One-Year Speech Language Pathologist

Beachwood City School District Seeks Long-Term Substitute Speech-Language Pathologist

Position: Speech Language Pathologist

Reports to: Director of Pupil Services

Employment Status: Beachwood Federation of Teachers Contract (BFT)

Position Summary

The Speech Language Pathologist is responsible to identify and provide targeted speech and language therapeutic services to correct and/or improve speech and/or language disorders of articulation, language, fluency and voice as a member of the District educational team.

Required Education, Experience & Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Speech Language Pathology
• Current Ohio Department of Education/Intervention Specialist license
• Or Current Ohio Department of Education in Speech and Hearing Therapy
• Meet all health requirements mandated by law
• Satisfactory completion of the BCII and FBI background check
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle license

Job Responsibilities & Duties

Planning and Preparation

• Conduct an annual comprehensive speech and language screening and identification program at the kindergarten and first grade levels
• Conduct an annual hearing evaluation threshold for students identified in the speech language program
• Establish clear and appropriate annual goals for the therapy program that are appropriate to the age of the students
• Develop plans using available resources and preventive measures to support students individually within the broader educational program
• Collaborate with building administrators and teachers to develop and monitor individual student progress
• Develop evaluation plans using objective evidence to ensure the achievement of stated goals for the therapy program
• Reassess all students receiving therapy services before their entry to middle school
• Assist in the identification and reporting of students suspected of being abused or neglected

Managing the Environment

• Provide referral information to parents about available school and health care resources as needed/requested; follow-up with families to determine that health-related concerns or referrals are being addressed
• Exercise good judgment in setting priorities to accomplish work in an efficient manner with seamless coordination of schedules with the classroom teachers
• Establish positive and respectful rapport with students to create a high degree of trust and comfort in the relationship
• Ensure a neat and well-organized work area that is comfortable for students

Delivery of Service

• Administer diagnostic tests, interprets results and provide objective recommendations
• Provide therapy services to student according to established annual goals and Individual Education Plans; use a variety of service delivery models to treat and/or address speech/language disorders (e.g. verbal/written language, voice, articulation, fluency, interactive communication, auditor and/or visual processing, cognition/communication, etc.)
• Teach skills that help students take full advantage of the learning environment including assistive technology, augmentative devices, use of instructional media resources, etc.
• Communicate expectations, provide guidance and show an active interest in student progress
• Facilitate self-reliance, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity and performance skills in students
• Communicate with sensitivity to the diversity of students with disabilities as well as their families
• Collaborate in team meetings, IEP, IHP, MFE and/or ECP meetings to provide relevant health information and recommendations related to therapy services
• Regularly evaluate student treatment programs and make modifications as necessary to achieve stated goals
• Document student progress, ensure the accuracy of records, prepare required reports and provide and end-of-year recommendation for each student served with therapy services

Professional Responsibilities:

• Accurately reflect on individual effectiveness of therapy programs and take appropriate action for continuous improvement
• Provide support services to teachers, tutors and other staff through in-service, counseling and guidance
• Provide frequent communication to families about student progress and other relevant information, respecting and responding sensitively to cultural norms
• Develop relationships of mutual support and cooperation with colleagues, actively participating in professional learning communities and making a substantial contribution to school and district projects/activities
• Seek out opportunities for professional development to enhance content knowledge and pedagogical skills and actively assist other educators through professional collaboration and involvement on committees and teams
• Display high standards of honesty, integrity and confidentiality in interactions with colleague, students and parents and fully comply with all school and district policies
• Work to ensure that all students receive a fair opportunity to succeed, especially those traditionally underserved

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in IEP meetings as necessary
• Participate in school open houses, parent-teacher conferences, teacher's meetings as scheduled
• Serve as a cooperating teacher / mentor for student teachers
• Attend training, meetings and in-services as required
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Pupil Services and/or Building Principal

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• Ability to work effectively with others as part of a team, or independently with limited supervision
• Ability to problem solve, organize effectively and react productively to interruptions and changing conditions
• Ability to maintain composure in stressful situations and make sound professional decisions

Personal Conduct Requirements:

• The employee shall exercise honesty and integrity in his/her relationships with the Board of Education and the administration
• The employee shall promote a positive image of the District through exemplary personal conduct
• The employee shall report misconduct or violations of policy or procedure following established Board policy
• The employee shall actively support the efforts of the Board of Education and the Superintendent in the pursuit of District goals and interests
• The employee shall not disrupt District operations or undermine the positions of the Board of Education and administration
• The employee shall demonstrate the ability to interact in a positive manner with staff, students and the public and promote a positive image of the district through exemplary personal conduct including but not limited to:
• The ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing, with tact, diplomacy and excellent grammar
• The demonstration of effective listening skills
• Remaining free of any alcohol or controlled substance abuse in the workplace throughout his/her employment in the Beachwood City School District

Physical Demands:

• Ability to hear and speak, read and write, sit and/or stand for extended periods of time, use hands to operate a computer and other equipment, kneel, bend at the waist, reach overhead above the shoulders and horizontally, to retrieve and store files and supplies, ability to lift, carry, push and pull items up to a maximum of fifty (50) pounds

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent's supervisor, appointing authority