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.

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