Speech Language Pathologist - SY - NMS/NCHS

SUMMARY:
Position is responsible for providing speech/language services to meet the individual needs of students with oral communication and speech/language impairments. Position is responsible for screening and assessment; goal development; and planning/implementing appropriate speech and language treatment services to maximize student learning.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/TYPICAL TASKS:
The minimum performance expectations include, but are not limited to, the following functions/tasks:

• Evaluates and assesses the student's functional status to identify and determine needs for speech/language therapy.

• Selects, administers, and interprets specialized hearing and speech tests.

• Gathers background information as necessary on the student's educational, medical, social, and psychological history to assist with determining possible causes of speech disorders.

• Serves a member of an interdisciplinary team and participates in the student support team, IEP, staffing, and eligibility meetings as required.

• Develops individualized education plans for students receiving speech/language therapy services and implements therapy sessions that target IEP goals.

• Chooses appropriate activities for developing the student's speech, voice, fluency, and language skills.

• Instructs students on how to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice skills.

• Recommends the adaptation of the student's learning environment as necessary.

• Provides consultation to teachers and staff members to ensure the integration of speech/language development techniques into the student's classroom routine.

• Monitors student progress, reevaluates IEP objectives, and adjusts delivery of speech/language services as appropriate.

• Conferences with parents/guardians and provides them with support and information regarding their child.

• Instructs parents/guardians in exercises to implement at home and in the care and use of specialized equipment.

• Serves as a resource to staff members and conducts workshops at the assigned school(s) regarding speech/language services and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students.

• Consults with physicians and other agencies as necessary and assists with referring students to appropriate specialists.

• Adheres to legal and ethical standards and guidelines regarding the provision of speech/language services.

• Maintains thorough records for each student receiving speech/language services at the assigned school(s) and provides related reports.

• Requisitions needed supplies and equipment.

• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

Other Duties:

• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings and other professional activities.

• Participates in various student and parent activities which occur in school including PTA, student clubs and after-school activities.

• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Must possess: a thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of speech language therapy; a thorough knowledge of the normal development and use of speech, voice, fluency, and language; and the types, causes, and the treatments of speech disorders; the ability to evaluate the functional status of students; the ability to design treatment plans; the ability to provide safe and effective therapy to students with speech/language impairments; the knowledge and skills in the augmentative communication devices and specialized equipment; excellent interpersonal, communication, and recordkeeping skills and; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS/EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Must possess a Master's degree in speech language pathology and meet the Virginia Department of Education licensure eligibility requirements. Must be eligible for, or in possession of an appropriate Virginia license. Certificate of Clinical Competence preferred. Some experience providing speech language therapy in a school based setting preferred.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Duties performed typically in school settings to include classrooms, gyms, cafeteria, auditorium and recreational areas. While performing this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel, reach with hand, and talk or hear; light lifting up to 40 pounds and other limited physical activities are required. Movement of students by wheelchairs and other mechanical devices may be required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. Daily personal and close contact with students to provide classroom management and learning environment support is required. Regular contact with other staff members and parents is required.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The Speech/Language Pathologist will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or appropriate administrator. Staunton City Schools reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.

EVALUATION:
Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with the school board policy and administrative regulations on evaluation of professional staff personnel.