POSITION: Speech Language Therapist 

Employment Period: 11 month Position

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Support Services

This is a full time position providing speech and language services for students in the self-contained non-categorical classrooms and general education classrooms. In addition, it serves students in Pre-K to 5th grade with mild to significant special needs. Preferred candidates will have experience working with augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems or a strong desire to learn more about AAC.

Who We Are

Our mission is to provide an exemplary educational program that includes all students. Our developmentally appropriate, student and family-centered educational approach nurtures students to expand their developmental skills, in order to build a foundation for life-long learning. Our Core Values are:

• Responsibility

• Engagement

• Acceptance

• Creativity

• Honesty

As a Speech Language Pathologist you will be responsible for...

• Providing high-quality direct speech-language therapy services to students according to IEPs/504 plans.
• Conducting assessments, analyzing results, and writing reports to determine strengths and concerns in areas of speech, voice, fluency, pragmatics, language, and oral motor skills.
• Developing treatment plans (IEPs/504 plans) that are strength-based as well as child and family-centered for overall educational improvement.
• Ensuring evaluations, treatment plans, and service delivery are aligned with school, state, and federal guidelines.
• Assisting and guiding teachers in observing, describing, and referring suspected and identified speech and language delays/disorders.
• Consulting with teaching teams to develop and implement curriculum modifications and appropriate classroom strategies such as visual supports, oral motor exercises, language strips, topics of conversation, and data collection.
• Ensuring students’ skills are generalized across settings by collaborating with teaching teams and related service providers.
• Completing treatment notes and progress reports in a timely manner and according to school policy.
• Managing a detailed log of service provided and services missed due to student or therapist absences.
• Documenting all aspects of work with students in EasyIEP according to school and state guidelines.
• Communicating and coordinating with the Director of Student Support Services and Special Education Coordinator(s) to ensure school mission, philosophy, and procedures are embraced.
• Designing and conducting professional development series starting at staff orientation and ending at the end of the school year.
• Designing and conducting training for parents and families.
• Maintaining an inventory of materials, assessments, and supplies.
• Maintaining appropriate, confidential records.
• Keeping abreast of best practices in speech-language therapy and language development.
• Adhering to all district and cooperative health and safety policies including all precautions of Bloodborne Pathogens Exposure Control Plan.
• Engaging parents and families in their child’s learning and acting as an ambassador for the school in the community.
• Contributing productively to the school as a whole.
• Attending and participating in school events outside of regular school hours.
• Other duties as assigned.

PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Adhering to the 8:00 am - 4:00 pm or a 7:30 am -3:30 pm work day.
• Regularly attends work and adheres to all attendance policies.
• Be on time for classes, duties, team meetings and professional development activities.
• Respond to all emails within 24 hours or the next business day. 
• Other professional duties as assigned.

SCHOOL CULTURE 

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students. 
• Communicate respectfully to students, staff and families at all times. 
• Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.
• Other school culture expectations as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Have a Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited school of speech-language pathology.
• ASHA certification is preferred.
• Have a current DC DOH license or be qualified for DC licensure as a Speech-Language Pathologist. 
• Have two years of related experience, preferably with preschool/elementary school aged children with a range of communication disorders.
• Demonstrate knowledge of current best practices in the area of speech-language pathology.
• Demonstrate effective communication skills and an ability to work with a multidisciplinary team.
• Be committed to meeting the needs of a diverse student population.
• Have a track record of being a team player and community minded.
• Be committed to his/her own learning.
• Have excellent time management skills, flexibility, and ability to work independently and to problem-solve.
• Adhere to a high level of professional and ethical standards.

SALARY & BENEFITS

Salary is based on educational level, certification(s), and years of experience. The successful candidate will be contracted yearly. Employment will be renewed according to evaluations and staff interest. 

Health benefits (medical & dental), disability insurance, and a retirement plan: 401-(k) with a 4% match or the continuation of the DCPS retirement plan. 

Child care and health savings plans, pre-tax deduction for Metro, bike racks and regular staff engagement and wellness activities. Staff lounge and lactation room for nursing mothers.

To ensure safety for all students, all staff members may be fingerprinted. Background checks will be conducted on all school staff prior to their service as employees. 

For more information about the school, please visit www.bridgespcs.org