Speech-Language Pathologist

LOCATIONS:        0.6 FTE - Ruder Elementary

BENEFITS AVAILABLE:

• Voluntary health, vision and dental insurance, including voluntary TeleHealth

• Paid sick days

• Paid personal days

• Employee Assistance Program

• TRS (Teacher's Retirement System)

• Life Insurance (SD6 paid)

POSITION CLOSING:    Open until filled

REPORTS TO:                Special Education Director

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Evaluates and assesses the student’s functional status to identify and determine needs for speech language therapy.

• Selects, administers, and interprets specialized hearing and speech tests.

• Gather background information as necessary on the student’s educational, medical, social, and psychological history to assist with determining possible causes of speech disorders.

• Serves a member of an interdisciplinary team and participates in the student support team, IEP, staffing, and eligibility meetings as required.

• Develops individualized education plans for students receiving speech language therapy services and implements therapy sessions that target IEP goals.

• Chooses appropriate activities for developing the student’s speech, voice, fluency, and language skills.

• Instructs students on how to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice skills.

• Recommends the adaptation of the student’s learning environment as necessary.

• Provides consultation to teachers and staff members to ensure the integration of speech language development techniques into the student’s classroom routine.

• Monitors student progress, reevaluates IEP objectives and adjusts delivery of speech language services as appropriate.

• Conferences with parents/guardians and provides them with support and information regarding their child.

• Instructs parents/guardians in exercises to implement at home and in the care and use of specialized equipment.

• Serves as a resource to staff members and conducts workshops at the assigned school(s) regarding speech language services and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students.

• Consults with physicians and other agencies as necessary and assists with referring students to appropriate specialists.

• Adheres to legal and ethical standards and guidelines regarding the provision of speech language services.

• Maintains thorough records for each student receiving speech language services at the assigned school(s) and provides related reports.

• Requisitions needed supplies and equipment.

• Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.

• Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs, curriculum development meetings and other professional activities.

Only minimum duties are listed.  Other functions may be required as given or assigned.

DESIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Master’s degree in speech language pathology and the ability to be licensed as a speech language pathologist in the state of Montana.

• Experience providing speech language therapy in a school based setting.

• Ability to write reports and business correspondence.

• Ability of effectively present information and respond to questions from students, parents, staff, and the community.

• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, and the community.

• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely in both oral and written form.

• Ability to handle stressful situations.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of employment and student matters.

• Ability to effectively manage time and responsibilities.

EQUIPMENT USED:

A variety of electronic and technology devices, as well as basic office equipment, copiers, calculators, personal computers, telephone/voicemail, fax.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works inside, but some duties will be performed outside, including recess, etc.  The employee must be able to meet deadlines with severe time constraints.  The employee frequently will work irregular or extended hours while performing the duties of this job.  The employee is directly responsible for safety and well-being of students.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to sit, walk and stand; twist at the neck and waist; kneel.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.  The employee is required to be able to hear conversations in quiet environments.  May be required to lift or move up to 20 pounds.

MENTAL/MOTOR DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee rarely performs routine work.  The employee frequently exercises flexibility (ability to shift from one task to another).  Guidance and reinforcement are infrequently available.  The employee frequently works within time constraints and maintains attentiveness intensity.  The employee frequently involved in social interactions which require oral and written communications.

The physical demands, work-environment characteristics, and mental/motor demands described within this job description are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.