SPEECH LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Speech Language Pathologist

Provides speech and language services to help students benefit from the educational program.

Qualifications:

• Holds and maintains required state department of education credentials.
• Holds and maintains a valid state board of speech-language pathology and audiology license.
• Displays flexibility, reliability, self-discipline and a willingness to take on challenging tasks.
• Effective communication, problem-solving and time management skills.
• Embodies high ethical standards/integrity. Accepts responsibility for personal decisions/conduct.
• Maintains a record free of criminal violations that would prohibit public school employment.
• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (CPI) training may be required for some assignments.

Functions:

• Assists with program planning. Identifies opportunities to enhance student learning.
• Performs screening activities (e.g., child find, new students, grades designated by the board, etc.).
• Performs follow-up activities with students who have not passed earlier screening procedures.
• Conducts evaluations for non-public school programs.
• Collaboratively resolves problems that impede student learning. Helps develop and implement evidence-based interventions that produce tangible benefits within defined time-frames.
• Serves as the evaluation team case manager. Prepares draft reports and related documents (e.g., prior written notice, district forms, EMIS coding sheet, etc.). Synthesizes input from all sources. Communicates evaluation results clearly and effectively both orally and in writing.
• Completes Evaluation Team Reports (ETR) documenting assessment results, student strengths, needs, and implications for instruction by required deadlines.
• Writes/implements and documents Individualized Education Plans (IEP) goals and objectives according to need and baseline data. Explains IEP goals to parents and staff. Help stakeholders understand how therapy activities relate to the educational program.
• Interprets data, observations, norm-referenced and criterion-referenced test results to qualify students for speech-language services relevant to needs. Effectively manages the speech-language caseload (i.e., therapy schedules, parent/team meetings progress reports, etc.).
• Facilitates inclusion as the preferred placement method for students with disabilities.
• Prepares and transmits legally compliant special education documents to parents and appropriate staff by required deadlines.
• Uses a variety of evidence-based treatment techniques to address speech/language disorders (e.g., expressive/receptive language, voice, articulation, fluency, interactive communication, auditory and/or visual processing, pragmatics, etc.).
• Helps staff incorporate therapy goals into classroom activities.
• Teaches skills that help students manage the learning environment (e.g., use of assistive technology; augmentative devices; instructional/media resources; etc.).
• Works with staff to monitor intervention efficacy. Recommends modifications as needed.
• Advocates for students. Observes student demeanor. Investigates/reports atypical behavior.
• Helps students make appropriate choices and grow academically. Promotes creativity, critical-thinking, cultural awareness, democratic values, empathy, ethical conduct and self-reliance skills.
• Provides families information to help students with therapy activities at home when requested.
• Documents student progress and prepares recommendations that comply with state requirements.
• Ensures accurate and timely completion of all required Medicaid reports.

Professionalism:

• Acts in accordance with the ASHA/Ohio Board Code of Ethics, Scope of Practices for Speech Language Pathologist in Schools and Licensure Code of Professional Conduct for Ohio Educators.
• Complies with drug-free workplace rules, board policies and administrative guidelines/procedures.
• Contributes to an effective working environment. Performs all aspects of the job.
• Encourages community involvement in school-sponsored activities.
• Functions as part of a cohesive team. Develops mutually respectful relationships with co-workers.
• Keeps an acceptable attendance record and is punctual. Maintains a professional appearance.
• Participates in the development of best practices and advancement of academic standards.
• Respects privacy. Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.

Communication:

• Prepares and maintains accurate records. Submits required paperwork on time.
• Provides prompt notification of personal delays or absences.
• Refers policy interpretation questions to an appropriate administrator.
• Uses active listening/problem-solving techniques. Respects diversity. Resolves issues tactfully.

Professional Development:

• Keeps current with professional standards associated with work duties.
• Updates skills as needed to use task-appropriate technology effectively.

Safety:

• Implements effective pupil management procedures. Provides appropriate student supervision.
• Maintains high standards for appropriate conduct. Takes action to address harassment and/or aggressive behavior. Complies with administrative directives and federal/state laws when dealing with discrimination, inappropriate behavior, suspected child abuse or neglect.
• Manages student behavior using positive behavioral support techniques.

Other Duties:

• Helps implement workplace initiatives that advance organizational goals.

The Stow-Munroe Falls City School District is an equal opportunity employer. This document identifies typical job functions and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all possible work duties. Employee performance is evaluated according to board policy, administrative procedures and current contractual agreements.

Staff member shall serve as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as citizens and as responsible, intelligent human beings in order to help instill in students the belief and practice of ethical principles and democratic values.