Bilingual Speech Language Pathologist

Requirements

• Minimum of 13 month commitment
• 21 years or older
• Proficient in spoken Spanish
• Experience working with children.
• Diploma and/or license in communication disorders or Speech Language Pathology. Some homes may accept Speech Language Pathologist Assistants.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team, but can also take initiative and work independently
• Ability to provide individual therapy or group therapy
• Organizational and time-management skills to plan and maintain patient schedule, as well as documentation and reports

Overview

The objective of speech and language therapy is to improve the communication of the children. There are many children in the home with various language problems. The Speech Therapists provide individual therapy and assist in developing communication goals. Speech Language Pathologists communicate with the teachers and caregivers so that they can help the children as well.

The Speech-Language Pathologist works in the school and in the baby house (generally children who are kindergarten and younger) providing various types of therapy to children and young adults. The types of disorders include cognitive disorders, language delay, articulation disorders, fluency, and developmental delays.

Responsibilities includes planning and providing individual therapy services that correspond to the nature and type of communication disorder, evaluating and diagnosing new children, collaborating with other therapists, working with caregivers and teachers and also providing group therapy.

Many homes have a Speech Therapy room in their clinic, special needs home or the school, but some have limited supplies. Therapy can be provided individually or group setting depending on the severity of the disorder.

Other Responsibilities

Each volunteer chooses an hogar (group of children of the same age living together) at the beginning of their year. Each home’s Volunteer Coordinator will communicate the expectations for hogar time. Usually, it is six days a week, 6 to 8 p.m., but this might vary per home. This has been described as the most fulfilling part of volunteering, the bond and relationships formed with their hogar of children.

Volunteers have every other weekend off, as well as up to 22 days of vacation time after four months of service. Vacation must be arranged according to the specific home’s policies.

NPH Volunteers must be at least 21 years old and commit for a year.  All NPH volunteers receive room and board, access to medical care, and a modest monthly stipend. NPH USA pays for health insurance (up to $500/year). Volunteers are responsible for paying their transportation to and from the country where they will serve, as well as any pre-trip expenses like vaccines and language school (if needed).

For more information, please write to our NPH USA Director of International Engagement, Dr. Jennifer Foster, at jafoster@nphusa.org.