Manages a specialized program(s) within the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Department;


Assumes independent responsibilities in the Communication Development/Communication Disorder Program which may include supervision of support staff and/or students and/or direction of a specific program(s) within the total department program;


Directs the planning, organization, and delivery of the total speech, language, and hearing program in an institution;


Within a developmental disabilities residential facility, provides services to one or more assigned units consisting of 80-150 residents;.


Acts as a lead clinician within the hospital acute, inpatient rehab or outpatient setting, in collaboration with manager or supervisor. Regularly assigns, instructs, and checks work of at least 1 FTE.

Assumes responsibility for a specialized program(s) as assigned by the department chair, manager, and/or clinic director;

Administers, monitors, and evaluates assigned program(s) and reports information to the department chair, manager, and/or clinic director as appropriate;

Directs and/or participates in the screening of residents or patients to identify individuals requiring more extensive evaluation of speech, language, cognitive, swallowing, or hearing disabilities;

Manages complex patient caseload, which includes planning, evaluating, and treating patients;

Coordinates/confers with other program(s) director(s) or clinical personnel regarding progress and training procedures, or in speech-language/hearing clinic practicum and academic activities;

Conducts in-service training for lay and professional staff concerning swallowing, cognitive, speech, language, and hearing disabilities;

Directs/conducts research in speech, language, and hearing;

Oversees program development and quality improvement work within the department; sets agendas for clinical meetings and leads meetings;

Trains, assigns, provides direction, and checks the work of other speech pathologists or audiologists; provides oversight and mentorship for speech pathologists taking students;

Represents the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Department in hospital(s), universities, elementary and secondary school(s), and/or community groups for implementing affiliations for the department;

Monitors/participates in the designated program budget;

Performs the duties of the Speech Pathologist/Audiologist Specialist 1;

May provide clinical supervision to lower level staff and/or students in educational practicum in evaluation and treatment of speech, cognitive, language, swallowing, and hearing disabilities;

Performs other work as required.

Knowledge of: speech, language, and cognitive development; anatomy and physiology of auditory, swallowing, and vocal mechanisms and disorders; specialized equipment and testing techniques; evaluation and remedial procedures for sensory-neural learning handicaps and aphasia; principles and techniques of communication disorders, identification and treatment; principles and techniques of aural habilitation/rehabilitation; educational and psychological needs of persons with communications disorders; theories of learning; available community resources; research methods; supervisory and administrative practices.

Ability to: use specialized equipment in the area of cognitive, communication, and swallowing disorders; establish and maintain effective relationships with individuals and groups; speak and write effectively; teach, train, and clinically supervise staff.

There may be instances where individual positions must have additional licenses or certification. It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure the appropriate licenses/certifications are obtained for each position.

Licensed by the State of Washington as a Speech Language Pathologist.

Persons legally authorized to work in the U.S. under federal law, including Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals recipients, are eligible for employment unless prohibited by other state or federal law.

A Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology/Audiology or Communicative Disorders.

Documentation of American Speech-Language-Hearing Association approved equivalent to the Master’s degree consisting of approved curriculum and student practicum hours.


A Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association.

Five years of experience as a speech pathologist, audiologist, or equivalent is preferred.

New class consolidates: (formerly 57480 Speech Pathologist 2; 6177 Speech Pathology/Audiology Specialist ) Adopted May 11, 2007, Effective July 1, 2007.
Revised definition, distinguishing characteristics, typical work, knowledge and abilities, legal requirements, and qualifications; adopted June 22, 2023, effective July 1, 2023

Revised Legal Requirements; effective June 6, 2024, due to adopted legislative action.