Certified: Speech Language Pathologist

Speech and Language Pathologist

This class is accountable for identifying, evaluating and treating students with speech/language, auditory processing, feeding, and social language disorders which significantly impact the student's ability to participate successfully in educational, vocational, community and home environments.

Incumbents in this class must possess and maintain a license as a Speech and Language Pathologist issued by the Connecticut Department of Public Health in accordance with the applicable Connecticut General Statutes. They must also have prior practicum experience working with special needs students with moderate to severe communication disorders. Candidates with two years of experience working with special needs students in a public school or clinical setting are preferred.

A current endorsement in Speech Language Pathology (061) issued by the CT State Department of Education as well as eligibility for an American Speech, Language, and Hearing Association Clinical Fellowship, or the CCC certification, is required. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess a current Motor Vehicle Class D Operator License.

Each licensee applying for license renewal shall complete a minimum of 20 hours of qualifying continuing education within the preceding twenty-four-month period for which the license is being renewed.

Considerable knowledge of anatomic, physiologic, linguistic and psycholinguistic variables and their relation to development and use of speech, voice and language; Considerable knowledge of understanding of speech and language disorders and management procedures used in habilitation and/or rehabilitation; Knowledge of and familiarity with MS-Office applications, especially MS-Word; Knowledge of and familiarity with the Board maker software application; Knowledge of appropriate evaluative tools and techniques used in conjunction with the various disorders, such as clinical evaluation of language fundamentals, tests of problem solving, and language sampling; Knowledge of appropriate State and federal laws and regulations related to the speech/language area; Knowledge of diagnostic methods and their applicability to the difficult to test population; Knowledge of group and personal dynamics; Knowledge of hearing augmentation devices, alternative communication systems, and assistive technology; Knowledge of professional code of ethics; Knowledge of speech and language problems associated with hearing impairment; Knowledge of therapeutic interventions and techniques in the areas of speech/language, auditory processing, feedings, and social language disorders; Basic knowledge of pathology of auditory system and assessment of those disorders; Considerable interpersonal skills; Evaluation skills of speech and language status and basis of disorders; Oral and written communication skills; Skill in developing the appropriate rapport with students, staff, and family members; Skill in development and administration of therapeutic and instructional materials; Skill in individual and group instruction; Skill in providing oral and written presentations Ability to handle confidential information appropriately; Ability to interpret medical and psychological data bearing on speech pathology; Ability to lead and instruct other employees; Ability to prepare reports, records and instructional material; Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Supervises employees performing student information data base operations and related functions.

The following identifies the primary and essential functions of the position and is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of all duties.

Applies principles, methods and procedures for measurement, testing, diagnosis, prediction, consultation or information relating to development and disorders of speech, voice, language or hearing as related to speech impairment for purpose of diagnosing, preventing, treating, ameliorating or modifying such disorders and conditions in individuals or groups of individuals; Assists in program implementation at District schools; Attends child study conferences; Attends staff meetings and in-service training sessions; Maintains records and prepares reports; Participates in interdisciplinary team as speech language consultant; Plans, develops and implements therapeutic materials and activities for treatment, such as symbols, communication systems, communication notebooks, and instructional and social skills activities, consistent with the student's Individual Educational Plan (IEP); Prepares publications and instructional materials; Provides for initial and periodic evaluations of the speech/language, processing, feeding, and social language disorders of students; Provides some educational seminars, in-service training and/or consultation to families, teachers, allied professionals or paraprofessionals on nature and management of speech, voice and language disorders; observing and charting of speech, voice and language behavior and related areas; Provides therapeutic intervention for students with speech/language, processing, feeding and social language disorders involving both direct and indirect services; Provides training to paraprofessionals and classroom teachers on speech functions, feeding, communication devices and student social interactions; Reviews and completes documentation in compliance with federal and State rules and regulations, as well as with District policies and procedures; Reviews medical and psychological histories; Travels to various District locations to work with students and attend related meetings and is responsible for arriving at multiple worksites in accordance with District policy which means driving between various work sites; Performs related duties as required.

Employees appointed to positions in this class must have adequate physical strength, stamina, physical agility and visual and auditory acuity and must maintain such physical fitness as to be able to perform the duties of the class. A physical examination may be required.

Waterbury Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the District will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourage both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the District when necessary.