Speech Language Pathologist

Position Summary The Speech-Language Pathologist provides screening, evaluation, diagnostic, and direct/consultative therapy services to eligible students in order to help them access and benefit from their educational program. Services address articulation, language, fluency, voice, pragmatics, augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and related communication needs, and are provided in accordance with each student's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. The Speech-Language Pathologist collaborates closely with classroom teachers, related service providers, and families, and may supervise a Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLPA) where assigned. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Conduct speech, language, and communication screenings and comprehensive evaluations using formal and informal assessment tools; interpret results and prepare clear, legally compliant written reports. Determine eligibility for speech and language services in collaboration with the Team, and develop findings and recommendations for service delivery in the least restrictive environment. Write present levels of performance, goals, and service delivery grids for IEPs; participate as a required member of Team meetings, presenting evaluation results and recommendations to staff and parents. Deliver direct and consultative speech and language therapy services as specified in students' IEPs, using evidence-based practices; document session notes and progress toward goals. Assess and recommend appropriate augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and assistive technology; train staff and families on their use. Serve as case manager/liaison for an assigned caseload, coordinating with classroom teachers, other related service providers, outside agencies, and the medical community as needed. Recommend and support classroom accommodations and modifications, and provide training to staff on carrying over therapy goals into the classroom setting. Produce and distribute written progress reports to parents on a schedule consistent with report card/progress reporting periods. Maintain accurate, timely documentation of evaluations, therapy sessions, and progress in compliance with district, state, and federal special education timelines and regulations, including documentation to support Medicaid reimbursement claims where applicable. Supervise and assign caseload responsibilities to any Speech-Language Pathology Assistant(s) (SLPA) or Clinical Fellows assigned to the district. Maintain, organize, and oversee speech and language therapy materials, equipment, and testing instruments. Stay current on evidence-based practices, new treatments, and assistive technology in the field of speech-language pathology through ongoing professional development. Attend professional conferences, workshops, and department/staff meetings as required. Assume other duties/responsibilities as directed by the Director of Pupil Services. Minimum Qualifications Master's Degree in Speech-Language Pathology (or Communication Sciences and Disorders) from a program accredited by the Council on Academic Accreditation (CAA). Current Massachusetts DESE educator licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist (Speech, Language and Hearing Disabilities), required. Current Massachusetts license as a Speech-Language Pathologist from the Board of Registration in Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (260 CMR), required. Massachusetts law requires both an educator license and a professional clinical license to practice in a school setting. Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP) from ASHA, preferred; candidates completing a Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) will be considered. Sheltered English Immersion (SEI) Endorsement on the DESE license, or a commitment to obtain it within the first year of employment. Successful completion of a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) check, Sexual Offender Registry Information (SORI) check, and fingerprinting, as required under Massachusetts law. Prior experience as a school-based Speech-Language Pathologist and/or classroom teacher preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledge of state and federal special education laws and regulations, including 603 CMR 28.00 and IDEA, and the ability to apply them to evaluation and service-delivery timelines. Strong oral and written communication skills, including the ability to explain evaluation findings and therapy recommendations clearly to staff and families. Ability to administer and interpret a range of standardized and informal speech-language assessment tools. Working knowledge of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems and assistive technology. Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills; ability to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary Team. Personal organization skills sufficient to manage a caseload, meet mandated timelines, and maintain accurate records. Proficiency with computer applications including word processing, database, spreadsheet, and IEP/data-management software (e.g., Special Programs, PowerSchool). Bilingual or multilingual skills a plus, given the district's student and family population. Working Conditions May need to travel between district buildings and, where assigned, off-site locations as needed to meet caseload and scheduling requirements. May be required to attend occasional after-school meetings or trainings. Must be able to work effectively with students, families, teachers, and administrators across all grade levels served. Physical Demands and Work Environment The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to move about classrooms, school buildings, and school grounds; sit, talk, and hear; operate a computer and other office/therapy equipment; and observe details at close range, including reading assessment materials and student work. The employee is occasionally required to lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and to assist with student positioning or mobility as needed for therapy activities. Work is performed primarily in a school building environment, at times in a moderately noisy setting with frequent interruptions, and requires the cognitive ability and focus to manage multiple, detailed tasks and deadlines concurrently. This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and the employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and the requirements of the job change. The Uxbridge Public Schools is an Equal Opportunity Employer.