Job Responsibilities
I prepare for and attend annual evaluations, and other meetings as needed, to
address
communication/feeding and swallowing issues of our clients. At the beginning of
each
month, I collect data on progress that clients are making on their
communication-related
goals. I perform at least 4 integrity checks monthly, on these goals, plus meal
monitors to
ensure the clients are eating safely. We work as a team of SLPs, along with
Occupational
and Physical Therapists, and Adaptive Equipment/Audiology services, to improve
lives.
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Job Requirements
I completed my MA in Speech-Language Pathology in '91. At that time, The
University of
Iowa's SLP/Aud program was considered one of the top few in the country. I had
no
difficulty getting into any classes, and grading was fair. I liked most of my
professors, and
am still in touch with a couple of them. The workload was heavy, but that was to
be
expected in an excellent graduate studies program! There was a medical emphasis
to the
program, with our teaching hospital, but I was well prepared for the school
setting as well.
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Uppers
It is rewarding to make a difference in a person's life. Whether it's to help a
person communicate more effectively, thus reducing problem behaviors, or to
assist in developing a safe dining program, the motivation for me is improving
the person's quality of life. I also enjoy the people I work with, usually. Most
of the professional teams in schools or in health care get along well, with a
common focus of helping our clients/students to learn. Often, the caregivers are
genuinely concerned about the clients, which is great!
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Downers
Slow progress can be frustrating, especially in the Developmentally Delayed and
Mentally
Ill populations. I have had some difficulty managing behaviors in children, and
have
experienced some fear when working with adult clients. Some school and private
clinic
personnel are hard to work with, and many parents are either too demanding or
apathetic.
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Lifestyle
Work hours are reasonable, usually 8-4:30 or 8:30-5. We can comp our time if we
work extra hours. Travel is optional, depending on what continuing ed. events we
choose to request and attend. Most of our social events are informal lunch
gatherings, where we laugh and relax. Dress code is casual but modest. It can be
stressful to work under a DOJ review, but this is also helpful in getting us the
guidance we need.
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Compensation
My base salary, as a state employee, is public knowledge. I earn $50K, which is
what I requested, and excellent state benefits including free family health
insurance.
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Advice to Jobseekers
I would advise specializing in feeding/swallowing issues, particularly in
geriatrics, as that
population is growing. Don't limit yourself to one area of the field; try many
(such as
health care/schools/hospitals/clinics/nursing homes) before deciding what is
your niche.
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