Speech/Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Location: As assigned

Reports To: Director of Special Education

Contract Length: 187 days

Salary Schedule: DISD Scale

Date Revised: 07/09/21

Primary Purpose: Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, fluency or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with that student's ability to derive educational benefit from the educational program. Assess the need to refer to other professionals for further evaluation.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Bachelor's degree from an accredited university/college

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

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:

Prefer minimum of two years experience in public school

Will consider other experience including CFY candidates

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Therapy:

Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with the speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Programs

Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interest of the students

Provide carry-over activities for transition of newly acquired speech patterns to other contexts and situations

Collect and document data regarding students' progress on IEP goals and objectives

Assessment:

Coordinate the appraisal process for initial referrals, 3 year re-evaluations, and supplemental/transfer assessments for students with speech and/or language disorders and conditions in compliance with state and local guidelines

Comply with special education timelines

Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine, in a student, if a category of disability and an educational need for services exist, allowing the student to access special education services according to federal, state and DISD guidelines and make appropriate service delivery recommendations to the ARD committee

Compile evaluation data from a variety of sources into written evaluation reports for presentation to the ARD committee

Participate in ARD meetings to assist in interpretation of assessment data and determination of appropriate goals and services

Conduct speech-language screenings as part of the DISD child find system

Consultation:

Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities for the improvement of students' communication skills

Provide staff development to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with communication disabilities

Administration:

Provide speech therapy to identified students in agreement with ARD/IEP documentation

Maintain a therapy schedule in compliance with ARD committee recommendations and have a copy of that schedule on file in the DISD office

Maintain eligibility folders in compliance with state requirements and DISD operating guidelines

Attend and participate in campus and district level in-service meetings upon request

Compile reports as requested by DISD administration, including, but not limited to; SHARS, caseload and extended school year recommendations

Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, Commissioner's Rules, local operating guidelines in the areas of assessment, placement, planning and implementation of services

Turn in all folders and submit reports in a timely manner

Professional Growth and Development:

Participate in professional development opportunities to improve skills related to job responsibilities

Keep abreast of new research and information concerning students with speech impairments, including information on testing instruments

Keep abreast of changes in local, state and federal special education rules and laws

Maintain current licensure and certification by earning required Continuing Education Units

Act in a professional manner and maintain a professional attitude towards the public and colleagues

Maintain confidentiality of sensitive information; adhere to chain of command

Maintain professional appearance as appropriate for job responsibilities

Perform other duties as assigned by Director of Special Education

SLP Supervisory Responsibilities:

In order for a Speech Pathologist to supervise a Licensed Assistant, he or she must:

Hold a valid Texas license in Speech-language Pathology

Be approved by the State board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and have a signed Supervisory Responsibility Statement on file with the Board

Have at least three years of experience as a licensed SLP

Supervise no more than four individuals of any combination of Interns/CF's and Licensed Assistants

Provide at least two hours of supervision per week (a minimum of one hour must be direct supervision at the Licensed Assistant's place of employment)

Maintain clinical observation records for three years

Represent Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology at all ARD meetings, with a few exceptions

Interpret assessments and diagnose communication disorders

Assume legal and ethical responsibility for the caseload

Develop IEP's or treatment programs

Determine caseload selection and clinical service delivery methods

Present oral or written reports of evaluations to parents/guardians

Refer a client to outside agencies or professionals when appropriate

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Maintain a proper classroom atmosphere, room appearance, positive attitude and respectfulness

Maintain emotional control under stress; regular travel to assigned campuses in DISD

Moderate lifting and carrying of materials and may be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities

Requires ability to interact effectively with a variety of people and professionals