Therapy & counselling knowledge and skills
Speech Therapists must apply the knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for counselling and guidance.
Speech Therapists
Descriptions & Duties
- Speech Therapists diagnose, assess and treat persons with hearing, speech, voice, communication and swallowing disorders. They design and plan treatment plans for problems such as hearing and swallowing disorders, inappropriate pitch or voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of other professionals. They educate and train patients and their families in techniques to improve hearing and communication. They are also responsible for helping patients to select the most appropriate communication systems/ hearing aids, recording and maintaining patients' records at all stages so as to monitor their progress and provide ongoing observation of hearing status and swallowing disorders, and referring clients to further medical or educational services when necessary.
Generic Competencies
Physical Abilities
Physical abilities
- Physical strength
- Eye hand coordination / precision / dexterity
Importance:1 (Max:5)
Skill is rarely required
Technology Skills
Technology skills
- Computer literacy
- Application of technology
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Cognitive Abilities
Cognitive abilities
- Creativity
- Visualisation
- Logical thinking
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Comprehension And Expression
Comprehension and expression skills
- Reading comprehension
- Oral / written expression
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Social Skills
Social skills
- Communication
- Negotiation
- Persuasion
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Organisation And Execution Skills
Organisation and execution skills
- Planning
- Organising
- Judgement
- Decision making
Importance:4 (Max:5)
Skill is frequently required
Problem Solving Skills
Problem solving skills
- Ability to solve simple and complex problems effectively and efficiently
Importance:5 (Max:5)
Skill is required all the time
Management Skills
Management skills
- Leadership
- Management of finance / time / people / other resources
Importance:3 (Max:5)
Skill is basically required
Trade Specific Competencies
General Requirements
Academic qualification
- A bachelor's degree of science in speech and hearing sciences. Generally hold a master's degree of Science in Audiology.
Professional qualification
- Holder of membership of the Hong Kong Association of Speech Therapists is preferable
Career Path & Salary
Private Sector
Monthly Salary $30,000-$60,000
Monthly Salary $40,000-$80,000
Monthly Salary $50,000-$110,000
Government Sector
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 23-33
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 34-44
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 16-33
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 34-44
Monthly Salary Master Pay Scale Point 45-49
*For more details on Civil Service Pay Scales, please visit website of the Civil Service Bureau.
http://www.csb.gov.hk/english/admin/pay/952.html
Work Environment
- Speech Therapists mostly work in hospitals and audiology clinics. They may also work for schools. They usually work regular business hours, but sometimes may work evenings and weekends to meet with clients.
Tools
- Audiometers or accessories - Automatic impedance audiometers; Two-channel audiometers
- Audiometric bone vibrators or middle ear analysers - Electronystagmographs ENG; Portable diagnostic middle ear analysers
- Auditory function screening units - Auditory brainstem response ABR screening systems; Caloric irrigators; Portable auditory screeners; Speech mapping systems
- Aural probes - Ear probes; Electroacoustic impedance bridges
- Electrocochleography ECOG equipment
- Hearing aid analysers or test systems -Hearing aid test boxes
- Hearing aids for the physically challenged - Programmable hearing aids
- Sound measuring apparatus or decibel meter - Sound level meters
- Diagnostic stroboscopes; Digital video stroboscopy systems; Video stroboscopes
- Tympanometers or accessories
- Voice synthesizers for the physically challenged - Augmentative communication devices; Therapeutic voice synthesizers
