Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Supervised and evaluated by the director of student support services, provides diagnostic, remedial, and consultative services for children with communicative disorders; performs as support staff member in school to determine specific needs of children who display speech, language, and hearing difficulties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screen pupils for communicative disorders and select cases according to appropriate criteria as determined by speech-language pathologist and by state and federal guidelines.
• Employ assessment procedures, techniques, and standardized tests necessary for thorough and accurate diagnosis of communication disorders
• Convey pertinent information to appropriate personnel, including referrals to community agencies.
• Conduct thorough triennial assessments of speech/language deficits.
• Assess and make necessary referrals for preschool children with communicative disorders.
• Determine if students are eligible for services in the areas of articulation/phonology, abnormal voice, fluency, and language.
• Provide written report for parents and applicable personnel after assessment is completed.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Review IEPs at least annually.
• Notify parent, administrator, and appropriate personnel of IEP meeting(s).
• Provide information and assistance to parents.
• Schedule and provide individual and/or group therapy as determined by the IEP team.
• Attempt to maintain a caseload which does not exceed the state recommended average of 55 persons per full-time-equivalent speech-language pathologist.
• Make appropriate referral if a student's performance indicates the need for a more restrictive environment.
• Meet and confer with teachers about methods and techniques for dealing with special problems and modifying education programs for speech/language/hearing problems.
• Arrange for necessary materials and equipment for speech therapy activities.
• Assume responsibility for implementation of Standard School District policies, California State Department of Education regulations, and Federal regulations related to speech and language therapy services.
• Participate in the formation of district policies, standards, objectives, guides, forms, and procedures related to speech therapy/pathology.
• Acquaint members of the community, administrators, and other school personnel about speech, language, and hearing problems.
• Attend district meetings and required workshops.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the superintendent or superintendent's designee.
• Pursue professional growth through conferences, workshops, and coursework.
• Actively participate in local, state, and national professional speech and hearing organizations.

Professional Qualifications:

Clear Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential, Authorized Field: Language, Speech and Hearing:

1. Baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.

2. Master's Degree or its equivalent.

3. Specialized and professional preparation as the commission may require.

Desired Qualifications:

Certificate: American Speech Hearing Language Association Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech pathology or audiology.

License: State License issued by State of California Board of Medical Quality Assurance Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee.

Personal Qualities:

• Relate positively to children and instill in them a desire to improve.
• Relate positively to parents, school personnel, and other lay and professional people.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner, present a favorable personal appearance, and demonstrate personality characteristics which enhance effectiveness in a school setting.
• Communicate effectively and use appropriate professional language skills in writing and speaking.
• Demonstrate positive attitude and desire to improve professional knowledge and competence.

Physical Requirements for Job:

Incorporated within one or more of the previously mentioned essential functions of this job description are the following essential physical requirements:

• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
• Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see for purposes of reading laws and codes, rules and policies and other printed matter and observing students.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels.
• Ability to bend and twist, kneel and stoop, run and crawl.
• Ability to reach in all directions.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.