Speech and Language Pathologist

Speech And Language Pathologist

Position: Speech and Language Pathologist

Reports to: Director of Pupil Services

Employment Status: Regular/Full-time FLSA Status: Exempt

Description: Identifies those students who have a speech and/or language disability; develop and implement a program for improvement and/or correction of speech and/or language disorders of articulation, language, fluency and voice

Essential Functions

• Ensure safety of students
• Teach and evaluate the students using sound speech/hearing instructional practices
• Prepare clear and timely lesson plans for speech/hearing disabled students
• Maintain accurate, complete and correct records as required
• Provide guidance and counsel to the speech/hearing students which will promote their welfare and their proper educational development
• Participate in parent/teacher conferences as appropriate
• Counsel with colleagues, students and parents relative to speech/hearing students
• Maintain and improve professional competence in the specified area
• Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with parents through effective use of interim reports, report cards and conferences
• Observe ethics of the teaching profession; exhibit professional behavior, emotional stability and sound judgment
• Monitor accomplishments of students on a regular basis and provide progress reports as required
• Assist the administration in implementing all procedures and rules governing student life and conduct
• Coordinate notification of parents if student is not meeting goals/objectives
• Take all necessary and reasonable precautions to protect students, equipment, materials and facilities
• Provide a therapeutic program for speech, language and hearing handicapped children
• Assist and guide teachers in observing, describing, identifying and referring students with suspected speech and language handicaps
• Assess student speech and hearing skills
• Screen students to identify speech and language problems
• Refer and consult with outside agencies, supervisors, and specialists in related areas
• Provide in-service education to staff and parents on speech and hearing topics
• Serve as a consultant to teachers and school staff members on topics concerning speech improvement
• Maintain ongoing records for students receiving speech therapy
• Responsible for requisitioning and maintaining needed equipment and supplies
• Make referrals for medical or other professional attention necessary for the habilitation of speech or language handicaps
• Follow due process procedures for enrolling students in therapy
• Conduct and participate in annual reviews for all students continuing in speech therapy
• Conduct re-evaluations for students continuing in speech therapy as required
• Assist in the development of district policies and procedures as related to speech and language services
• Maintain accurate records for individual students receiving speech and language services
• Provide periodic written reports consistent with the reporting schedule of the district to the parent of the handicapped child regarding the child's progress
• Utilize one-half to one full day per week for diagnostic testing and classroom observation; coordination of the program; conferences concerning individual children; staff development activities; scheduling of students for therapy
• Make contacts with the public with tact and diplomacy
• Maintain respect at all times for confidential information, e.g., student educational/medical records and assessments including psychological evaluations
• Interact in a positive manner with staff, students and parents
• Promote good public relations by personal appearance, attitude and conversation
• Attend meetings and in-services as required by the Building Principal/Assistant to the Superintendent

Other Duties and Responsibilities

• Make provisions for being available to students and parents for educational-related purposes outside the instructional day
• Provide information, support and counseling to parents and families
• Review and revamp checklists, interview questions, observation forms, and progress reports as appropriate
• Serve as a role model for students
• Respond to routine questions and requests in an appropriate manner
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Director of Pupil Services

Qualifications

• Master's degree (M.A.) or equivalent from a four-year college or university
• One to two years previous experience
• State of Ohio teacher's certification and/or certification in speech
• Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent and/or Board of Education may find appropriate

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of speech area and teaching methodology for the same
• Ability to work effectively with others
• Ability to communicate ideas and directives clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• Effective, active listening skills
• Organizational and problem solving skills
• Diagnostic interpretation in the areas of voice analysis, fluency rates, articulation/phonological assessment, language assessments, audio logical testing, psychological assessments and educational testing
• Excellent public relations skills
• Skills that foster and facilitate learning and classroom management
• Knowledge of state and local rules governing special education

Equipment Operated

• Telephone
• Audiometer
• FM system
• Augmentative device
• Computer/printer
• Copy machine
• Cassette recorders
• Tympanometer

Additional Working Conditions

• Occasional requirement to travel, both daily and overnight
• Occasional weekend/evening/summer work
• Occasional exposure to blood, bodily fluids and tissue
• Occasional interaction among unruly children
• Occasional operation of a vehicle in inclement weather conditions
• Frequently lift/carry various items up to a maximum of 50 pounds, e.g., paper boxes, deliveries of supplies and equipment; push/pull various items up to a maximum of 100 pounds
• Frequent repetitive hand motion, e.g., computer keyboard, typing, calculator, writing
• Frequent requirement to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb, and stoop

This job description is subject to change and in no manner states or implies that these are the only duties and responsibilities to be performed by the incumbent. The incumbent will be required to follow the instructions and perform the duties required by the incumbent's supervisor, appointing authority.

________________________________ Superintendent or designee Date My signature below signifies that I have reviewed the contents of my job description and that I am aware of the requirements of my position.

________________________________ Signature Date Adoption date: