Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence from the American Speech-Language and Hearing Association preferred.
• License from the NC Department of Public Instruction.
• License from the Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathologists and Audiologists.

Nature of Work

Utilizing leadership, advocacy, and collaboration, school-based speech-language pathologists provide prevention, assessment, and remediation services for students who exhibit difficulties in the areas of language, speech, voice, and fluency. These services are designed to help children meet their educational goals.

Below are the major functions of the speech-language pathologist employed in educational environments. Each function is followed by related evidences. Because each work situation is different, it is not likely that all of the evidences will be demonstrated by all speech language pathologists.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of the theory, principles and methods of speech pathology and their proper application in the educational environment.
• Considerable knowledge of appropriate evaluating tolls.
• Considerable knowledge of the equipment and assistive technology available to use in therapy.
• Considerable knowledge of current literature, trends and developments in the field of speech pathology.
• General knowledge of the principles of organization and administration.
• Skill in directly providing a wide range of treatment activities.
• Ability to select and administer appropriate assessment and treatment methods.
• Ability to plan, coordinate and conduct on-the-job training and continuing education for a variety of individuals.
• Ability to screen, evaluate and provide required speech pathology services.
• Ability to develop and implement individualized programs.
• Ability to accurately document sessions.
• Ability to maintain adequate inventory of supplies.
• Ability to maintain complete and accurate records and to develop simple reports from those records.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships as necessitated by work assignments.

Essential Job Functions:

• Organizes a program that addresses local school speech-language goals.
• Works cooperatively with school personnel to accomplish the goals and objectives of the local education agency.
• Coordinates speech-language services with student services provided by other school personnel.
• Maintains records of the speech-language program and prepares periodic reports as required.
• Adheres to established rules, regulations, laws and appropriate ethical standards.
• Conducts speech, language and hearing screenings.
• Administers formal and informal (ongoing & curriculum-based) assessments.
• Obtains additional diagnostic information from appropriate persons and available records for speech-language purposes.
• Analyzes and interprets information to make recommendations regarding the need for speech-language services.
• Provides appropriate information on an informal or formal basis regarding speech, language and hearing programs.
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of North Carolina Standard Course of Study in management of communicative disorders.
• Collaborates/consults with classroom teachers in the management of speech language disorders.
• Plans evidence-based interventions appropriate for individual students and groups of students.
• Uses evidence-based methods and techniques appropriate to stated objectives.
• Manages the facilities, materials and equipment, including assistive technology, necessary to the delivery of services.
• Adjusts intervention strategies based upon student performance.
• Promotes effective interpersonal relations with students.
• Completes procedural documentation appropriately.
• Demonstrates knowledge and use of statewide testing procedures.
• Abides by professional code of ethics.
• Develops appropriate IEPs based on students' strengths & needs.
• Demonstrates awareness of professional performance in due process matters and litigious environments.
• Manages time efficiently
• Engages in continuing education and professional growth activities related to speech-language-hearing and education.
• Provides consultation to parents, teacher and other appropriate school personnel.
• Seeks the assistance of teachers, parents and others to meet the communication needs of students.
• Consults/communicates with non-school agencies to enhance services.
• Makes recommendations and referrals for audiological/medical and related services.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.