Job Title

Speech Therapist 

Salary Scale

TCH

Location 

PSC Code 

017000

Reports To

Principal

Shift Type

Full Time/Exempt

General Statement of Job 

Under limited supervision, plans and presents innovative, developmentally appropriate opportunities for students to learn subject matter and skills that will contribute to the development of students' academic abilities.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Serves as a resource to school staff members in the development of a balanced program for oral communication and speech improvement.
• Screens and identifies students with communication disorders. Provides a thorough assessment and diagnosis of speech, voice, hearing and language impairments.
• Consults with school principals to develop a schedule which is in compliance with the Defined Minimum Program and the student’s IEP for regular instructional periods for students on caseload.
• Assists and counsels teachers in observing, describing and referring suspected and identified speech/language impairments.
• Assists in proper referrals of individuals to agencies and specialists in the community as appropriate.
• Plans and evaluates instruction to meet individual students’ needs and to correct existing speech or language handicaps within assigned caseload.
• Communicates with classroom teachers, parents and other school staff members to implement continued instructional practices for the students’ daily activities.
• Provides information, support and counseling to parents and families as appropriate.
• Develops IEPs for students on caseload.
• Complies with applicable state and federal laws in the implementation of procedural safeguards; complies with standard operating procedures developed by the Office of Programs for the Handicapped.
• Maintains required student and district records.
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from staff, parents and other agency personnel regarding therapy services.
• Performs various office duties as necessary, including preparing reports and correspondence, compiling information and data for reports, attending meetings, copying and filing documents, answering the telephone, etc.
• Operates various types of machinery and equipment including a computer, printer, typewriter, calculator, copier, telephone, audiometer, hearing aids, scopes, augmentative devices, tape recorder, various other learning aids, etc.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Performs related duties as required.

Essential Functions 

Physical Requirements:

Tasks involve the ability to exert very moderate physical effort in light work, typically involving some combination of remaining standing for extended periods of time, writing on a chalkboard, stooping, kneeling and crouching, and some lifting, carrying, pushing and/or pulling of objects and materials of moderate weight (12 to 20 pounds). 

Data Conception:

Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people or things.

Interpersonal Communications:

Requires the ability of speaking and/or signaling people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving assignments and/or directions to assistants and receiving assignments and/or direction from supervisor.

Language Ability:

Requires the ability to read a variety of laws, policies and procedures, evaluation materials, professional studies, medical reference materials, etc. Requires the ability to prepare complex reports, student goals and objectives, evaluation reports, records, correspondence, etc., with proper format, punctuation, spelling and grammar, using all parts of speech. Requires the ability to speak with and before others with poise, voice control and confidence.

Intelligence:

Requires the ability to apply principles of rational systems to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists; to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in oral, written, diagrammatic or schedule form. Requires the ability to use influence systems in classroom teaching and the supervision of assistants and students. Requires the ability to make independent judgments in the absence of supervisor; to acquire knowledge of topics related to primary occupation. Must have the ability to comprehend and interpret received information and the ability to comprehend and implement basic office machinery functions.

Verbal Aptitude:

Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, to follow and give verbal and written instructions, and to counsel and teach students, colleagues and assistants. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with persons of varying educational backgrounds and in a variety of technical and/or professional languages including special education, medical, physical and occupational therapy, assistive technology language, sign language, etc.

Numerical Aptitude:

Requires the ability to add and subtract totals, to multiply and divide, to utilize mathematical formulas, to determine percentages and decimals, and to determine time. Must be able to use practical applications of statistics.

Form/Spatial Aptitude:

Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width and shape, and visually read various information.

Motor Coordination:

Requires the ability to coordinate hands and eyes using office and specialized machinery and to operate motor vehicles.

Manual Dexterity:

Requires the ability to handle a variety of items, keyboards, office equipment, control knobs, buttons, switches, catches, small tools, etc. Must have moderate levels of eye/hand/foot coordination.

Interpersonal Temperament:

Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under stress when confronted with emergency situations or tight deadlines. The worker may be subject to danger or risk to a slight degree or to tension as a regular, consistent part of the job.

Physical Communications:

Requires the ability to talk and/or hear (talking: expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words; hearing: perceiving nature of sounds by ear).

Training and Education 

Requires a Bachelor's degree in speech/language pathology supplemented by one to two years of experience and/or training in speech therapy, or an equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.

