Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Exemption Status: Exempt/Professional

Reports to: Director of Special Education

Pay Grade: 3 Admin/Professional -187 Days

Primary Purpose

Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students' ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.

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 (SBESLPA)

Or

Bachelor's degree

Valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate

Valid Texas license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SBESLPA)

Special Knowledge/Skills:

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

Experience

One year supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy

1. Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
2. Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of therapy services.

Assessment

1. Receive and coordinate the appraisal process for initial referrals, 3-yr. re-evaluations, and supplemental/transfer assessments for students with speech or language disorders and conditions in compliance with state and local guidelines.
2. Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
3. Provide observations, screenings and awareness of speech and language disorders to staff and parents.
4. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student's cumulative folder, classroom teachers, principal, support staff, parents and outside resource people.
5. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee. Assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions according to district procedures.

Consultation

1. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
2. Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
3. Provide staff development to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with communication disabilities.
4. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the student.

Student Management

1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
2. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
3. Provide speech therapy to speech disabled students in agreement with ARD/IEP.
4. Maintain a therapy schedule in compliance with ARD committee recommendations and, upon notice, can be given to the Principals and /or Director of Special Programs.
5. Complete all service logs and documentation related to the SHARS Medicaid reimbursement program

Program Management

1. Serve as the coordinator of the speech/language services for assigned schools of Lake Dallas ISD.
2. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings.

Administration

1. Demonstrate skills in management of work folders and state eligibility folders.
2. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.

Professional Growth

1. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assessment.
2. Maintain current licensure and certification by earning required Continuing Education Units.
3. Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Professional Education Code of Ethics.
4. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Other

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities

May direct and monitor the work of speech-language pathology assistant(s), speech aide(s)*, or graduate students enrolled in an accredited training program for speech-language pathology.

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

*Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistants must be licensed by TDLR as speech-language pathologists. A person with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may supervise a licensed speech-language pathology assistant, but not if services are billed through School Health and Related Services (SHARS).

This document describes the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.