Speech Language Pathologist

Speech/Language Pathologist

Portales Municipal Schools seeks a Speech/Language Pathologist (SLP) to assess, diagnose, and provide services to students with speech and language impairments that interfere with their ability to benefit from the District's educational services. The SLP will work collaboratively with teachers, families, and other school personnel to identify student needs, develop appropriate interventions, and improve students' communication skills.

Licensure Requirement:

• Speech-Language Pathologist License, issued by NMRLD
• NMPED Speech Language Pathologist Licensure (or ability to obtain)

This position is open until filled.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Assess, diagnose, and provide appropriate services to students with speech, language, voice, fluency, and communication impairments.
2. Conduct screenings, evaluations, and reevaluations to identify students' needs and determine eligibility for services.
3. Develop, implement, and monitor Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including appropriate goals and objectives.
4. Provide individual and group therapy and recommend strategies to improve students' communication skills.
5. Assist teachers and staff in identifying, observing, documenting, and referring students with suspected speech and language impairments.
6. Collaborate with teachers, families, administrators, and related-service providers to support student progress and reinforce communication skills.
7. Maintain accurate and timely records, including evaluations, IEPs, progress reports, caseload reports, service documentation, and Medicaid billing, as applicable.
8. Provide information, guidance, and support to parents and families regarding students' communication needs and recommended interventions.
9. Refer students and families to appropriate community agencies, specialists, and related services when needed.
10. Maintain assigned equipment, assessment materials, therapy resources, and technology.
11. Maintain confidentiality and comply with applicable laws, regulations, ethical standards, and District policies.
12. Demonstrate professionalism, flexibility, effective communication, and a commitment to student success.
13. Perform other duties as assigned by the immediate supervisor and/or superintendent, including assignment to other district campuses or work locations as needed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Serve as a resource to school staff regarding speech, language, and communication development and improvement.
2. Provide consultation and in-service training to teachers and staff regarding appropriate strategies and interventions.
3. Maintain organized records of referred, screened, and eligible students, along with appropriate case history information and outside resource contacts.
4. Maintain an appropriate setting and schedule for evaluations, therapy, and consultations across assigned school locations.
5. Participate in staff meetings, professional development, and other activities related to student services.
6. Complete required reports, paperwork, and other documentation necessary for District, state, and federal compliance.

Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Speech/Language Pathology or a degree meeting applicable licensure requirements.
• Valid New Mexico Speech/Language Pathologist license or other applicable authorization required for the position.
• Knowledge of speech and language assessment, intervention, and special education procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, maintain accurate records, and work cooperatively with students, families, and school personnel.
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Board may find appropriate and acceptable, consistent with applicable licensure requirements.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing, lifting and carrying, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and moving light furniture may be required. The position may require occasional lifting, walking between school locations, and working with individual students or small groups.

Safety/Health and Other Requirements:

1. Must follow universal hygiene precautions and applicable health and safety procedures.
2. An FBI fingerprint background check will be conducted on all new hires of Portales Municipal Schools. Continued employment will be contingent upon the results of the background check.
3. Must have adequate vision and hearing to assess and monitor students' verbal and nonverbal responses.
4. Must demonstrate appropriate speech and language modeling skills.

Equipment/Material Handled:

Must have the knowledge and ability to operate or learn to operate assessment materials, therapy equipment, multimedia equipment, and current technology. Assigned materials and resources must be appropriately maintained and stored.

Work Environment:

Must work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. The position may require travel between district campuses, schedule adjustments, after-hours work, and site or home visits when needed and appropriate.

Portales Municipal Schools are located in the City of Portales, which has a population of about 15,000. The area's economy is based primarily on agriculture. Portales is the home of Eastern New Mexico University and is less than 20 miles from Cannon Air Force Base near Clovis, NM.

The Portales Municipal School District consists of six grade-level schools. This means that each school, except the high school, consists of two grade levels and is not community-based. Portales High School houses grades 9–12, while Brown Early Childhood Center serves grades PK–K; James Elementary serves grades 1–2; Valencia Elementary serves grades 3–4; Lindsey/Steiner Elementary serves grades 5–6; and Portales Junior High serves grades 7–8.