Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) -District

Speech Language Pathologist

Speech Language Pathologist is to help the IEP team in assisting students in benefiting from their special education placement. Under federal law, IDEA (Individuals with Disability Education Act), educationally related speech language pathologist serves as a supportive role in helping the student participate and benefit from special education due to an identified disability that interferes with communication and language and participate in the educational environment. Speech language pathologist will help students to learn subject matter and skills, which will lead toward the fulfillment of their potential for intellectual, emotional, and psychological growth. Directs and evaluates the learning experiences of the students in activities sponsored by the school.

Essential Functions:

• Assesses student's communication skills for purpose of identifying communication disabilities/disorders, determining program eligibility and developing recommendations.
• Performs screeners and develops speech language based intervention plans based on a student's needs.
• Facilitates meetings for the purpose of developing plans and providing information regarding students' communication goals.
• Develops and maintains an environment conducive to effective learning within the limits of the resources provided by the district.
• Prepares documentation for the purpose of providing written support, developing recommendations and conveying information.
• Prepares and submits appropriate documents for monthly medicaid billing.
• Employs a variety of instructional techniques and instructional media and technology, consistent with the communication limitation of the location provided and the needs and capabilities of the individuals or student groups involved.
• Strives to implement by instruction and action the district's philosophy of education and instructional goals and objectives.
• Takes all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities.
• Evaluates student progress on a regular basis.
• Maintains accurate, complete and correct records as required by state and federal law, district policy and administrative regulation.
• Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulation and Board Policy.
• Synthesizes evaluation results into a comprehensive written report which reflects strengths and barriers to student participation in the educational environment.
• Attends and participates in faculty meetings and participates on teacher based teams.
• Participates in multidisciplinary meetings to review evaluation results, integrate findings with other disciplines, offer recommendations and develop individual education plans and intervention time to achieve IEP goals.
• Manages inventory of therapeutic equipment and assessments.
• Establishes and maintains cooperative relations with others.
• Provides for his/her own professional growth through an ongoing program of workshops, seminars, conferences and/or advanced course work at institutions of higher learning.
• Adheres to federal and state legislation, regulation and policies that affect speech language therapist practice.
• Provides therapeutic intervention to facilitate student participation and occupational performance within the educational environment.
• Adapts and modifies the environment including assistive technology and trains instructional staff to meet individual needs and to help students function as independently as possible.
• Promotes maximum independence by selecting and constructing therapies according to the individual's communication capacity, intelligence level and interest.
• Monitors and reassess the effect of speech language therapist intervention and the need to continue, modify or discontinue intervention.
• Documents speech language therapies to ensure accountability of service.
• Uses appropriate and current assessment instruments pertinent to area of school based therapy.
• Participates in screening processes as requested.
• Provides parents with educationally relevant home programs as appropriate.
• Contacts and reports to physicians and agencies as requested.
• Communicates as needed with all staff to ensure a team approach to problem solving.
• Helps maintain safety and security in the building.
• Accesses and responds to electronic communication daily.

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serves as a role model for students in how to conduct themselves as responsible citizens.
• Helps instill in students the belief in and practice of ethical principles and democratic values.
• Remains compliant with district policies regarding alcohol and substance use/abuse.
• Reports absences into the online reporting system.
• Conducts all work in a safe and responsible manner.
• Conducts other duties as assigned by the Director of Federal Programs.

Additional Working Conditions:

• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue.
• Occasional operation of a vehicle under inclement weather conditions.
• Occasional interaction among unruly children.
• Occasional lifting and carrying of 15-30 pounds.
• Repetitive hand motion (e.g. computer keyboard)
• Frequent interruptions of duties by students, visitors, staff and/or telephone.

Springfield Local Schools