Speech/Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, fluency or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with that student's ability to derive educational benefit from the educational program. Assess the need to refer to other professionals for further evaluation(s).

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university/college
• 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
• Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders and conditions
• Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation and rehabilitation of speech-language disorders and conditions
• Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Prefer minimum of two years experience in public school

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Therapy: Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with the speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Programs
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interest of the students
• Provide carry-over activities for transition of newly acquired speech patterns to other contexts and situations
• Collect and document data regarding students' progress on IEP goals and objectives
• Assessment: Coordinate the appraisal process for initial referrals, 3 year re-evaluations, and supplemental/transfer assessments for students with speech and/or language disorders and conditions in compliance with state and local guidelines
• Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine, in a student, if a category of disability and an educational need for services exist, allowing the student to access special education services according to federal, state and DISD guidelines and make appropriate service delivery recommendations to the ARD committee
• Compile evaluation data from a variety of sources into written evaluation reports for presentation to the ARD committee
• Participate in ARD meetings to assist in interpretation of assessment data and determination of appropriate goals and services
• Conduct speech-language screenings as part of the DISD child find system
• Consultation: Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities for the improvement of students' communication skills
• Provide staff development to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with communication disabilities
• Administration: Provide speech therapy to identified students in agreement with ARD/IEP documentation
• Maintain a therapy schedule in compliance with ARD committee recommendations and have a copy of that schedule on file in the DISD office
• Maintain eligibility folders in compliance with state requirements and DISD operating guidelines
• Attend and participate in campus and district level in-service meetings upon request
• Compile reports as requested by DISD administration, including, but not limited to; SHARS, caseload and extended school year recommendations
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Commissioner's Rules, local operating guidelines in the areas of assessment, placement, planning and implementation of services
• Turn in all folders and submit reports in a timely manner
• Professional Growth and Development: Participate in professional development opportunities to improve skills related to job responsibilities
• Keep abreast of new research and information concerning students with speech impairments, including information on testing instruments
• Keep abreast of changes in local, state and federal special education rules and laws
• Maintain current licensure and certification by earning required Continuing Education Units
• Act in a professional manner and maintain a professional attitude towards the public and colleagues
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; adhere to chain of command
• Maintain professional appearance as appropriate for job responsibilities
• Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Special Education

SLP Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Hold a valid Texas license in Speech-language Pathology
• Be approved by the State board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and have a signed Supervisory Responsibility Statement on file with the Board
• Have at least three years of experience as a licensed SLP
• Supervise no more than four individuals of any combination of Interns/CF's and Licensed Assistants
• Provide at least two hours of supervision per week (a minimum of one hour must be direct supervision at the Licensed Assistant's place of employment)
• Maintain clinical observation records for three years
• Represent Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at all ARD meetings, with a few exceptions
• Interpret assessments and diagnose communication disorders
• Assume legal and ethical responsibility for the caseload
• Develop IEP's or treatment programs
• Determine caseload selection and clinical service delivery methods
• Present oral or written reports of evaluations to parents/guardians
• Refer a client to outside agencies or professionals when appropriate

Working Conditions:

• Maintain a proper classroom atmosphere, room appearance, positive attitude and respectfulness
• Maintain emotional control under stress; regular travel to assigned campuses in DISD
• Moderate lifting and carrying of materials and may be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities
• Requires ability to interact effectively with a variety of people and professionals