Title: Speech Language Therapist

Qualifications:

• Massachusetts Board of Registration licensure

• Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education certification

• Successful completion of a Criminal Record Check (C.O.R.I.)

Reports To: Assistant Director(s) of Special Education and/or Building Principal

Job Goal: The speech/language therapist works on the acquisition of/or compensations for deficits in speech and language skills, including articulation, receptive and expressive language, and social pragmatics. More specifically, the speech/language therapist works with students on foundation skills needed for school participation through the use of both oral and written language, and consults with team members, including staff and families, to modify the environment, the instructional methodology, or to support student achievement in the classroom.

Work Year: In accordance with the Bedford Education Association’s Contract

Salary/Benefits: In accordance with the Bedford Education Association’s Contract

Performance Responsibilities:

1. Evaluate students referred for speech/language assessments, keep appropriate records, and adjust program according to evaluation results.

2. Participate in Team evaluation and review meetings for students on caseload. 

3. Write Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), including goals and objectives for students receiving speech/language therapy services.

4. Complete progress reports for all students on caseload, according to the schedule set by school and special education regulations. 

1. Perform re-evaluations of students focusing on areas of educational needs at intervals determined by the individual education plan and/or state special education regulations.

2. Plan, organize, and conduct the speech/language therapy program in a school setting to facilitate the development and enhance the learning of students with speech, language, written expression and social pragmatic challenges.

3. Treat children with a wide range of disabilities using a variety of modalities, activities, equipment, and resources in order to improve or facilitate skill development in speech, receptive and expressive language, written expression, and social pragmatics.

4. Collaborate with other members of the teaching staff to schedule treatment consistent with the needs and capabilities of the student, especially with respect to school goals and guidelines. 

5. Encourage the development of individual and compensatory speech/language skills needed for productive participation in the school learning process.

6. Requisition supplies and equipment needed for delivery of services.

Essential Functions of the Job:

Must possess the ability to:

• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of state and professional standards in management of communicative disorders.

• Carry out assessment and evaluation procedures for referred students in accordance with special education regulations and local procedures.

• Plan and develop therapeutic intervention goals that are educationally relevant and will be used in students’ educational and home programs.

• Establish and maintain a system of documentation that is professional, efficient, and accountable and conforms to state and district policy.

• Manage the facilities, materials and equipment, including assistive technology, necessary to the delivery of services.

• Communicate results of evaluations and reports of speech/language services to the educational staff, parents, and, when appropriate, students and other professionals and agencies.

• Attend staffing meetings, IEP reviews, and other school meetings when requested.

• Facilitate in-service education and professional development for related service staff, teaching assistants, and special education and general education staff.

• Engage in continuing education and professional growth activities related to speech/language/hearing and education.

• Provide consultation to the education system regarding student needs, professional needs, and system needs.

Specialty Area:

Must be able to:

• Demonstate clear and concise written and oral communication skills with administration, staff, and parents.

• Apply knowledge of current therapeutic programs and procedures to support staff and students in achieving successful educational outcomes.

• Promote collaboration across and between settings to support students, families, and staff.

• Maintain appropriate data regarding number of students served on caseload, placement of students, needs of students, needs of staff, etc.

Physical and Environmental Demands:

The physical and environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

• Ability to work in a normal classroom and school building environment.

• Ability to move freely about the building to perform duties with students and teachers.

• Ability to freely move between school buildings.