SLP Assistive Technology/Communication Coach

SLP- Assistive Technology/Communication Coach

Reports To: Special Services Coordinator of Technology

Wage: Exempt

Pay Grade: AI 2

Primary Purpose:

The Assistive Technology/Communication Coach provides consultation and assistance in identifying, evaluating, and providing services to students who require assistive technology and augmentative communication. The coach works collaboratively with district personnel to determine the appropriate assistive technology tools for students using a variety of Assistive or Augmentative Communication (AAC) devices or services. The coach promotes functional communication for these students in their current educational setting and provides support in the educational environment to facilitate the students' successful participation, socialization, and learning.

All employees of SISD are expected to act with integrity, support organizational goals, communicate in a clear and respectful manner, champion the needs of our students, and drive continuous improvement.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master's Degree from an accredited college or university
• Valid Texas license for Speech Language Pathology granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology
• ASHA Certification of Clinical Competence
• Two years' experience in the field of communication disabilities
• Two years' experience in Assistive Technology

Preferred:

• K-12 school-based speech therapy experience

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Intricate knowledge of child development and communication disabilities
• Ability to evaluate students to determine the need for Assistive Technology or Augmentative Communication
• Intricate and current knowledge of various low, mid, and high-tech AAC devices
• Ability to troubleshoot hardware and software issues and quickly grasp new technologies
• Knowledge of various disorders, disabilities, and syndromes found in public schools
• Knowledge of FAPE and IDEA requirements for services in public education
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively as part of the AT team with students, teachers, providers, and parents
• Ability to work well under pressure
• Ability to work with diverse populations
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication skills, including report writing

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

• Collaborate with administrators, faculty, and staff to identify and address student AT needs related to communication, including consultation, assessment, and implementation of AT Services.
• Provide training/coaching and technical assistance to students, staff, direct service providers, and families as needed (via face-to-face, webinars, website resources) on the use of assistive technology and augmentative communication devices and/or services.
• Assist teachers, parents, and speech language pathologists in planning programs and developing IEP goals and objectives related to assistive tech/augmentative communication.
• Participate in screening and consultation processes when requested to determine the need for consideration of AAC.
• Make home visits to set up Assistive Technology /Augmentative devices in the home if documented by the IEP.
• Advise/coach instructional staff on the use of AAC/AT tools to aid content comprehension.
• Participate as part of the Assistive Technology Assessment Team to conduct evaluations to determine eligibility for AAC services while following federally mandated timelines.
• Serve as a member of the IEP Committee when appropriate, providing all necessary paperwork.
• Compile and maintain all required reports, records, and other documentation as determined necessary.
• Participate in continuing education activities to maintain credentials and keep informed of best practices in the field of speech/language pathology, assistive technology, and other related fields
• Train/monitor staff on awareness and use of AAC for students who have a current IEP
• Support staff in developing materials and using low, mid, and high tech Assistive or Augmentative Communication tools for sustainability
• Attend program team meetings and serve on committees as directed
• Consult, coordinate, and train with district contacts, district instructional staff, and district technology staff on the implementation of device use in buildings, including assisting in the evaluation of students to determine the need for AAC accommodations.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions:

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: physical mobility, standing, prolonged sitting, some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling, reaching/repetitive hand motions, and the ability to work with frequent interruptions. May be required to lift or position students with physical disabilities; control behavior through physical restraint; and assist non-ambulatory students. Mental demands: Ability to maintain emotional control under stress; ability to solve problems and deal with a variety of situations; ability to interpret a variety of data; ability to be effective in both oral and written communication. Travel within the district as required.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.