26-27SY Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologists are classified as special education instructors, providing comprehensive educational, diagnostic, and therapeutic services to students with speech and language defects. Employees in this class perform work at either the itinerant, resource room, or full-time classroom level. Work involves using a variety of instructional techniques and/or therapeutic strategies to enhance the students' educational process. Work additionally involves participating in the multidisciplinary team (MDT) process of student evaluation and individual education plan (IEP) development.

Essential Functions

• Plans classroom lessons and activities in accordance with the skill level of students; uses techniques and materials to enhance the students' academic abilities;
• Diagnoses speech/language problems utilizing a variety of testing tools; conducts formal and informal assessments;
• Provides language and speech therapy to students with speech/language problems such as delayed speech and language, stuttering, voice disorders, and functional and organic articulation disorders; determines and implements the appropriate therapeutic programs;
• Participates in the MDT process of students' evaluation; assists in the development of the IEP, monitors student progress in meeting objectives and goals of the IEP;
• Provides itinerant services as required; provides support to both the teacher and the student during the instructional process;
• Counsels families to assist in the process of alleviating speech and language disorders; provides information regarding agencies providing services to individuals with speech/language problems; participates in parent education programs;
• Keeps abreast of new developments in speech/language therapy;
• Maintains attendance, grade, and other required records.

Minimum Requirements

• Master's degree from an accredited college or university
• Certificates/Licenses Possession of a valid Commonwealth of Pennsylvania certificate for Speech and Language Impaired PK-12, Speech and Hearing Disorders, Speech Correction or Speech Correctionist.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated knowledge of the modern methods, principles, and practices of elementary and/or secondary education;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the theories and principles of normal child growth and development with emphasis on the effects of speech/language disorder on the educational performance of a child;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the special needs and methods of teaching children with speech/language disorders;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principles, techniques, equipment, and literature used in individual and group treatment of a wide variety of speech/language disorders;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the curriculum and instructional techniques for instructing students with speech/language disorders;
• Demonstrated knowledge of the diagnostic and assessment tools available for use with students with speech/language impairments.

• Demonstrated ability to apply the principles and techniques of speech/language therapy in the treatment of a wide variety of speech/language disorders;
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.