Speech Therapist

Job Summary

To assess and provide speech and language therapy for children with autism so that they develop their speech, language and communication skills, using alternative communication methods where needed, and working with families and the multidisciplinary team.

Key Responsibilities

• Assessment and Therapy Planning

• Assess each child's speech, language, understanding, social communication and where relevant, feeding and swallowing and prepare assessment reports.
• Develop individualized therapy goals and plans for each child with parents and the multidisciplinary team (including communication goals).
• Review each child's progress regularly and update therapy goals and plans accordingly.
• Therapy Delivery
• Deliver individual and group speech and language therapy sessions that build speech, language, understanding and social communication skills.
• Introduce and teach augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), such as picture exchange, communication boards and devices, to children who need them.
• Support children to use communication in daily routines and play and work with staff and parents on communication-based approaches to challenging behaviour.
• Family and Team Collaboration
• Guide and train parents and caregivers to continue therapy activities and strategies at home.
• Take part in multidisciplinary team meetings and case conferences, and coordinate care with the other therapists, teachers and staff.
• Documentation, Safeguarding and Professional Standards
• Keep accurate and confidential session notes, progress records and reports for each child, in line with the Data Protection Act, 2019.
• Observe child safeguarding, safety and infection prevention procedures, and report any concern, incident or injury promptly
• Maintain therapy and communication materials and devices, and keep up to date through continuing professional development.

Requirements

Skills and Competencies

• Assessment and therapy for speech, language and social communication;
• AAC (picture exchange, communication boards and devices);
• Child development;
• Play-based therapy techniques;
• Parent coaching;
• Report writing;
• Basic computer skills

Qualifications

• Diploma in Speech and Language Therapy, Speech and Language Pathology, or a related field from a recognized institution
• Additional training in autism spectrum disorder or child development is an added advantage.
• At least one to two years' experience as a speech and language therapist. Experience with children, particularly children with autism, is an added advantage.
• Valid practicing license or registration with the relevant Kenyan regulatory body or professional association.