Speech Language Pathologist

JOB TITLE Speech Language Pathologist

PROGRAM AREA Center for Teaching and Learning/Related Services

SUPERVISION NEEDED FOR JOB
Duties will be performed under the general supervision of a Student Services Supervisor

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ohio Department of Education Speech Language Pathologist License

• Ohio Speech Language Pathologist Board License

• Prior experience working in a school setting preferred

• Knowledge of sign language and augmentive communication devices preferred

JOB SUMMARY
The Speech Language Pathologist is responsible for identification, evaluation, and remediation of speech and/or language disorders in students including preschool students and students with disabilities. The speech language pathologist will work as part of a team to provide support to students with communication disabilities or communication disorders.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS - Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Assist the school staff in the identification of students with communication disorders.

• Cooperate with school health personnel in developing an appropriate hearing testing program.

• Assess and identify difficulties of referred students with suspected communication disabilities or disorders through non-discriminatory, diagnostic procedures.

• Plan, develop, implement and evaluate therapeutic intervention goals that are educationally relevant and connected to the students' educational program

• Select students for habilitative services and provide appropriate language therapy, speech therapy, auditory training, and training on augmentative systems

• Communicate and interpret results of assessments, evaluations and reports of speech language therapy services to the educational staff, parents, students, and when appropriate, other professionals and agencies concerned with the student.

• Assist students in the transfer of newly acquired skills to the classroom and the home by working with students, their teachers, and parents in a supportive and collaborative manner.

• Monitor the speech language therapy program goals by collaborating with other professionals and paraprofessionals who are involved with the implementation of the intervention procedures.

• Participate as a team member in the transitioning of students into and out of educational and/or therapy programs

• Provide reassessments of students focusing on areas of need at intervals determined to be educationally relevant.

• Communicate the needs of the speech language therapy program to the appropriate school administrator.

• Acts as resource person for classroom teachers regarding strategies, adaptations, and resource materials.

• Provide consultation to the school system regarding student needs, professional needs, and system needs in order for the system to achieve its goals and objectives.

• Maintain accurate and complete student records; prepare and submit all required reports.

• Maintain an inventory list of equipment; accountable for proper care and use of therapy equipment.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES

• Facilitate in-service education and professional development for teachers, parents, related service staff members, aides and other school staff; consult with the professional staff of the school system on the development of appropriate in-service training programs for teachers and staff

• Participate in IEP meetings upon request.

• Participates in school IAT meetings upon request

• Cooperate with appropriate community agencies, resources, and facilities concerned with students with disabilities

• Refer students who require specialized technologies to appropriate resources and community agencies

• Participate in the development of programs and research

• Participate in University Student Intern Training Programs

• Seek opportunities to improve skills and grow professionally; attend all required meetings and in-services.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Knowledge of the Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities

• Knowledge of FERPA and HIPPA

• Knowledge of Ohio's Academic Content Standards

• Knowledge of Ohio rules and regulations regarding speech therapy as both a program and related service option

• Knowledge of IDEA and the IEP process

• Knowledge of current testing programs and mandated assessment tools

• Knowledge of current educational issues and best practices

• Knowledge of effective intervention strategies

• Knowledge of community agencies that can support students with disabilities

• Knowledge of effective classroom management techniques

• Ability to use technology as both a productivity tool and as a method of communication; proficient in computer applications (e.g. Microsoft Office, Google Docs)

• Ability to apply problem solving processes and creative thinking skills

• Ability to recognize student strengths and weaknesses

• Ability to maintain accurate student records

• Ability to analyze and interpret assessment data

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with students, co-workers, administrators, and public

• Ability to work with teachers and students to demonstrate ways of supporting students in the regular classroom

• Ability to work with students in a variety of non-traditional treatment settings

• Ability to work and communicate effectively with students who have various cognitive and physical limitations

• Ability to work with team to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate program progress and implement changes

• Skill in effective group and individual counseling, family intervention, crisis intervention, development of home/school collaboration

• Skill in utilizing referral procedures for students requiring specialized technologies

PHYSICAL DEMANDS - While performing duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

• Stand for periods of time, move around the work site, move from one work site to another, sit at a desk

• Stoop, kneel or crouch to assist students

• Occasionally lift and/or move materials up to fifty pounds

• Communicate with internal and external stakeholders by talking and listening

• Operate a computer and other technology devices

• Read and analyze data (close visual acuity)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Noise level may escalate in group or event settings.

• May include exposure to disease and infections.

• Exposure to inclement weather when traveling from one work site to another

• May be required to deal with students with behavioral risks

• May require local/regional/statewide travel

• May also require attendance at meetings outside of regular work hours (e.g. early morning, evening).

• Involves stress as a result of the responsibility to ensure that laws, regulations and procedural rules are followed, the responsibility of dealing with individual student concerns and maintaining student discipline, and the demands of maintaining effective communication with other staff members, students and parents.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Remain free of any alcohol or nonprescribed controlled substance in the workplace throughout his/her employment at the ESC of Lake Erie West

• Complete a satisfactory background check

• Possess a valid driver's license or have transportation

• Review the ESC Staff Handbook as well as Board Policy to understand job expectations

• 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 employee. The employee will be required to follow the instructions and perform duties required by the employee's supervisor and/or Superintendent.

PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONEvaluated by assigned Student Services Supervisor

FLSA STATUS EXEMPT - Full Time/Part-Time

CONTRACT

• Contingent upon availability of funding;

• Contract days determined by ESCLEW governing board;

• Other terms and conditions of employment as per the ESCLEW governing board policies and procedures or negotiated agreement

SALARYBased on salary schedule and/or commensurate with experience and education.