Speech-Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Reports to: Director of Special Education Pay Grade: AP-5 Days: 198 Wage/Hour: Exempt Dept./School: Assigned Campus(es)

Primary Purpose

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 their students' 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). Valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate. Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Special Knowledge/Skills: Ability to use the 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. Bilingual preferred.

Experience: One year supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience. Lead Speech Language Pathologist.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy

1. Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
2. Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of therapy services.

Assessment

1. Conduct independent evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions to determine eligibility for services.
2. Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements by interpreting observations or data.
3. Participate in and/or conduct 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 remedial 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 needs of the student.

Student Management

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

Program Management

1. Will supervise licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s).*
2. Plan professional development to maintain licensure requirement.
3. Assist in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.

Administration

1. Act as a lead to maintain compliance timelines and manage case-loads district wide.
2. Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
3. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy.
4. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
5. Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May direct and monitor the work of speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).

Working Conditions: Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including computer and peripherals. 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 heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students. Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require district wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned. Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.

*Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistants must be licensed by SBESLPA as speech-language pathologists. A person with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may not be a supervisor of a licensed speech-language pathology assistant.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.

I acknowledge that I am aware that my salary is fully funded out of the IDEA-B Formula program and that 100% of my time and effort is focused on meeting the IDEA-B Formula program goal to provide special education and related services to children with disabilities ages 3-21. This position is supported and funded through a single cost objective.