Speech Therapist/Speech Pathologist
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 Aides, student teachers, and volunteers.
This job reports to Director of SPED/Student Support Services
Essential Functions
- Assesses 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.
- Collaborates with a variety of stakeholders (e.g. parents, teachers, administration, 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 providing training to parents, students, and staff.
- Develops treatment plans, interventions, and educational materials for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of communication disorders in compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Instructs stakeholders in the use of a variety of equipment (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 guidelines and legal requirements.
- Interprets medical reports within the scope of Speech/Language Pathologist's experience and goals for the purpose of providing information and ensuring that treatment and intervention plans are appropriate.
- Maintains a variety of documents, files, and records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and compliance.
- Participates in of meetings (e.g. training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information.
- Performs site visits at multiple work sites for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
- Prepares a wide variety of information (e.g. activity logs, treatment plans, reports, required documentation, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and conveying information.
- Provides speech and language therapy to students for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of speech and language disorders on student success.
- Researches a variety of work-related topics (e.g. intervention and treatment techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing student needs.
- Responds to inquiries from a variety of stakeholders (e.g. parents, teachers, other health professionals,students, etc.) for the purpose of providing information and referral as appropriate.
- Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites 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 laws.
ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job- related 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 40% sitting, 30% walking, and 30% 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: Masters degree in job-related area.
Equivalency: Certificate of Clinical Competence in Audiology (CCC-A) or Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP).
Required Testing: None Specified
Certificates and Licenses:
ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
Teaching Credential with Speech/Language Pathology Endorsement
Continuing Educ. / Training:
Maintains Certificates and/or Licenses
Clearances:
Criminal Background Clearance
FLSA Status:
Exempt
