AccessPoint RI
Cornerstone School

Job Title: Speech/Language Pathologist

Department: Child Development

Union: No

STATUS: Non-Exempt

Location: Cornerstone School

Job Overview:

To be responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring programs designed to improve speech/language functioning of individuals with severe/profound developmental challenges. This includes the recommendation and implementation of augmentative communication devises and alternate communication systems.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assess specific levels of language functioning using formal and informal measurements tools, observation, record review and teacher interview. To assess and make recommendations regarding feeding and swallowing (in conjunction with physical therapy, occupation therapy, and nutritionist), as needed.
• Assist in determining an individual's specific needs regarding speech/language services and include the goals and objectives of services in the child’s I.E.P., as appropriate.
• Provide speech/language services in the form of direct treatment and/or consult to educational staff, and parent, as appropriate
• Provide consulting services by training staff and parents, as needed.
• Monitor those programs implemented by speech/language pathologist via teacher/therapist consultation, classroom observation and data collection, as appropriate.
• Formulate evaluations/reports in order to meet relevant regulatory requirements to include Individual Education Plan, Six Month Review, Three Year Speech/Language Evaluation.
• Maintain therapy notes and speech/language records on all individuals, as needed.
• Participate in multidisciplinary conferences and attend all pertinent meetings, as appropriate.
• Assist in purchasing recommendations of equipment and supplies for the speech/language department, as needed.
• All other duties as assigned.

Peripheral Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provide on-going training, encouragement and support to classroom staff to insure carry over.
• Develop meaningful family contact through notes, phone calls, school visits or home visits in order to maintain consistency of programming in the home.
• Possess knowledge of the functioning of assistive devices, augmented communication equipment, and all communication systems used by students.
• Develop an understanding of children’s feeding issues and work closely with the feeding team to address feeding concerns as it pertains to the area of speech pathology.
• Establish a flexible schedule to provide speech services within the classroom and develop a carryover program for staff to maintain this standard on a daily basis.
• Develop functional speech and language strategies and activities for the classroom that focus on practical application for the educational setting.
• Demonstrate and model at all times the expected professional behavior of a Speech and Language Pathologist.
• Set a professional standard within the classroom, school and community to which others can model.
• Demonstrate the ability to work as a member of the educational team.
• Practice universal precautions, proper lifting and monitor feeding techniques on an on-going basis.
• Provide a harmonious, respectful, professional and stimulating environment for children and staff.
• Encourage students to participate in therapy engaging staff only as much as needed to complete the task or activities.
• Promote choice making opportunities for children throughout the day including therapy.
• Remain current on the latest advances in speech and language therapy through conferences and professional readings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education: Must have MS degree in Speech and Language Pathology

Certification: Speech and Language Pathologist by the R.I. Dept. of Education

Experience: Minimum of two years working in a school environment Pre – age 21

Substitution: Experience working with children with speech and language disabilities

or any equivalent combination of education and experience.

Necessary Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to use good body mechanics in all physical activities associated with job responsibilities.
• Develop the skill with new augmented communication devises as they become available.
• Ability to communicate to teachers, assistants, parents, and other professionals regarding student programs and IEP goals and objectives.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, individual students and their families.
• Ability to follow written and verbal instruction.
• The ability to implement and follow procedures and policies established for the safe and efficient operation of the classroom and school.
• Ability to write reports in a clear and concise manner using language which parents can understand.
• Ability to provide a speech/language program that is consistent in implementation of procedures and strategies to benefit children who need consistency throughout their day.
• Demonstrate knowledge of educational philosophy of age appropriate and/or developmentally appropriate education or willing to learn.
• Develop knowledge of developmentally appropriate practices and positive guidance techniques to be used in the early childhood setting.

Special Qualifications:

• Current CPR certification or willing to become current
• A valid driver’s license
• Meet DCYF and Department of Education requirements to work in a school.
• Will transport students using agency or own vehicle to meet school needs.
• Certificate of Clinical Competence/ CFY eligible.
• Knowledge of dysphagia is helpful.