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.

The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties and responsibilities noted herein, however, this list represents examples only, and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.

Model KISD core organizational beliefs and values; perform duties effectively and efficiently for the purpose of supporting and contributing to high student achievement.

Provide program support and service delivery; communicate effectively within and across teams and participate in cross-functional work groups.

Maintain a commitment to the District mission; model District expectations through personal leadership and actively support the efforts of others to achieve District goals.

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy

Conduct independent evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions 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 make determination regarding therapy services.

Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements.

Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee. Assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions according to district procedures.

Consultation

Consult with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals, the needs of the student, and involvement 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 work more effectively with students with communication deficits.

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

Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings.

Participate in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.

Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized 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.

May supervise Licensed Speech-Language Pathology Assistant(s).

Policy, Reports, and Law

Maintain confidentiality.

Develop and maintain systems for retrieval of information in support of all programs; compile, maintain, file, and secure all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.

Pursue Professional Development activities for self and assigned staff; ensure that Professional Development activities are aligned with District goals and initiatives and current professional research.

Comply with all policies, operating procedures, legal requirements, and verbal and written directives.

Comply with the Professional Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators.

Follow District safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

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 Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or bachelor's degree and Valid Texas Education Agency Speech Therapy Certificate

Experience:

One (1) year of successful supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience

Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

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

Supervisory Responsibilities

May direct and monitor the work of Speech-Language Pathology Assistant(s).

Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistants must be licensed by TDLR as speech-language pathologists. A person with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may supervise a licensed speech-language pathology assistant, but not if services are billed through School Health and Related Services (SHARS).

Mental/Physical Demands and Environmental Factors

Tools/Equipment Used:

Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals

Posture:

Prolonged sitting; occasional bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting

Motion:

Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension

Lifting:

Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students

Environment:

Therapy and evaluations must be completed on-site from assigned school or building; regular exposure to noise and computer monitors

Remote work available when not required on-site and approved by department supervisor

Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases

Frequent districtwide travel

Mental Demands:

Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under stress work; prolonged or irregular hours

Intent and Acknowledgement

This description is intended to indicate the kinds of tasks and levels of work difficulty required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as declaring what the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position shall be. It is not intended to limit, or any way modify the right of any supervisor to assign, direct and control the work of employees under supervision. The use of a particular expression or illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties not mentioned that are of similar kind or level of difficulty.