K-4 Speech Pathologist

About the role

Tapestry Charter School is seeking a K-4 Speech Pathologist to work with students who require strategic intervention in whole-group and small-group settings. The focus of this position is to evaluate, diagnose, and treat students with speech or language disorders. This is a full-time, 10-month, exempt position reporting to the Lower School Building Principal.

Responsibilities

• Deliver services as mandated by Individualized Education Plans
• Perform instruction and/or activities in the classroom setting commensurate with the school's stated philosophy, objectives, and purposes
• Participate as part of the educational/clinical team for each student
• Have knowledge of the resources and supports available to assess the daily language skills and functioning of students with disabilities, particularly students with autism, cognitive and pervasive developmental delays
• Possess an ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, as well as schedule and coordinate intervention with a variety of service providers
• Have knowledge of the resources and supports available to assess, design, train and monitor the use of assistive technology and augmentative communication devices
• Have excellent, well-developed written and oral communication skills, and proven ability to interact positively with students, parents, colleagues, and third-party agencies
• Have effective case management and resource management skills, and the ability to create and maintain all required documentation
• Have demonstrated experience in applying research-based therapeutic and instructional methodologies when working with students with disabilities
• Compile case history data on those cases where additional family history, health history, early developmental history, and environmental history are deemed appropriate
• Have the ability to remain flexible and respond effectively as emergent classroom situations warrant, and/or the ability to manage behavioral challenges
• Understand importance and possess the ability to consult with administration on school/community issues that interfere with educational performance
• Cooperate with and participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the total school program
• Educate students, family members, and in-service education and serve as a consult to teachers and school staff on topics concerning speech/language skill development, speech disorders and causes, including disabilities and traumatic events, and inclusion of students with disabilities within the general education setting
• Serve as a resource to school staff in the development of a balanced program for oral communication and speech/language development
• Collaborate with classroom teachers and other school staff members to implement prescribed language intervention, assistive technology and/or augmentative communication through suggestions for the students' daily activities
• Develop in-service programs to assist teachers in understanding issues
• Develop and foster positive student relationships, as well as monitor, encourage and provide guidance to students on the individual progress which will promote educational development
• Observe and evaluate student performance and development
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities
• Facilitate the acquisition of skills necessary for a student's transition to post-high school settings
• Stay current with most recent developments in appropriate subject areas as initiated by the school or district
• Participate in department, school, and district meetings and professional development activities as appropriate and as necessary to maintain licensure
• Participate in the school community outside of the classroom and school day
• Other responsibilities as assigned by Administration as required
• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Tapestry Charter School mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior
• Prepare progress summaries using the reporting procedures agreed upon by the teaching staff, and the Principal
• Collaborate as needed with other teachers
• Check voicemail and email daily and respond promptly or within 24 hours to requests from families, administrators and colleagues
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned

School Culture & Classroom Management

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students that includes SEL and restorative practices
• Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds
• Encourage parent and community involvement, obtain information for parents when requested, promptly return phone calls and answer emails

Qualifications

• Have experience as a Speech Language Pathologist, with demonstrated opportunities to work with students with medical/health issues and/or developmental delays
• Have knowledge of a variety of disabilities and the potential effects upon a student's expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language functioning
• Possess strong understanding of Federal & State Mandates pertaining to supporting students with disabilities, as well ability to learn and adhere to District policies and procedures
• Have demonstrated skill in Speech Language Assessment and the development of intervention plans and goals appropriate to address all facets of communication needs of the student
• Strong communication skills
• The ability to work as a team or independently
• Analytical skills for selecting the best diagnostic tools and analyzing results to identify an accurate diagnosis while developing an effective treatment plan
• Communication skills for communicating diagnoses, test results and available treatments in terms that clients and their families can understand
• Compassion when working with individuals frustrated by the difficulties they are experiencing
• Critical thinking skills for adjusting treatment plans as required and identifying alternative ways to help
• Attention to detail for maintaining notes on treatment and progress
• Listening skills for listening to concerns and symptoms of clients so they can decide the most appropriate course of treatment
• Understanding about speech-related conditions and therapies

Experience & Education Requirements

• Professional/Permanent certification in an applicable area with 3 years of experience
• NYS Certification/Licensure in Speech Pathology or Speech preferred
• Knowledge of Expeditionary Learning is a plus
• Classroom experience is essential

Itinerant Location: 111 Great Arrow Ave. Buffalo, NY 14216