness for background checks and pre-employment requirements.

Responsibilities

• Deliver advanced speech-language pathology services to individuals with communication and swallowing disorders.
• Assess, diagnose, and analyze speech, language, and cognitive-communication abilities.
• Conduct diagnostic assessments such as hearing screens and swallow studies.
• Develop and oversee therapy plans, including dysphagia protocols and AAC interventions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams to design care plans.
• Provide training and supervision to staff, interns, and volunteers.
• Monitor program quality and update treatment protocols based on outcomes.
• Document services and outcomes in the electronic medical record.
• Coordinate quality assurance activities related to therapeutic services.

Skills

Speech-Language Pathology

Dysphagia management

Assessment & diagnosis

AAC systems

EMR data analysis

Team collaboration

Staff training

Education

Licensure in Speech-Language Pathology

CCC-SLP preferred

Tools

EMR systems

Job description

Job Summary

Speech Language Pathologist – Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC). The position is located at the Rio Grande State Supported Living Center in Harlingen, TX. Shift: day. Salary range: $8,592.89 – $11,864.50 per month (Grade TEXAS‑B‑27). The role is full time, exempt, and requires a current Licensure in Speech Language Pathology. A Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC‑SLP) is preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver highly advanced therapeutic rehabilitation services in speech‑language pathology for individuals with speech/communication deficits, swallowing and dysphagia challenges, social and pragmatic delays, and cognitive difficulties.
• Assess, diagnose, and analyze individuals’ speech, language, and cognitive‑communication abilities, including oral, pharyngeal, and esophageal functions.
• Conduct and collaborate in diagnostic assessments such as hearing screens, modified barium swallow studies, and other objective evaluations using advanced instrumentation.
• Develop, implement, and oversee therapeutic habilitative and rehabilitative programs, including dysphagia protocols and speech/language interventions.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary teams (IDT) to design comprehensive care plans and to provide input to Positive Behavioral Support, head and neck, occupational, physical therapy, and nursing services.
• Provide training, instruction, and supervision to staff, student interns, and volunteers, including in-service education on communication strategies, dysphagia management, AAC systems, and safety protocols.
• Monitor and evaluate program compliance, efficacy, and quality of care; update or develop new treatment protocols based on outcomes.
• Document clinical services and outcomes accurately in the electronic medical record, including assessment results, treatment progress, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Coordinate and oversee quality assurance and quality improvement activities related to therapeutic services at the facility.
• Participate in required meetings such as root‑cause analysis, the Physical Nutritional Management Team, grand rounds, community discharge planning, and behavioral therapy committees.
• Perform additional duties as assigned, including disaster response roles, if needed.

Essential Job Functions

• Attend work on a regular basis and comply with scheduled shifts and overtime requirements.
• Serve on an on‑call rotating schedule to meet operational needs.
• Conduct routine hearing screens and refer as appropriate.
• Utilize advanced assessment tools, cultural and linguistic considerations, and evidence‑based practices in evaluations.
• Develop individualized treatment plans for speech, language, and swallowing, integrating diet modifications, AAC systems, and compensatory strategies.
• Provide education and training to staff, caregivers, and the community on therapeutic interventions and safety.
• Analyze and report data, trends, and progress to enhance program effectiveness.
• Communicate findings and recommendations to interdisciplinary team members and administration.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities (KSAs)

• In-depth knowledge of habilitation and rehabilitation therapy for neurological and psychological disorders.
• Comprehensive understanding of head and neck structures for dysphagia management.
• Expertise in assessing and treating individuals with speech/communication deficits and cognitive difficulties.
• Knowledge of infection prevention, safety, and evidence‑based practice guidelines.
• Skill in conducting informal and formal assessments, treatment planning, and documentation.
• Proficiency in EMR systems and data analysis for tracking progress.
• Ability to design and implement AAC systems and adaptive equipment.
• Strong communication, supervisory, and collaborative skills.

Registrations, Licensure Requirements, or Certifications

• Current licensure in Speech Language Pathology.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech‑Language Pathology (CCC‑SLP) preferred.

Initial Screening Criteria

• Graduation from an accredited program in speech‑language therapy or speech‑language pathology.
• Experience administering and interpreting diagnostic assessments related to speech, language, and communication skills.
• Preferred experience in swallowing assessment and dysphagia treatment.
• Preferred experience working with individuals who have intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).
• Experience evaluating and prescribing modified diet textures, liquid consistencies, and adaptive eating equipment.
• Preparedness for background checks, fingerprinting, drug screening, and other pre‑employment requirements.

Additional Information

• Applicants must pass a fingerprint criminal background check, pre‑employment drug screen, and registry checks including the Client Abuse/Neglect Reporting System, Nurse Aide, Medication Aide, and HHS List of Excluded Individuals/Entities.
• Male applicants aged 18‑25 must register with the Selective Service.
• All employees are subject to random drug testing.
• Flexibility in work hours, overtime, weekends, and holidays may be required.
• All applicants must be at least 18 years of age to be considered for employment at a state‑operated facility.

Eligibility and Accommodations

• In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, HHSC and DSHS agencies will provide reasonable accommodation during the hiring and selection process.
• To apply, use the online system; if an interview requires accommodation, notify the scheduling person.
• Applicants may be required to pass background checks and I‑9 screening. Bring required documents on first day.
• This position may be eligible for telework in accordance with state and agency policies.

EEO Statement

Texas Health and Human Services Commission is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status.