SLP Dysphagia

Dysphagia Speech/Language Pathologist

The school-based dysphagia speech/language pathologist provides services for students with eating/swallowing difficulties using a variety of service delivery models to promote safe, efficient, and effective eating for these students in their current educational setting and provide support in the education environment to facilitate the students receive the safest method of nutrition and hydration for optimal academic performance and participation.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Two years' experience and/or education in the area of identification and management of dysphagia and in the field of communication disabilities
• Valid Texas license for Speech Language Pathology or Intern in Speech Language Pathology granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, and
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (if not TEA Certified SLP or working as a Clinical Fellow/Intern in Speech-Language Pathology); or Master's Degree from an accredited College or University and a TEA Certification in Speech Pathology

Preferred:

• Master's Degree from an accredited university plus a valid Texas license for Speech
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
• School based speech therapy experience

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Knowledge of second language acquisition issues
• Intricate knowledge of child development and communication disabilities
• Intricate knowledge of normal and abnormal anatomy and physiology related to swallowing in pediatric populations including various disorders, disabilities, and syndromes encountered in public education.
• Knowledge of signs and symptoms of dysphagia
• Knowledge of procedures and devices for analyzing and diagnosing dysphagia in schools
• Knowledge of FAPE and IDEA requirements for services in public education
• Knowledge of TEA and District eligibility criteria for specialized services
• Skills in consultation, collaboration, education, and training of other professionals
• Ability to work well under pressure and with diverse populations
• Ability to prioritize and organize tasks
• Ability to communicate effectively (spoken and written)
• Ability to read and understand medical documents and terminology
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in itinerant settings

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Participate in the referral process for students suspected of having dysphagia.
• Conduct appropriate evaluations to determine eligibility for dysphagia following federally mandated timelines
• Develop IEP Safe Swallow Plan based on formal and informal evaluation methods that are designed to support the student's safety while eating at school
• Serve as a member of the IEP Committee when appropriate providing all necessary paperwork
• Complies with all TEA Audit mandates
• Provide a Safe Swallow Program for children with dysphagia incorporating criteria to establish functional eating abilities at school as appropriate
• Provide parents with written information regarding student progress on IEP Safe Swallow Plan according to district guidelines and IEP decisions
• Maintain complete and accurate paperwork needed for compliance purposes in both the state audit folder and the campus student folder, as well as SHARS documentation in accordance to district, state, and federal timelines and regulations
• Maintain district dysphagia logs and data on each student identified as having dysphagia indicating safest level of PO diet, physician orders as appropriate, safe swallow plan, and any other critical information relevant to dysphagia and student success in school
• Prepare, incorporate, and/or evaluate new material used in the identification and management of dysphagia
• Participate in continuing education activities in order to maintain credentials and keep informed of best practices in the field of speech/language pathology and other related fields
• Participate in dysphagia specific training opportunities annually to keep informed of best practices related to this specialized topic
• Collaborate as needed with campus personnel, food services, and parents to provide the most appropriate services for students with suspected or confirmed swallowing difficulties.
• Perform supervision duties for assigned Speech Therapy Assistants as appropriate.
• Provide consultation, education, and training to SLPs, physicians, teachers, food services staff, administration, and parents regarding dysphagia identification and management
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Coordinator of Assessment.

Working Conditions:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, reaching/repetitive hand motions, and the ability to work with frequent interruptions. May be required to lift or position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Mental demands: Ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data, ability to be effective in both oral and written communication. Travel within the district as required.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties that may be required.