Speech Therapy

Term from Rehabilitation Services industry explained for recruiters

Speech Therapy is a healthcare service that helps people overcome communication and swallowing difficulties. This field involves working with patients of all ages - from young children with developmental delays to adults recovering from strokes. Speech Therapists (also called Speech-Language Pathologists) help patients improve their ability to speak clearly, understand language, express themselves, and swallow safely. They create treatment plans, work one-on-one with patients, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals like occupational therapists and physicians. You might see this service referred to as Speech-Language Pathology or Speech-Language Therapy in job descriptions and resumes.

Examples in Resumes

Provided Speech Therapy services to pediatric patients in school settings

Conducted Speech-Language Pathology evaluations for stroke recovery patients

Developed individualized Speech-Language Therapy plans for clients with autism spectrum disorder

Typical job title: "Speech Therapists"

Also try searching for:

Speech-Language Pathologist Speech Pathologist SLP Speech and Language Specialist Communication Disorders Specialist Pediatric Speech Therapist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How do you approach mentoring new speech therapists and managing a department?

Expected Answer: A senior therapist should discuss experience in training new staff, creating department protocols, managing schedules, and ensuring quality of care across multiple therapists.

Q: Tell me about a complex case you managed and how you collaborated with other healthcare professionals.

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate leadership in coordinating care with doctors, occupational therapists, and other specialists, showing how they developed and adjusted treatment plans for challenging cases.

Mid Level Questions

Q: How do you develop and modify treatment plans based on patient progress?

Expected Answer: Should explain their process for evaluating patients, setting goals, measuring progress, and adjusting strategies when needed.

Q: What experience do you have with different age groups and conditions?

Expected Answer: Should discuss working with various populations (children, adults, elderly) and conditions (stroke, developmental delays, autism, etc.).

Junior Level Questions

Q: What assessment tools do you use to evaluate patients?

Expected Answer: Should be familiar with basic evaluation tools and standardized tests used in speech therapy assessments.

Q: How do you establish rapport with patients and their families?

Expected Answer: Should discuss communication strategies, building trust, and involving families in treatment plans.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic patient evaluation
  • Treatment planning
  • Documentation skills
  • Working with common speech and language disorders

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Complex case management
  • Multiple therapy techniques
  • Family education and training
  • Insurance and billing knowledge

Senior (5+ years)

  • Department management
  • Staff training and mentoring
  • Program development
  • Quality improvement initiatives

Red Flags to Watch For

  • Lack of proper certification or licensure
  • Poor documentation skills
  • Limited experience with different age groups
  • Inability to work as part of a healthcare team