Speech Language Pathologist, The Gengras Center

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About University of Saint Joseph:

The Gengras Center School, founded in 1965 on the campus of University of Saint Joseph, provides a unique program for elementary, middle, high school and transition aged students with significant intellectual and developmental disabilities, autism and related behavioral challenges. Our state-approved, private special education school offers highly structured, functional, self-contained programs for over 130 students. Our staff-to-student ratio is higher than average, and the collaboration between families, home school districts, and community-based service providers is incomparable.

Surrounded by Georgian architecture, spacious walking paths and the eager faces of University of Saint Joseph's young scholars, Gengras Center students and staff members have an added sense of purpose and confidence simply by being part of this University campus environment and all the marvelous facilities that are part of it. Staff enjoy a working traditional school hours during the regular school year and summer program with time off during school vacations. The university offers benefits to all full-time employees, including medical, dental, retirement, and a generous tuition waiver program for those seeking to continue their education.

More information about the Gengras Center can be found at https://www.gengrascenter.org/

This position supports The Gengras Center by providing screening, assessment and diagnosis of speech, language, voice and hearing disorders. Develops and implements an individualized educational program of speech and language according to the needs of the students based on in formal and informal assessment situations. This person will collaborate with staff and serves as an active member of unit meetings, transdisciplinary child study teams, intakes and PPT's for students being serviced. This position also provides in-service education and serves as a consultant to school staff members, parents, and others in the university community.

Responsibilities (Include but are not limited to)

Assessment:

• Develop an appropriate screening/assessment protocol according to an individual student's needs in the areas of overall communication including speech, language, voice, and hearing disorders.

• Conduct a review of records, teacher/staff consultation, parent consultation, observations, and tests (language, voice, articulation, AAC and fluency) as determined by the PPT.

• Evaluating and identifying appropriate AAC systems for students with a variety of needs, including completing insurance submissions for high-tech devices when appropriate

• Score and interpret assessment tools, consolidate all relevant data, and develop a written report.

• Present evaluation results at the Planning and Placement Team meeting.

• Conduct hearing screens in accordance with the Connecticut State Department of Health guidelines as needed.

Services:

• Demonstrate organizational skills in lesson planning and recordkeeping.

• Assist in referrals of students to agencies and specialists in the community as appropriate.

• Develop and implement individualized educational program for each student serviced according to PPT recommendations.

• Collect data to support IEP goals and objectives and provide periodic progress reports for each student based on data and established criteria.

• Develop and assist in the implementation of instructional and curricular modifications to accommodate students' communication impairments, including appropriate use of augmentative and assistive technology.

• Address relevant areas with swallowing and feeding disorders.

• Provide dysphagia management to ensure and support safety during meal/snack times.

Collaboration/Teamwork with Gengras Center Staff:

• Participate in transdisciplinary Child Study Team meetings.

• Serve as a member of the Planning and Placement Team.

• Provide training to classroom staff including 1:1/paraprofessionals on diet modification requirements, use of assistive technology and communication device implementation, practice and generalization.

• Consult with multidisciplinary team members to ensure follow-through within the classroom.

• Coordinate consultations with audiologists, BESB/vision services personnel, outside SLPs, and medical staff including doctors to address swallowing, Passy-Muir Valves, diet levels.

Other Responsibilities:

• Acquire, program, trouble shoot, and coordinate repair of Speech Generating Devices (SGDs) and assistive technology.

• Requisition and maintain needed supplies and augmentative and alternative equipment.

• Provide parent and family education and training opportunities.

• Provide staff and faculty education and training in-services.

• Facilitate cooperative relationships with University of Saint Joseph, including the availability for consultation with students, faculty, and the supervising student teachers.

• Facilitate and participate actively on school committees.

• Demonstrate professional growth in the area of speech-language pathology.

• Perform other duties assigned by the Director as indicated within the Center's program development plan.

Requirements:

• Certification by the Connecticut State Department of Education which requires:

• Completion of a planned program of graduate study in Speech Language Pathology or Communication Disorders at an accredited institution.

• Completion of a supervised professional Experience

• Licensure by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

• American Speech Hearing Association Certificate of Clinical Competency (ASHA-CCC) required.

• Experience with moderate to severe communication disorders including form, content and use, speech intelligibility, feeding and swallowing, augmentative/alternative communication and technology and hearing loss.

• Cultural competency to work with diverse student and/or employee population

• Commitment to the mission of the University of Saint Joseph

• Physical ability to perform essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodation.

Additional Information:

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Benefits:

• 403(b) with employer match

• Tuition Waiver benefits (include spouse & dependent waivers)

• Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Paid time off & 13 paid holidays

• Two paid breaks (one week in December and one week in April)

• 8 weeks of parental leave (both maternal and paternal)

• Long-Term Disability insurance

• Employee assistance program

• Flexible spending account/Health savings account

• 529 CHET savings plan

NON-DISCRIMINATION & TITLE IX INFORMATION

ACCOMMODATIONS FOR APPLICANTS WITH DISABILITIES INFORMATION

The University of Saint Joseph believes it must play an active role in creating a community of employees that is diverse, inclusive and equitable. Our work benefits greatly from the contributions of people of color, people from different socioeconomic backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ people, and individuals with disabilities. Hence, we strongly encourage applications from people with these identities or who are members of other marginalized communities.

Application Instructions:

Persons interested in the above position should apply online. Please submit:

• Resume/Curriculum Vitae

• Cover letter with salary requirements

The University of Saint Joseph is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.