Speech and Language Pathologist

Speech and Language Pathologist

Summary of Responsibilities: Hired directly by Parkland to consult with certified Speech and Language Pathology Assistants and the Building Principal, the Speech and Language Pathologist will implement therapeutic plans and execute goals constructed within student IEPs. Primarily students with related service minutes in the area of speech and language will receive services, while those needing intervention or remediation may also be seen, but on a limited basis. The SLP will be able to provide consultative services to classroom teachers as well, in order to make sure all student needs are addressed, identified and supported as needed.

Essential Functions of a Speech and Language Pathologist:

• School-based Speech and Language Therapists support and promote high professional standards.
• SLP's are knowledgeable of and actively implement school, department, district, State, and professional goals and provide guidance to others within the area of Speech and Language.
• Conduct assessments in collaboration with others that help to identify students with communication disorders as well as to inform instruction and intervention.
• Assessment may include data collection through standardized or non-standardized measures, interpretation, report writing, sharing results with parents and staff, determining eligibility for services, and developing IEPs.
• Complete evaluation reports and develop or update IEP goals and objectives, as appropriate.
• Participate in initial evaluations, reevaluations, annual reviews and parent conferences.
• Provide therapy with students exhibiting the full range of communication disorders, including those involving language, articulation/phonology (speech sound disorders), fluency, voice/resonance, and swallowing.
• Use prevention/intervention and identification approaches to address students who are at risk for academic failure.
• Gather and interpret data about individual students, as well as overall caseload data.
• Collaborate with students, parents, staff members, child study team members, other SLPs, administration and professional learning community members.
• Provide services to support the instructional program at school.
• Attend continuing education experiences such as workshops or seminars to update their knowledge base and hone their skills in education and speech-language pathology or pursue educational studies to maintain and improve professional levels of performance.
• Meet federal and state mandates as well as local policies in performance of their duties.
• Activities may include Individualized Education Program (IEP) development, report writing, and treatment plan/therapy log tracking.
• Maintaining student IEP's and evaluations on web-based computer programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team setting.

Education: Illinois Certificate with Speech and Language Pathology endorsement (Type 73 or Type 10 or Type 03/09) Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation Speech Language Pathologist License. Master's degree or higher in Speech Language Pathology.

Job Specifications: Skills/Knowledge and Abilities Must accept direction, adhere to policies and procedures and carry out assignments. Must demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience, and dedication and react calmly and effectively in emergency situations. Must demonstrate exemplary interpersonal skills, verbally communicate clearly and distinctly in a noisy environment, and be visually observant in dealing with staff, students, and parents. Knowledge of IEP design, implementation and revision. Knowledge of service delivery options and documentation of service delivery through Parkland Preparatory documentation model. Knowledge of individual and group therapy techniques. Knowledge of relevant assessments and what results indicate. Knowledge of therapeutic planning and techniques. Skills in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines. Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information. Must have knowledge of legal obligations for reporting abuse and/or neglect, knowledge of crisis intervention procedures and special education rules and regulations. Skill in telephone/email/electronic communication etiquette. Ability to work as a team player. Ability to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing, with Parkland students, supervisors, coworkers, subordinates, support agencies, and a variety of external consumers. Must project a positive image of the school to the students, parents/guardians, and staff as well as exhibit a positive employee attitude. Must have some knowledge of computer operations and proficiency of Google Suites. Adheres to the policies and procedures of Parkland Preparatory Academy. Ensures all Related Service minutes are received by Students on caseload Locate required minutes per week in Student's most recent IEP. Collaborates with the Special Education Teacher to create a schedule for required minutes. The Building Principal must be notified of a compensatory plan if services cannot be provided prior to the services not being provided. Document all minutes electronically on a weekly basis and submit them to Building Principal. Report any discrepancy or concern to the Principal.

Physical and Special Demands: Demonstrates preventative measures relating to Infection Control concepts. Required to frequently sit, stand, bend, stoop, crouch, kneel, balance, push, pull and twist as well as walk and drive for extended periods. Ability to walk up and down stairs. Ability to operate machinery and equipment on premises. Works continuously in an environment where the noise level is frequently high and where: Chemicals are used for cleaning Mechanical and electrical hazards may be present occasionally Dust, mist and steam are generated in housekeeping tasks frequently Able to lift, carry, and lower 50 pounds without assistance. Ability to respond in a crisis to angry and sometimes disorganized, psychotic and/or verbally and physically abusive students while maintaining focus on student and staff safety. Ability to verbally communicate to de-escalate a crisis situation. Able to participate in physical restraint of students per policy. Must possess the ability to provide physical restrain students with proper CPI methods after training. Must have the visual, hearing, and learning capabilities sufficient to perform the essential functions defined above.

Environment and Scheduling: Work is performed during school and program days and hours. Work is performed in and in association with Parkland Preparatory Academy. Duties involve contact with students who may be threatening, aggressive, suicidal, mentally ill and/or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. HIPAA Privacy Training and Sanctions: All employees who have access to health information whose confidentiality is protected by the HIPAA Privacy Rule are required by the Rule to receive training so that they have an understanding and knowledge of the Privacy Rule that corresponds to their job responsibilities and of the group health plan's policies and procedures that impact on their job duties. Training on requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule and the plan's health information policies and procedures under the direction of the plan privacy officer is a prerequisite for this position. Employees who violate the requirements of the HIPAA Privacy Rule will be subject to discipline, up to and including termination.

Disclaimer Statement: This description is intended to describe the essential job functions, the general supplemental functions, and the essential requirements for the performance of this job. It is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements of a person so classified. Management retains the right to add to or change the duties at any time.