Speech/Language Pathologist

Speech/Language Pathologist

Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with the student's ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.

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 State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SBESLPA)
• or Bachelor's degree and valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Ability to use 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

Experience:

• One year of supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy:

1. Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
2. Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of therapy services.
3. Conduct individual evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions to determine eligibility for services.
4. Develop speech/language plans for individual intervention (IEPs).
5. Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions, according to district procedures.

Consultation:

1. Counsel and involve parents in the remediation process.
2. Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
3. Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and understand communication deficits in students.
4. Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and the needs of the student.

Student Management:

1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level, interests, and needs of the students.
2. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Program Management:

1. May direct and monitor the work of speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).
2. Participate in the development and coordination of the continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings.
3. Assist in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.

Administration:

1. Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
2. Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and local board policy.
3. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
4. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.
5. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Other:

1. Maintain confidentiality.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May supervise licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).* Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistants and aides must be licensed by SBESLPA as a speech-language pathologist. A person with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may not be a supervisor of a licensed speech-language pathology assistant.

Mental Demands / Physical Demands / Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Basic office equipment to include computers, copy machines, printers, telephones, scanners, and software for word processing and databases. Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting. Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension. Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds). Occasional heavy lifting (45 pounds or more). May be required to assist in lifting and transferring students to and from wheelchairs or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities. Environment: Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases. Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress.