AAC Specialist

Full-Time | Onsite | Sign-On Bonus Available to Qualified Candidates

Empower Communication. Expand Access. Transform Student Outcomes.

Career Links is seeking a dedicated AAC Specialist (Speech-Language Pathologist) to support students with complex communication needs across a regional school-based program. This highly specialized role serves students from birth through age 21 who experience low-incidence disabilities and require augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) supports.

As an AAC Specialist, you will work alongside a collaborative team of educators, therapists, families, and community partners to evaluate, design, implement, and sustain communication systems that promote meaningful participation in educational and social environments. This position offers the opportunity to combine clinical expertise with consultation, training, and systems-level support to improve outcomes for students throughout a multi-district service area.

Position Overview

The AAC Specialist provides district-wide and regional consultation for students with complex communication needs through comprehensive evaluations, communication system design, professional development, and ongoing support. The specialist collaborates with multidisciplinary teams to ensure AAC systems are integrated into daily routines, academic instruction, and community participation.

This dynamic and independent position allows professionals to work closely with school districts, families, and community agencies while benefiting from the support of an experienced regional team of specialists dedicated to serving students with unique learning and communication needs.

AAC & Assistive Technology Evaluations

• Conduct comprehensive AAC and Assistive Technology (AT) evaluations utilizing evidence-based assessment practices.
• Evaluate functional communication skills, student strengths, educational environments, and academic demands.
• Determine appropriate communication strategies, systems, devices, and access methods for students with complex communication needs.
• Prepare clear, comprehensive, and legally defensible evaluation reports for educational programming and funding purposes.

Communication System Design & Implementation

• Recommend, customize, program, and maintain high-tech speech-generating devices, including eye-gaze systems, switch-access technologies, head-tracking systems, and tablet-based communication applications.
• Develop and implement low-tech and light-tech communication supports, visual systems, and communication boards.
• Adapt and modify materials and equipment to support student access and participation in educational environments.
• Monitor communication system effectiveness and make ongoing adjustments as needed.

Consultation, Coaching & Professional Development

• Provide consultation, technical assistance, and follow-up support to students, educators, paraprofessionals, therapists, administrators, and families.
• Deliver professional development and in-service training regarding AAC best practices, implementation strategies, and communication partner supports.
• Coach school teams to ensure successful integration and long-term use of communication systems while minimizing device abandonment.
• Serve as a liaison between schools, families, districts, and community service providers.

IEP & Educational Team Collaboration

• Participate in the development and implementation of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
• Collaborate with educational teams to establish measurable communication goals and identify appropriate accommodations, modifications, and supports.
• Support Speech-Language Pathologists, teachers, educational assistants, and related service providers in implementing communication systems across environments.
• Assist teams with behavior supports, crisis protocols, and communication strategies as appropriate.

Funding, Procurement & Resource Management

• Collaborate with districts and families to secure communication devices through educational procurement processes, Medicaid/OHP, private insurance, and other funding sources.
• Facilitate access to local, state, and national resources related to AAC funding and support services.
• Manage equipment inventories, software licenses,