Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

The purpose of a job description is to outline the essential functions unique to a particular job within a specific department. Job descriptions are used to recruit, train, and evaluate employees.

Job Title: Speech-Language Pathologist Reports To: Principal FLSA Status: Exempt - Professional

Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to reduce or eliminate impairments that interfere with their students' ability to derive the full benefits from the educational program. Assess and refer to other professionals such as diagnosticians, psychologists, other agencies as appropriate.

This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of this position. The incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this job description. Effectively utilizes school technologies appropriate to the position and assumes responsibility for attending all training needed to successfully perform designated responsibilities as directed by the Principal; Maintains regular attendance; Comply with policies established by Federal and State laws, Commissioner Rules, local operational guidelines in assessment, placement, planning and implementation of services. Maintains a safe environment for students, conducive to learning; Teaches instructional subjects according to guidelines established by Texas Education Agency, and school-approved curriculum; Instructs students in citizenship, character development and basic subject matter as specified by school policy; Develops lesson plans and instructional material and provides individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil and ensure written plans are available for review; Ensure lesson plans show modifications for differences in student learning styles; Design instructional activities by using data from student learning style assessments; Collaborate with special education teachers on student Individual Educations Plans to ensure all modifications are met; Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for cessation of therapy services. Receive and coordinate the appraisal process for initial referrals, three-year re-evaluations, and supplemental/transfer assessments for students with speech or language disorders and conditions in compliance with all state and local guidelines. Select and administer formal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations. Provide observations, screenings and awareness of speech and language disorders to staff and parents. Collect and organize relevant assessment data from students' cumulative folder, classroom teachers, support staff, parents, and outside resources. Participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (SRD) Committee to assist in the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs) for students with communications disorders or conditions according to CityScape Schools procedures. Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and any other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students. Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students. Provide staff development to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with communication disabilities. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the students. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students. Deal appropriately with attitudes and behaviors displayed by student. Provide speech therapy to speech impaired students in agreement with ARD/IEP. Maintain a therapy schedule in compliance with ARD committee recommendations and, upon notice, therapy schedule can be given to the Principal. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings. Prepare and maintain therapy logs for SHARS and other agencies. Demonstrate skills in management of work folders and state eligibility folders. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assessment. Maintain current licensure and certification by earning required Continuing Education Units (CEU). Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Professional Code of Ethics. Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations. 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 is required.

May direct and monitor the work of speech-language pathology assistant(s) speech aide(s) or intern(s). Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistant must be licensed by SBESLPA as speech-language pathologists. A person with a TEA certificate who is NOT licensed may not be a supervisor of a licensed speech-language pathology assistant.

Performs other related work as required.

General Office Equipment Personal Computer

Master's degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university. Or Bachelor's degree

Valid Texas license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the state Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SBESLPA). Or Valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate, valid Texas license as a speech-language

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, bend, stoop, and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, and use stairs. The employee may lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Prolonged use of a computer and repetitive hand motions. Moderate lifting and carrying of materials may be required to lift and transfer students to and from a wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

The noise level is low to high and may have frequent interruptions. There may be activity from other employees and students of a distracting nature. Must be able to maintain control in stressful situations. Regular travel to assigned campuses. Requires the ability to interact effectively with a variety of people and professions.