What are the responsibilities and job description for the Special Education - Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) (28593) position at Weber SD TalentEd?
A position has been declared open in the Weber School District for a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP). This position is for 8.00 hours a day, 182 days (9 months) per year, is compensated according to the Educator Salary Schedule, and is eligible for benefits. The incumbent may work at more than one location; as such, limited daily travel may be required.
THIS POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED, AFTER A MINIMUM OF 5 WORKING DAYS
Applicants shall apply at wsd.schoolspring.com. Files will be reviewed before interviews are scheduled.
Job Summary
The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) provides specialized services to diagnose, treat, and prevent speech, language, voice, fluency, or hearing impairments that adversely affect a student's educational performance. The SLP is responsible for screening and evaluating students; creating treatment and therapy plans; developing and implementing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs); and collaborating with educators, parents, and administrators to ensure students achieve their optimal academic and social potential within the educational environment and in compliance with Utah State Board of Education (USBE) standards.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Assessment & Evaluation: Conduct comprehensive speech and language evaluations using standardized tests, observational data, and clinical judgment to determine student eligibility for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and USBE Special Education Rules.
- IEP Development & Management: Develop, write, and implement legally compliant IEPs, creating treatment and therapy plans to suit the individualized needs of a diverse population of students. Participate actively in IEP team meetings.
- Direct Intervention: Provide evidence-based direct therapy to students individually or in small groups, focusing on articulation, expressive/receptive language, pragmatics (social skills), fluency, and voice.
- Collaboration & Consultation: Work cooperatively with all members of the IEP instructional team, including administration, psychologists, health care professionals, designated instructional service providers, para-educators, general education teachers, and parents. Educate parents and family members about speech disorders and causes, including disabilities and traumatic events.
- Data Collection & Record Keeping: Maintain necessary records of assessment, attendance, and progress to evaluate student learning and regularly report that information to parents, students, and supervisors. Process and maintain confidential files as required by state and federal laws, including Utah school-based Medicaid billing.
- Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS): Assist in the Response to Intervention (RtI) or MTSS process by conducting initial screenings, providing pre-referral interventions, and advising classroom teachers on instructional accommodations.
- Professionalism & Compliance: Implement district and school policies/procedures regarding state and federal laws. Conform to district policies including attendance, absences, and evaluations. Attend work consistently and attend required district meetings and events. Demonstrate professional ethics as outlined by the Utah Professional Practices Advisory Commission (UPPAC).
- Equipment & Technology: Recommend and assist in the programming and implementation of Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices and assistive technology for students with severe communication disorders.
- Other Duties: Perform other related duties, as assigned by the Director of Special Education or Building Principal.
- Attendance is an Essential Function of this Position: Physical presence at the worksite is an essential function of this position. The role requires in-person collaboration, direct interaction with team members, other staff, students, and/or guardians, and access to on-site equipment and resources.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
-
Assists other personnel as may be required for the purpose of supporting them in the completion of their work activities.
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities (SKAs)
Knowledge of:
- Federal and state regulations governing special education (IDEA, Section 504), due process requirements, and USBE Special Education Rules.
- Utah's Least Restrictive Behavior Interventions (LRBI) guidelines and best practices for student support.
- Principles, practices, and evidence-based methodologies of speech-language pathology in an educational setting.
- A wide range of standardized and non-standardized assessment tools and their interpretation.
- Typical and atypical child development, particularly regarding speech, language, and cognitive milestones.
Skills in:
- Administering and interpreting diagnostic assessments accurately.
- Designing and implementing highly engaging, age-appropriate therapeutic activities.
- Writing clear, concise, and legally defensible evaluation reports and IEPs.
- Utilizing a variety of computer operating and software programs (i.e., Windows, Microsoft Office, Excel, Google Workspace, etc.) alongside specialized educational IEP management systems and data tracking programs.
Abilities to:
- Manage a varied caseload efficiently, balancing direct therapy, evaluations, and administrative paperwork within strict timelines and established schedules.
- Understand and follow both oral and written directions effectively.
- Maintain flexibility to adapt to changing schedules, changes in staff, or modifications to individual student programs.
- Communicate complex clinical information clearly and build strong relationships with parents, teachers, and school teams.
- Establish and maintain strong, positive rapport with students of diverse ages, backgrounds, and ability levels.
Minimum Qualifications
- Education: Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology or Bachelor's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from an accredited university.
- Licensure/Certification:
- Valid Utah State Board of Education (USBE) Educator License with a Speech-Language Pathologist endorsement.
- Valid Speech-Language Pathologist license issued by the Utah Division of Occupational and Professional Licensing (DOPL).
- Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) preferred.
- Successful clearance of a USBE background check and fingerprinting.
- Experience: Experience working with school-aged children in an educational or clinical setting is highly preferred.
- Valid Driver’s License, operational vehicle and insurance.
Working Environment
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- Mobility: Frequent sitting, standing, and walking. May require occasional stooping, kneeling, crouching, or getting down on the floor to interact with younger students or students with significant physical disabilities.
- Sensory: Requires normal or corrected visual acuity to observe student behaviors and read fine print. Exceptional auditory acuity is essential to accurately distinguish speech sounds, vocal quality, and fluency abnormalities. Clear and articulate speech is required to model target sounds and communicate effectively.
- Dexterity: Frequent use of hands to operate a computer, handle assessment materials, and manipulate therapy tools or AAC devices.
- Lifting: Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of testing kits, therapeutic materials, or assistive technology weighing up to 25 pounds. May occasionally assist with lifting or positioning students.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
- The environment consists primarily of standard classrooms, therapy rooms, and office settings.
- The noise level is usually moderate but can occasionally be loud in busy school corridors, cafeterias, or during certain therapeutic activities.
- The employee may be exposed to communicable diseases and standard bodily fluids typical of a school environment.
- The position requires driving to school sites and independent travel between multiple school buildings within the district during the workday.
WEBER SCHOOL DISTRICT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY (EEO) EMPLOYER