Class Code: 31514
IOWA DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES –
HUMAN RESOURCES
DEFINITION
Performs professional level speech language pathology
work evaluating claims for disability benefits administered by the
Social Security Administration and participates, as defined in applicable
federal regulations, in the determination of whether an individual is under a
disability; performs related work as required.
The Work Examples and
Competencies listed are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be
the primary basis for position classification decisions.
WORK
EXAMPLES
Examines medical and
school records, speech and language testing results to
determine if a medically determinable speech, language or communication
impairment exists as demonstrated by medically acceptable clinical and
laboratory techniques.
Determines if a speech, language or
communication disorder meets or equals the Listings of Impairments (disorders
and associated objective and functional findings that are considered severe
enough to prevent a person from doing substantial gainful activity, or in the
case of children, produce marked and severe functional limitations) in the Code
of Federal Regulations.
In child disability claims,
determines the degree of functional impairment due to speech, language and
communication disorders; functional impairment is assessed within functional
domains (e.g., acquiring and using information, interacting and relating to
others) on a scale of no limitation to extreme; prepares written rationale for
the assessment, citing specific evidence in the file to support the assessment.
In adult claims,
determines the degree of functional impairment due to speech, language and
communication disorders; explains in writing how work-related activities are
impacted and supports the assessment with specific evidence in the file;
findings are incorporated by a psychologist or physician into the residual
functional capacity (RFC) assessment (an administrative finding of fact that
describes the maximum work activities the applicant can perform; the RFC must
be considered expert opinion evidence at administrative law judge and Appeals
Council levels of administrative review).
Makes a finding of
credibility of an applicant’s statements about functional limitations that
result from speech, language, and communication disorders; prepares a written
explanation of the findings citing specific reasons supported by the evidence,
the weight that was given to the applicant’s statements and the reasons for
that weight to make the finding sufficiently clear to subsequent reviewers.
May contact applicant’s
treating/examining medical source(s) (e.g., another Speech and Language
Pathologist, doctor, psychologist) to obtain updated or missing information or
resolve inconsistencies between a source’s report and other evidence in the
file.
Provides advice to
disability examiners about speech, language and communication disorders in
general or in a specific case; interprets diagnostic speech and language tests.
Knowledge of the practice of speech and language pathology
and its relationship to the Social Security disability program.
Knowledge
of speech and language diseases, symptoms, and treatments and their affects on
an individual’s ability to perform work-related or, in the case of children,
age-appropriate activities.
Knowledge
of the administrative and legal requirements of the Social Security program
regarding the role and work product of a speech and language consultant.
Ability to exercise judgment in evaluating claims for benefits based on professional expertise in speech language pathology and the legal requirements of the Social Security disability program.
Ability
to write professional assessments and rationales in an understandable manner.
Ability
to work and communicate effectively with disability examiners and other staff
in a team environment.
Displays
high standards of ethical conduct.
Exhibits honesty and integrity.
Refrains from theft-related, dishonest or unethical behavior.
Works and communicates with internal and external
clients and customers to meet their needs in a polite, courteous, and
cooperative manner. Committed to quality
service.
Displays a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently. Works with minimal supervision. Demonstrates responsible behavior and attention to detail.
Responds
appropriately to supervision. Follows
policy and cooperates with supervisors.
Aligns
behavior with the needs, priorities and goals of the organization.
Encourages
and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity. Fosters commitment and team spirit.
Expresses information to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information. Listens to others and responds appropriately.
Experience equal to two years of full-time
work as a speech/language pathologist.
Licensure as a speech and language pathologist in the State of Iowa as
issued by the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa Board of Speech Pathology
and Audiology;
OR
licensure as a Speech and Language
Pathologist in the State of
NOTE:
Positions in this class are exempt
from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of
Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Apply directly to the Department of
Education, Division of Vocational Rehabilitation Services.
Effective Date: 8/05 DF