SPEECH PATHOLOGIST

State of Arkansas; Jonesboro (AR); On-site; USD 94,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Paid state holidays

Health benefits

Job summary

The State of Arkansas is seeking a Speech Pathologist to assess, diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate individuals with speech, language, cognitive communication, and swallowing disorders. You will collaborate with physicians and nurses to create individualized treatment plans across age groups, from pediatric to geriatric, delivering effective therapy and ensuring patient safety.

Must hold a master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology and a current Arkansas license; ASHA CCC-SLP is preferred.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology required.
• Arkansas state licensure required; ASHA CCC-SLP preferred.
• Experience with pediatric and geriatric patients is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Conduct evaluations of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing abilities.
• Develop and implement individualized therapy plans.
• Treat dysphagia and ensure swallowing safety.
• Maintain accurate patient records and progress notes.

Skills

Speech assessment

Therapy planning

Dysphagia management

Education

Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology

Job description

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Position Number: 22097313
County: Craighead
Posting End Date: September 7, 2026
The Department of Human Services is a place for people passionate about serving others and changing lives for the better. We care for Arkansans of all ages and ensure places like child care centers and nursing homes are safe. We are the safety net for the most vulnerable Arkansans. Whether you answer the phones, take applications, protect children, or help care for residents or patients at one of our facilities, you make a difference by working at DHS. Plus, working for the State has great perks, including a pension, maternity leave, paid state holidays, and much more. At DHS, we take care of our employees so you can help care for others.

Position Information

Job Series: Licensed Medical Professionals

Class Code: MLM07C

Pay Grade: MED07

Salary Range: $94,387 - $139,693

Job Summary

The Speech Pathologist is responsible for the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of individuals with speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders. This position plays a crucial role in helping individuals regain or improve their abilities to communicate effectively and safely. The Speech Pathologist works collaboratively with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers to create and implement individualized treatment plans for patients of all ages, from pediatric to geriatric populations.

Primary Responsibilities

Conduct thorough evaluations of patients' speech, language, cognitive communication, and swallowing abilities using standardized assessments, observations, and patient history.Identify and diagnose speech, language, and swallowing disorders, and develop treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.Develop and implement individualized therapy plans to address patients' speech and language disorders, swallowing difficulties, and communication challenges.Provide therapeutic interventions, including exercises, strategies, and techniques to improve speech articulation, language comprehension, fluency, and swallowing safety.Assess and treat patients with dysphagia (swallowing disorders) by providing techniques to improve swallowing function, reduce the risk of aspiration, and enhance nutritional intake.Maintain accurate and up-to-date patient records, including assessment findings, treatment plans, progress notes, and discharge summaries.

Knowledge and Skills

Ability to assess and diagnose a wide range of speech, language, cognitive, and swallowing disorders through testing and patient observation.Proficiency in designing and implementing individualized speech and language therapy plans that address diverse patient needs.Expertise in assessing and treating dysphagia and providing appropriate interventions to ensure patient safety and proper nutritional intake.

Minimum Qualifications

A master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology or a related field.

Licensure/Certifications

Must hold a current Speech Pathologist license issued by the Arkansas Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology in accordance with state regulations. Certification from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) as a Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) is preferred, but not required. Equivalent certification may be accepted.OTHER JOB RELATED EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE MAY BE SUBSTITUTED FOR ALL OR PART OF THESE BASIC REQUIREMENTS, EXCEPT FOR CERTIFICATION OR LICENSURE REQUIREMENTS, UPON APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS REVIEW COMMITTEE.

The State of Arkansas is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, disability, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by law.