Purpose Statement

The job of Speech Language Pathologist is done for the purpose/s of identifying students with communication disabilities; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to minimize adverse impact on student success; recommending treatment plans; and providing direction to communication therapy aides.

This job reports to Building Principal in Collaboration with Director of Special Services

Essential Functions

• Assesses students' communication skills (e.g. articulation, fluency, voice, expressive and receptive language, etc.) for the purpose of identifying communication disorders, determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment.
• Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Coordinates meetings and processes for eligible students (e.g. testing/screening, IEPs, parent conferences, pre-referral staffing, etc.) for the purpose of presenting evaluation results, developing treatment plans, and/or providing training to parents/students/staff.
• Develops a variety of plans and materials (e.g. treatment, intervention, educational programs, etc.) for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of communication disorders in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Instructs eligible students in the use of appropriate communication technologies (e.g. hearing aids, FM systems, augmentative communication devices, etc.) for the purpose of minimizing the adverse educational impact of communication disorders in accordance with established program guidelines and legal requirements.
• Interprets a variety of reports within the scope of Speech/Language Pathologist's experience and goals (e.g. medical, assessment, reports, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate and effective.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, required documentation, quarterly reports, screening results, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. personnel training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs site visits at multiple sites (e.g. home, work, schools, etc.) for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Provides therapy to students (e.g. speech, language, etc.) for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of speech and language disorders on student success.
• Provides information and instruction to support staff (e.g. communicative disorders, use of assistive devices, feeding techniques, etc.) for the purpose of implementing prescribed treatment plans.
• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' needs.
• Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites (e.g. testing equipment, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

Other Functions

 Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating specialized equipment used in the treatment of communication disorders; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform algebra and/or geometry; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions.  Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms and disorders; principles and practices of speech and language therapy; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations and/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use jobrelated equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; utilizing specialized equipment in communication disorders; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information/data; maintaining effective working relationships; and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization’s services.

Work Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: some lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling,  some stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 80% sitting, 10% walking, and 10% standing.  The job is performed under conditions with exposure to risk of injury and/or illness. 

Experience:    Job related experience within a specialized field is required.  

Education:      Bachelor's Degree in job-related area.

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