Speech and Language Pathologist

Overall Purpose


The job of Speech and Language Pathologist is done for the purpose/s of identifying students with communication disorders; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to minimize adverse impact on student success; and recommending treatment plans.

Direct Supervisor


Director of Special Education


Essential Functions

• Assesses students' communication skills (articulation, fluency, voice, expressive, receptive language, etc.) for the purpose of identifying communication disorders, determining program eligibility, and developing recommendations for treatment.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (parents, teachers, physicians, administration, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Coordinates meetings and processes for eligible students (testing/screening, evaluation reports, eligibility reports, Individualized Education Programs [IEPs], parent conferences, pre-referral consultation through Response to Intervention [RTI], etc.) for the purpose of presenting evaluation results, developing treatment plans, and/or providing training to parents/students/staff.
• Develops treatment plans, interventions, and/or educational materials for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of communication disorders in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Instructs eligible students in the use of appropriate communication technologies (hearing aids, FM systems, augmentative communication devices, etc.) for the purpose of minimizing the adverse educational impact of communication disorders in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.
• Instructs assigned support staff (communicative disorders, use of assistive devices, feeding techniques, implementing prescribed treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of providing information on various aspects of language speech pathology.
• Interprets medical reports within the scope of Speech/Language Pathologist's experience and goals for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records (progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, required documentation, quarterly reports, screening results, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Partners with other educational institutions (supervising Master's level university students, etc.) for the purpose of increasing the number of college graduates who might work in the field, including within the district.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provides speech and language therapy to students for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of speech and language disorders on student success.
• Researches resources and methods (intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' needs.
• Responds to inquiries (parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

Marginal Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Competencies

• Skills-based Competencies

Required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating specialized equipment used in the treatment of communication disorders; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

• Knowledge-based Competencies

Required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms and disorders; principles and practices of speech and language therapy; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and/or laws.

• Ability-based Competencies

Required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; utilizing specialized equipment in communication disorders; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; maintaining effective working relationships; and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Requirements


Master's degree


SLP-5 certificate in Speech and Language Pathology


Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred


ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) preferred

Physical Requirements


The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity.

Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 20% walking, and 20% standing.


Continuing Education/Training


SLP-5 certificate in Speech and Language Pathology


Maintains all licenses and certifications

Clearances


Criminal Justice Fingerprint


Background Clearance

Fair Labor Standards Act


Exempt