Related Services Program Specialist

Specialist

The intent of IDEA-B is to supplement the level of special education and related services to eligible children with disabilities, ages 3-21, who are enrolled in our district. This includes providing financial assistance to LEAs to ensure they provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities, protecting the rights of students with disabilities and their parents, and designing IEPs to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

The intent of IDEA-B Preschool is to supplement the level of special education and related services to eligible children with disabilities, ages 3-5, who are enrolled in our district. This includes providing financial assistance to LEAs to ensure they provide a free appropriate public education to students with disabilities, protecting the rights of students with disabilities and their parents, and designing IEPs to meet the needs of students with disabilities.

Provides technical assistance and support in the area of Speech-Language Pathology and related services programs across the district. Ensures compliance with federal, state, and district requirements related to special education service delivery, evaluations, Medicaid billing, documentation, and staffing. Supports high-quality speech and related services programming to improve student outcomes and maintain compliance with IDEA, TEA, and district expectations.

Promotes quality and compliance of programs and services to improve student achievement.

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

• Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.
• Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.
• Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.

Program Management

• Monitor service minutes for Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs), Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLPAs), and other related service providers.
• Conduct quarterly audits of service minutes, service documentation, and caseload management practices.
• Monitor speech-language progress reporting and ensure reports are completed, archived, and shared with families according to district timelines.
• Monitor evaluation timelines and compliance requirements for speech-language evaluations.
• Manage Child Find processes for speech-only referrals and ensure compliance with evaluation timelines.
• Collaborate with campus administrators and special education coordinators to ensure compliance with IDEA, state regulations, and district procedures.
• Meet regularly with Special Education Coordinators regarding compliance concerns, timelines, service delivery, and program alignment.

Consultation

• Provide instructional recommendations to direct reports based on evaluation data and student needs.
• Support staff implementation of evidence-based interventions, specialized instruction, and therapeutic practices.
• Consult with SLPs regarding caseload management, evaluations, IEP development, and service delivery.

Communication

• Establish and maintain a professional relationship and open communication with parents, students, colleagues, and community members.

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in staff development activities to improve job-related skills.
• Attend and participate in department meetings and serve on staff committees as required.

Other

• Maintain confidentiality.
• Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
• Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.
• Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.
• Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.
• Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.

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 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or bachelor's degree and Valid Texas Education Agency Speech Therapy Certificate

Experience:

• Three (3) years successful Speech-Language Pathology

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

• Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders and conditions
• Knowledge of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee process and Individualized Education Plan (IEP) goal setting process and implementation
• Ability to analyze, interpret, and use student data
• Ability to instruct students and manage their behavior
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Supervise assigned Speech-Language Pathology Assistants.

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).

Mental/Physical Demands and Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used:

• Personal computer, phone systems, video/instructional equipment, and peripherals

Posture:

• Prolonged sitting and standing; frequent kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:

• Frequent walking; repetitive computer work with frequent use of hands and wrists

Lifting:

• Regular light lifting and carrying (less than 30 pounds); may lift and move textbooks and classroom equipment

Environment:

• Work to be completed on-site from assigned school or building; regular exposure to noise and computer monitors
• No remote work
• Frequent districtwide travel; occasional statewide travel

Mental Demands:

• Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress; work prolonged or irregular hours

Intent and Acknowledgement:

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit, or any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.