Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

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)
• or Bachelor’s degree
• Valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate

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

Experience:

• One year of supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy:

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

Assessment:

• Conduct independent evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions to determine eligibility for services.
• Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements by interpreting observations or data.
• Participate in 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:

• Counsel and involve parents in remedial process.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
• Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and understand communication deficits in students.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the student.

Student Management:

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

Program Management:

• May supervise licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings.
• Assist in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.

Administration:

• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws. State Board of Education rule, and board policy.
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
• 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:

• Maintain emotional control under stress. Regular districtwide travel to multiple work locations as assigned; moderate lifting and carrying. May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.

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.