Speech Therapist

Speech Therapist

The Speech Therapist diagnoses and remediates speech and language problems of students and provides consultation to educational staff.

Roles and Responsibilities

The following information is intended to describe the overall nature and scope of the work being performed. This is not a comprehensive listing of all responsibilities or tasks; work may differ and other work may be assigned when deemed appropriate.

• Screens for possible speech/language impairments all appropriate preschool students, all kindergarten students, all students new to the County, and students referred throughout the year.
• Initiates referrals to Child Study Committee for students with suspected speech/language impairments; evaluates students' communication skills through formal, standardized testing and through interpretation of communication samples; gathers pertinent information from teachers and parents to assist in assessing specific communication problems; collates evaluation information for a complete and thorough evaluation report.
• Leads the speech/language eligibility committee at the school level; completes all related documentation of eligibility; writes appropriate goals and objectives in an integrated plan that addresses each student's weaknesses; communicates effectively with parents and teachers regarding the plan for each student.
• Schedules and groups students effectively according to communication needs; cooperatively plans remediation activities to ensure integrated services as appropriate; implements activities in coordination/communication with teachers and parents to integrate services; maintains ongoing records of student progress; conducts periodic reviews of student progress and documents clearly in progress reports and annual reports.
• Provides in-service education to staff on speech/language topics; consults with regular education and special education teachers to assist in effectively integrating remediation strategies into educational environments; initiates consultation with other speech/language pathologists on areas of need and interest; participates in various in-service activities as specified by principal or supervisor.

Qualifications

Below are the minimum qualifications for this job. Equivalent combinations of education and experience are also acceptable.

Education

Master's Degree

Experience

NA

Licenses and Certifications

• Holds or is eligible for a Postgraduate Professional license with an endorsement in speech language disorders or a Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech Pathology license

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Has competence in administering and interpreting tests and communication samples for speech/language disorders
• Has the ability to cooperatively plan, implement, and evaluate comprehensive education programs for students whose needs include communication remediation

Physical Requirements

The following provides a brief description of physical requirements for this job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly talking, expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word. The employee must convey detailed or important spoken instructions to other workers accurately, loudly, or quickly. The employee must possess normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies. Frequently sitting and/or remaining in a stationary position for long periods of time. Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.