Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist

Plans and provides speech-language pathology services to students with speech, fluency, voice, language or pragmatic disorders. Evaluates, develops, and implements intervention/treatment plans to eliminate or reduce impairments that interfere with a student's ability to derive full benefit from their educational program.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Master's degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas License as a Speech Language Pathologist granted by the State Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology (If Clinical Fellowship Year, candidate must attain within first year of employment)
• Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) issued by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (If Clinical Fellowship Year, candidate must attain within first year of employment)
• Candidates must have a satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.
• Must be enrolled as an individual Medicaid practitioner and possess a valid National Provider Identification (NPI) or apply upon employment.
• Bilingual Preferred

Required Experience

• Clinical fellowship year students eligible (must have valid Texas intern license to practice)
• Experience working with school-aged and pre-school aged children, including observation and supervised practice

Knowledge/Skills

• Knowledge of Evaluation Procedures and Treatment Methodologies for individuals with Communication Disorders
• Ability to administer and interpret a variety of diagnostic test and measurements
• Knowledge of and ability to interpret State, Local, and Federal regulations affecting the identification and treatment of students with disabilities
• Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills (written and oral)
• Knowledge of policies and procedures addressing specific duties/responsibilities of the position of a Speech/Language Therapist or Pathologist
• Ability to develop and implement staff training
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents Familiarity with augmentative communication devices
• Ability to adjust to and be flexible in a multitude of situations in the school environment

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in the Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Organization Management

The speech language pathologist manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following:

• Receives student referrals and completes a Full Individual Initial Evaluations (FIIEs) and reevaluations..
• Selects and administers formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.
• Collects and organizes relevant assessment data from the student's cumulative folder, classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource people.
• Conducts classroom observation and personal interviews.
• Participates in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to District procedures.
• Plans and provides appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals within the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Evaluates student progress and determines readiness for termination of services.
• Develops and maintains effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Documents all services provided including appropriate documentation for School Health and Related Services (SHARS) program.
• Complies with policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
• Complies with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Instructional Management

The speech language pathologist promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following:

• Assists classroom teachers with implementation of individual education plans (IEP). Instructs eligible students in the use of appropriate communication technologies (hearing aids, FM systems, augmentative communication devices, etc.) to minimize the adverse educational impact of communication disorders.
• Develops plans, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of minimizing the adverse educational impact of communication disorders. Administers appropriate test instruments to students who are referred for consideration of eligibility as speech impaired, and write reports to reflect the findings.
• Participates in the ARD/IEP committee meeting to select appropriate goals and objectives in the areas of speech and language to remediate areas of weakness identified in standardized testing and classroom performance.
• Develops and implements speech language therapy that reflects the IEP.
• Maintains written records of the performance of students over time to document progress toward mastery of IEP goals and objectives.
• Assists classroom teachers to make the needed accommodations and instructional support for students with speech/language weaknesses.
• Reports on a regular basis, as determined in the ARD/IEP, on the progress of students toward mastery of their IEPs.

Organization Climate

The speech language pathologist fosters positive morale through activities such as the following:

• Assesses and plans improvement of the school, school District, or community environment.
• Reinforces excellence.
• Promotes a positive and caring climate.

Organization Improvement

The speech language pathologist promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:

• Assists in the selection of evaluation materials and equipment.

Communication and Community Relations

The speech language pathologist promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:

• Consults with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of evaluation data.
• Consults with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
• Maintains a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Professional Growth and Development

The speech language pathologist provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:

• Participates in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Provides staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
• Participates actively in professional associations.
• Disseminates ideas and information to other professionals.

Qualities of Speech Language Pathologists

The speech language pathologist exhibits qualities such as the following:

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Complies with District and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Complies with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Demonstrates a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards.
• Compiles, maintains, and files all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and serves on staff committees as required.
• Maintains confidentiality.

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Equipment: Computer, printer, calculator, telephone, copier, scanner, fax machine, and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

• Maintains emotional control under stress.