Speech Language Pathologist

Speech-Language Pathologist

Supervised and evaluated by the director of student support services, provides diagnostic, remedial, and consultative services for children with communicative disorders; performs as support staff member in school to determine specific needs of children who display speech, language, and hearing difficulties.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Screen pupils for communicative disorders and select cases according to appropriate criteria as determined by speech-language pathologist and by state and federal guidelines.
• Employ assessment procedures, techniques, and standardized tests necessary for thorough and accurate diagnosis of communication disorders
• Convey pertinent information to appropriate personnel, including referrals to community agencies.
• Conduct thorough triennial assessments of speech/language deficits.
• Assess and make necessary referrals for preschool children with communicative disorders.
• Determine if students are eligible for services in the areas of articulation/phonology, abnormal voice, fluency, and language.
• Provide written report for parents and applicable personnel after assessment is completed.
• Develop and implement an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
• Review IEPs at least annually.
• Notify parent, administrator, and appropriate personnel of IEP meeting(s).
• Provide information and assistance to parents.
• Schedule and provide individual and/or group therapy as determined by the IEP team.
• Attempt to maintain a caseload which does not exceed the state recommended average of 55 persons per full-time-equivalent speech-language pathologist.
• Make appropriate referral if a student's performance indicates the need for a more restrictive environment.
• Meet and confer with teachers about methods and techniques for dealing with special problems and modifying education programs for speech/language/hearing problems.
• Arrange for necessary materials and equipment for speech therapy activities.
• Assume responsibility for implementation of Standard School District policies, California State Department of Education regulations, and Federal regulations related to speech and language therapy services.
• Participate in the formation of district policies, standards, objectives, guides, forms, and procedures related to speech therapy/pathology.
• Acquaint members of the community, administrators, and other school personnel about speech, language, and hearing problems.
• Attend district meetings and required workshops.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the superintendent or superintendent's designee.
• Pursue professional growth through conferences, workshops, and coursework.
• Actively participate in local, state, and national professional speech and hearing organizations.

Professional Qualifications:

• Clear Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential, Authorized Field: Language, Speech and Hearing:
• Baccalaureate degree or higher from an institution approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
• Master's Degree or its equivalent.
• Specialized and professional preparation as the commission may require.

Desired Qualifications:

• Certificate: American Speech Hearing Language Association Certificate of Clinical Competence in speech pathology or audiology.
• License: State License issued by State of California Board of Medical Quality Assurance Speech Pathology and Audiology Examining Committee.

Personal Qualities:

• Relate positively to children and instill in them a desire to improve.
• Relate positively to parents, school personnel, and other lay and professional people.
• Conduct oneself in a professional manner, present a favorable personal appearance, and demonstrate personality characteristics which enhance effectiveness in a school setting.
• Communicate effectively and use appropriate professional language skills in writing and speaking.
• Demonstrate positive attitude and desire to improve professional knowledge and competence.

Physical Requirements for Job:

• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
• Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see for purposes of reading laws and codes, rules and policies and other printed matter and observing students.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels.
• Ability to bend and twist, kneel and stoop, run and crawl.
• Ability to reach in all directions.
• Ability to lift 25 lbs.