Speech Pathologist Series - CalHR (2024)

California State Personnel Board Specification

Series established October 18, 1972

Scope

This series specification describes three levels in the Speech Pathologist series.

Definition of Series

Speech Pathologists administer specialized measuring devices and tests of speech impairment to the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled and evaluate the results; give training in speech correction to parents and employees; and participate in research and the development of new testing and�therapy techniques.

Definition of Levels

Speech Pathologist I

Speech Pathologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

This is the working level in this series. Under direction, incumbents in these classes administer diagnostic tests to determine the nature and extent of speech disorders; provide individual and group speech therapy services to residents; prepare reports and summaries on diagnosis, prognosis, progress, and recommendations for assigned cases; confer with teachers, parents, and employees regarding progress and treatment; train parents and ward or unit employees in therapeutic procedures and methods of motivating residents related to speech therapy; attend clinics and keep notes; develop and direct research projects; and may supervise the work of Speech Pathologist License Applicants.

Speech Pathologist II

This is the full supervisory level in this series. Under general direction, incumbents in this class plan, organize, and supervise a speech therapy clinic for the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled residents in a State hospital and coordinate with therapy or instructional programs and ward or unit employees; plan, organize, and direct institutionwide screening of voice disorders or speech or language disability; provide individual and group speech therapy residents; conduct in-service training for lay and professional workers in recognition and treatment of speech, voice, and language disabilities; attend clinics and keep notes; develop and direct research projects; supervise the work of a small staff of Speech Pathologists I and Speech Pathologist License Applicants.

Minimum Qualifications

Speech Pathologist I

Speech Pathologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

Possession of a valid license to practice speech pathology in California as determined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee of the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance. (Includes possession of a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology or deemed equivalent as defined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee.) (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval of their qualifications by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee will be admitted to the examination but they must meet all the legal requirements in order to be eligible for appointment.)

Speech Pathologist II

Possession of a valid license to practice speech pathology in California as determined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee of the California Board of Medical Quality Assurance. (Includes possession of a Master's Degree in Speech Pathology or deemed equivalent as defined by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee.) (Applicants who are in the process of securing approval of their qualifications by the Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee will be admitted to the examination but they must meet all the legal requirements in order to be eligible for appointment.) and Either I One year of experience performing the duties of a Speech Pathologist I or Speech Pathologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental Services, in California state service.

Or II

Two years of experience in the diagnosis and correction of speech disorders. (Possession of an earned doctorate in speech pathology, speech correction, or a closely related field may be substituted for the required experience.)

Knowledge and Abilities

Speech Pathologist I

Speech Pathologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

Knowledge of: Principles and practices of speech correction; diagnostic and measurement techniques applicable to the evaluation of speech problems; physical, physiological, and psychological basis of speech impairment; principles of psychology and teaching; child growth and development of children with speech defects.

Ability to: Administer various types of diagnostic instruments measuring speech deficiencies and evaluate results; adapt remedial speech techniques to needs of the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled; supervise and instruct others in speech diagnostic and remedial techniques.

Speech Pathologist II

Knowledge of: All of the above, and principles of effective supervision; department's Affirmative Action Program objectives; a manager's role in the Affirmative Action Program and the processes available to meet affirmative action objectives.

Ability to: All of the above, and train, direct, and evaluate the work of others; effectively contribute to the department's affirmative action objectives.

Special Personal Characteristics

All Levels:

Sympathetic and objective understanding of the developmentally disabled and mentally disabled; tolerance, tact, emotional stability; willingness to work in a State institution.

Additional Desirable Qualification

All Levels:

Certification of clinical competence in speech pathology by the American Speech and Hearing Association.

Drug Testing Requirement

Speech Pathologist I, Departments of Mental Health and Developmental

Services

Applicants for positions in this class are required to pass a drug screening test. Testing of current employees who are applicants in an examination or who are transferring is permitted only if the person does not have a current appointment to a class for which drug testing is a requirement.

Class History