Performance Evaluation Criteria 

Job Knowledge:

Has thorough knowledge of the methods, procedures and policies of the Florence 1 Schools as they pertain to the performance of duties of the Speech Therapist. Has thorough knowledge of the organization of the District. Is knowledgeable in the laws, ordinances, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Is able to make sound, educated decisions. Has the ability to plan and develop daily, short- and long-term goals related to District purposes. Is able to take the initiative to complete the duties of the position without the need of direct supervision. Has the ability to plan, organize and prioritize daily assignments and work activities. Has comprehensive knowledge of the theories, methods, practices and materials of speech/language pathology. Has thorough knowledge in the areas of special education, special needs assessment, pediatric rehabilitation, anatomy, sign language, etc. Has knowledge of instructional aids and teaching techniques. Is able to understand pertinent medical reports concerning students on caseload and, when appropriate, interpret and dispense this information judiciously. Has skills in diagnosing and prescribing for the educational needs of handicapped students and in developing individualized educational programs. Knows how to develop effective relationships with assigned students. Knows how to maintain effective relationships with parents, personnel of other departments, professionals and members of the public through contact and cooperation. Is able to provide effective leadership and supervision as assigned. Has the ability to offer training and assistance to co-workers and employees of other departments as required. Is able to read and interpret complex materials pertaining to the responsibilities of the job. Is able to assemble and analyze information and make written reports and records in a concise, clear and effective manner. Has comprehensive knowledge of the terminology and various professional languages used within the department. Has knowledge of proper English usage, grammar, punctuation and spelling; has the mathematical ability to handle required calculations. Has knowledge of and is able to use modern office practices and equipment, including computers. Knows how to react calmly and quickly in emergency situations. Has the ability to learn and utilize new skills and information to improve job performance and efficiency.

Quality of Work:

Maintains high standards of accuracy in exercising duties and responsibilities. Exercises immediate remedial action to correct any quality deficiencies that occur in areas of responsibility. Maintains high quality communication and interaction with all District departments and divisions, co-workers and the public.

Quantity of Work:

Performs described "Specific Duties and Responsibilities" and related assignments efficiently and effectively in order to produce quantity of work which consistently meets standards and expectations of the District.

Dependability:

Assumes responsibility for completing assigned work. Completes assigned work within deadlines in accordance with directives, District policy, standards and prescribed procedures. Remains accountable to assigned responsibilities in the technical, human and conceptual areas.

Attendance:

Attends and remains at work regularly and adheres to District policies and procedures regarding absences and tardiness. Provides adequate notice to higher management with respect to vacation time and time-off requests.

Initiative and Enthusiasm:

Maintains an enthusiastic, self-reliant and self-starting approach to meet job responsibilities and accountability. Strives to anticipate work to be done, and initiates proper and acceptable direction for the completion of work with a minimum of supervision and instruction.

Judgment:

Exercises analytical judgment in areas of responsibility. Identifies problems or situations as they occur, and specifies decision objectives. Identifies or assists in identifying alternative solutions to problems or situations. Implements decisions in accordance with prescribed and effective policies and procedures and with a minimum of errors. Seeks expert or experienced advice where appropriate and researches problems, situations and alternatives before exercising judgment. Monitors the activities/behavior of the student body to ensure student safety and well-being.

Cooperation:

Accepts supervisory instruction and direction, and strives to meet the goals and objectives of the same. Questions such as instruction and direction when clarification of results or consequences are justified (i.e., poor communications, variance with District policy or procedures, etc.). Offers suggestions and recommendations to encourage and improve cooperation between all staff persons and departments within the District.

Relationships:

Shares knowledge with managers, supervisors and staff for mutual and district benefit. Contributes to maintaining high morale among all District employees. Develops and maintains cooperative and courteous relationships with department employees, staff and managers in other departments, representatives from organizations, and the public so as to maintain good will toward the District and to project a good district image. Tactfully and effectively handles requests, suggestions and complaints from other departments and persons in order to maintain good will within the District. Emphasizes the importance of maintaining a positive image within the District. Interacts effectively with higher management, professionals and the public.

Coordination of Work:

Plans and organizes daily work routine. Establishes priorities for the completion of work in accordance with sound time-management methodology. Avoids duplication of effort. Estimates expected time of completion of elements of work and establishes a personal schedule accordingly. Attends required meetings, planning sessions and discussions on time. Implements work activity in accordance with priorities and estimated schedules.

Safety:

Adheres to all safety and housekeeping standards established by the District and various regulatory agencies. Sees that standards are not violated. Maintains a clean and orderly workplace.

DISCLAIMER: This job description is not an employment agreement or contract. Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice.

Terms of Employment 

190 day work agreement. Salary and work year to be established by the district.