Speech Language Pathologist

Title:   Speech Language Pathologist

Reports to:  Program Facilitator, Special Education Department

Salary Schedule Range:   Depends on Experience (Highest placement would be at Class III, Step 13 of the Speech Language Pathologist Salary Schedule.  Annual stipends for a Master’s and Doctorate degrees.

Benefits:  Eligible to participate in District health, vision, dental and term life insurance.

Purpose of Position: To screen, assess and identify students with communication disorders that adversely affect their educational progress; to develop and provide direct and indirect services within the educational setting, based on established IEP goals and objectives; to develop treatment plans and provide direction to para-educators, parents and teachers.

Essential Functions:

• Assess student 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.
• Collaborate with a variety of groups and/or individuals (e.g., parents, educators, physicians, administrators, maintenance personnel, team members, other professionals) to communicate information, to resolve issues, and to provide services in compliance with established state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Effectively participate in and communicate test/assessment results, diagnosis and proposed treatment plans to the IEP team.
• Coordinate meetings and processes for eligible students (e.g., testing/screening, IEPs, parent conferences).
• Develop treatment plans, interventions, and other educational programs.
• Provide speech and language therapy to students.
• Instruct eligible students in the use of communication technologies (e.g., augmentative and alternative communication devices, applications, etc.).
• Maintain files and records (e.g., progress reports, activity logs, treatment plans, period reports, screening results, Medicaid billing information) to assure compliance and reimbursement.
• Will be working with Early Childhood Assessment Team (ECAT).

Non-essential Functions:

• Instruct support staff in the use of communication devices 
• Interpret medical reports within the scope of Speech/Language Pathologist’s experience and goals to provide information or ensure that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate
• Participates in professional learning in Professional Learning Communities.
• Engages in ongoing professional learning.
• Remains current concerning instructional and technological advances concerning speech language therapy.
• Provides professional learning to other professionals and para-educators.

Working Conditions & Physical Demands:

• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
• Ability to stand and circulate for extended periods of time.
• Ability to see for purposes of reading laws and codes, rules and policies, and other printed matter and observing students.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal speech levels.
• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand normal conversation.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to carry up to 25 pounds.
• Moderate to high stress levels.
• Work is predominantly in school environment. 
• Climate is normal; occasional adverse weather conditions.
• Daily contact with students, teachers, and school staff.
• Regular contact with parents, community members and outside agency personnel.
• Hazards:  Incumbent may be exposed to contact with individuals displaying physically aggressive, self-abusive, or socially undesirable behavior.
• Some fine finger dexterity

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge:

• Perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills to meet changing job conditions.
• 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; preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• To establish rapport and work constructively with staff, students, parents, and community members.
• Specific knowledge-based competencies required include anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms and disorders; principles and practices of speech and language therapy; and pertinent codes, regulations, and laws.
• Ability to adapt to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; using 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.

Occupational Certificates/Licenses:

• Possess a valid California clinical or rehabilitative services credential authorizing instruction in speech and language therapy or an out of state credential authorizing instruction in speech and language therapy.
• Alternative certification includes a master’s degree in communicative disorders; and a valid license from the CA Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers.

Required Qualifications:

• Bilingual in English & Spanish

The District reserves the right to update, revise or change this job description and related duties at any time.

Revised February 25, 2021