Speech Language Pathologist

SUMMARY

Under the direct supervision of the Director - Related Services/Early On, and in accordance with established policies and procedures, the Speech & Language Pathologist performs a variety of tasks necessary to support direct and indirect speech services for students in the county.


Speech & Language Pathologist evaluates students for possible speech and language disorders. Provides direct student instruction and/or therapy in group or individual sessions, both in the classroom and in small groups. The incumbent works with staff, parents and other agencies in helping each individual student reach his or her maximum potential. This incumbent may be assigned to a local district.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Work collaboratively across systems and departments with instructional staff and administrators to build capacity for data collection, problem solving and data-driven instructional decision making processes that support implementation of Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) across core instruction, strategic and intensive intervention and assessment practices to positively impact student growth and achievement.
• Assures that speech and language services are provided in accordance with state and federal laws related to special education.
• Participates in screenings and meetings concerning potential referrals for special education speech and language disorders.
• Upon receiving parent-teacher-agency referrals, completes speech and language evaluations using standardized and informal tests within the required timelines. Recommendations may include areas such as:

1. Phonological development
2. Voice and fluency
3. Expressive language (i.e. semantics, pragmatics, syntax and morphology)
4. Receptive language (i.e., semantics, pragmatics, syntax and morphology)
5. Oral structures, oral motor skills and swallowing
6. Augmentative and alternative communication systems.
7. Autism Spectrum Disorder

• Plans individual goals and objectives for the speech and language needs of each student assigned to pathologist.
• Provides direct instruction to student or consultative services to staff and parents.
• Periodically re-evaluates students to determine the need for continued service or if programs can be effectively managed by family, teacher or student. Terminates services through IEPT meeting when appropriate and/or other defined processes as a related service provider.
• Completes student progress logs to document progress on IEP goals and objectives.
• Participates in developing departmental and program goals and objectives.
• Maintains good relations and open communications with parents and other staff members.
• Prepares and adapts instructional materials and therapy aids.
• Prepares and presents in-service programs for parents and educational staff.
• Participates in Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) meetings, IEP meetings and other relevant team meetings concerning students receiving speech services.
• Prepares, maintains and processes required program documents, records and reports.
• Collects data, documents data and narrative summaries, and maintains records of each student's progress.
• Coordinates student schedules, service plans, and space and equipment needs with administrators and teachers.
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of research, theories and practices associated with the Speech and Language Therapy profession.
• Follows eligibility and caseload requirements as stated in the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education.
• Maintains current knowledge of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) methods and equipment.
• Supports a Multi-Tiered System of Support for students in a school setting.
• Other duties as assigned.

The listed tasks are intended to describe the nature and level of work being performed by a person in this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all job duties performed nor is it expected that all positions will be assigned every duty.

QUALIFICATIONS

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS (If Applicable):

Required

• Licensure in Speech-Language Pathologist Clinical in the state of Michigan, including one of the following:
• • Competency Certificate in speech-language pathology (CCC-SLP)
  • Endorsement from another state or province where permanent license/registration; or verification from the American Speech Language Hearing Association (ASHA) or Canadian Association of Speech Language Pathologists & Audiologists (CASLPA)
  • Qualify for a full-year or emergency permit (which means the candidate has a master's degree in speech and language impaired but has not completed the Clinical Fellowship Year).

EDUCATION, TRAINING & EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Possession of a master's degree in Speech and Language Pathology.

Desired

• One (1) year or more experience working with special education students in a school setting.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Considerable knowledge of the pathology of communication disorders; of phonetics; of the anatomy and physiology of the speech and hearing function.
• Knowledge of diagnostic testing and treatment techniques for communication disorders.
• Knowledge of early childhood development.
• Knowledge of positive behavior supports, communication supports and other accommodations and modifications as appropriate to the individual student.
• Skill with use of technology to implement work responsibilities, including social media.
• Ability to plan and execute treatment programs.
• Ability to discuss communication disorders with various treatment professionals and families.
• Ability to develop and maintain effective relationships with adults and very young children.
• Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of audiences both orally and in writing.
• Ability to maintain emotional control under stress.
• Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality in dealing with all stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and within teams to accomplish identified goals and strategies.
• Ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers, children, and parents.

PHYSICAL EFFORT & WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Sitting - possibility of long periods of time
• Standing/Walking/Bending/Stooping - some
• Lifting - involves minor lifting
• Ability to sit on the floor and get up and down from the floor

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Position may require work evenings, weekends, and summer months.
• Position requires the employee to provide his/her own transportation for job related travel.
• Position requires regular and predictable attendance at the workplace.

Eaton RESA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including sexual orientation and transgender identify), disability, age, religion, height, weight, marital or family status, military status, genetic information, or any other legally protected category (collectively "Protected Classes"), in its programs and activities, including employment opportunities. In addition, arrangements can be made to ensure that the lack of English language proficiency is not a barrier to admission or participation. Civil Rights Coordinators are located at 1790 E. Packard Hwy, Charlotte, Michigan to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and grievance procedures. Telephone View phone number on click.appcast.io.