Speech and Language Pathologist

Speech And Language Pathologist

Under the supervision of the Director of Special Education, plans and provides language and speech services to schools in River Delta Unified School District. Services may include consultation and direct therapy with students having mild to severe language disabilities as well as working with school staff, families, and related personnel. The Speech and Language Pathologist also provides case management services. Duties may vary according to assignment.

Knowledge of the principles and techniques of language and speech services with particular emphasis on the educational and psychological processes of teaching students with mild to severe language disabilities; knowledge of behavioral management systems and current trends in educational methods for teaching language and speech disabled students; principles and methods of recognizing, testing, and evaluating language and speech disabled students; knowledge of non-verbal communication techniques and system, e.g., communication boards, computers, tactile boards; knowledge of neuromuscular disabilities as related to communication and feeding. Knowledge of Augmentative Alternative Communication (AAC) is a plus, but not required.

Under general supervision from the Director of Special Education, administers and coordinates diagnostic, remedial and consultative functions relative to communicative disorders.

Trains and assigns the work of instructional support staff and provides input into the evaluation process.

Essential Functions:

1. Develop and administer a speech and language therapy program consistent with the district's needs.
2. Participate in special education admissions and dismissal meetings when appropriate.
3. Provide speech therapy services within the bounds of available resources and facilities.
4. Administer language tests beyond the screening test when needed for a more complete diagnosis, and coordinate speech therapy activities.
5. Meet the requirements and the needs of the pupils with communicative disorders as identified in categorical aid projects.
6. Assist and instruct teachers in alleviating students' communication difficulties.
7. Maintain attendance records in accordance with California State Law as pertains to speech therapy.
8. Refer to community agencies when severity warrants in the areas of language, articulation, stuttering, cleft palate, voice disorders and any other disorder affecting communication abilities.
9. Speak and consult with community agencies, parents, medical personnel and teachers and act as a liaison among these groups for children with communication disorders.
10. Attend staff, faculty, state and national meetings.
11. Review research literature and maintain knowledge of state legislation as it pertains to speech and hearing services in the public schools.
12. Perform other related duties as assigned.

1. Conducts assessment/evaluation of student abilities and needs; initiates, notifies, and conducts IEP process for language and speech students; facilitates, attends and serves as a member of the IEP team to determine eligibility of student for program
2. Assists in the development of IEP instructional goals/objectives and language, speech goals while adhering to IEP legal and time guidelines; reassesses/evaluates student progress and submits reports in a timely manner to coincide with IEP review meetings.
3. Establishes appropriate instructional/learning environment for the student; develops a variety of instructional activities to meet the student's individual language and speech goals/objectives which are based upon the IEP -- these goals may be implemented in the classroom or community; processes teacher referrals, conducts screening programs, and/or in-depth language and speech assessments to identify pupils; provides direct group or individual therapy and maintains therapy records; provides consultation services to staff and parents for intervention strategies to meet language and speech IEP goals; prepares progress reports for individual students including prognosis and recommendation for continued language and speech services.
4. Maintains written/oral communication with parents, staff, and other district personnel; serves as a resource/liaison with other community agencies and services; attends various school related meetings; establishes rapport with students receiving therapy/instruction; implements behavior modification skills; assesses and analyzes student's overall communication performance to determine the cause of deficiencies.
5. Provides parent education related to student needs; provides training and consultation with teachers and paraprofessionals regarding language and speech needs of individual students; provides in-service training/consultation to staff and school district personnel; participates in professional development activities.

Knowledge of:

• English grammar, spelling and punctuation.
• General methods and techniques of individual and group speech therapy commonly used for students with special needs.
• Issues involving language, articulation, stuttering, cleft palate, voice disorders and any other disorder affecting communication abilities.
• Educational and medical applications of adaptive equipment.
• Basic principles of child behavior.
• Techniques used in the assessment and treatment of speech disabilities.
• Educational and developmental needs of children with specific disabilities.
• Laws, rules and regulations related to speech therapy in public schools.
• Pertinent federal, state, and local laws, codes and regulations.
• Basic first aid and CPR techniques.
• Bilingual preferred

Ability to:

• Interpret and explain district and school policies and procedures.
• Provide speech therapy services to special education and other students.
• Observe and manage behavior of students according to approved procedures.
• Motivate and encourage positive learning patterns and behavior to students with special needs.
• Monitor the use of adaptive equipment.
• Maintain records and prepare reports related to assigned students and activities.
• Provide consultation for classroom and home management of speech problems.
• Explain and provide training on speech therapy.
• Maintain confidentiality of sensitive and privileged information.
• Understand and work within scope of authority.
• Compose letters, memoranda, and other written documents.
• Type at a speed necessary for successful job performance.
• Maintain reliable, punctual, and regular attendance.
• Work independently in the absence of a supervisor.
• Communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Establish and maintain effective and mutually productive working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.
• Focus on details of work content, work steps, and final work products.
• Display honesty, adherence to principals, personal accountability, and confidentiality.
• Present self as a positive representative of the organization.
• Maintain emotional stability and self-control under pressure, challenge, adversity. Maintain effective audio-visual discrimination and perception needed for:
• Making observations
• Communicating with others
• Reading and writing
• Operating assigned equipment
• Making sound decisions
• Demonstrating intellectual capabilities
• Oral Comprehension
• Oral expression
• Auditory understanding
• Memorization
• Written comprehension

Job Requirements:

Experience: Teaching experience, which may include student teaching.

Training: Equivalent to a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.

License or Credential: Possession of any valid California credential authorizing service as a language and speech therapist. Possession of a valid California driver's license and/or be able to provide own transportation in conduct of work assignments with mileage reimbursed.

Working Conditions:

Environmental Conditions: Classroom environment

Physical Conditions: Essential and marginal functions may require maintaining a physical condition necessary for standing and walking for prolonged periods of time.