Long Term Substitute -Speech Language Pathologist

About the role

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will assess needs, plan strategies, and deliver evidence-based support to students with communicative disabilities across a variety of educational settings, including general and special education classrooms, specialized schools, and community settings. Students may present with single sound errors or multiple disabilities. The therapist must be adept at implementing and documenting varied strategies and deploying a variety of service delivery models to enhance communicative competence. Services include assessment and intervention in speech sound disorders, voice, language, pragmatics, fluency, literacy (phonology), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and dysphagia. Strong interpersonal and organizational skills are required. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. This position requires on-site presence and is not eligible for remote or off-site work arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Access student needs and plan evidence-based intervention strategies
• Implement and document varied service delivery models to support communicative competence
• Provide assessment and intervention in speech sound disorders, voice, language, pragmatics, fluency, literacy (phonology), augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), and dysphagia
• Develop Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) in compliance with state and federal guidelines
• Collect and analyze data for progress monitoring
• Collaborate with multidisciplinary colleagues on IU and district initiatives
• Maintain high-level organization and time management skills
• Apply strategic thinking in the delivery of services to students
• Provide guidance, support, and collaboration with colleagues and team members as needed
• Implement approved crisis intervention techniques when required
• Support students with diverse educational, behavioral, communication, and personal care needs
• Maintain a safe and supportive learning environment

Requirements

• Master’s Degree in Speech-Language Pathology
• Pennsylvania Department of Education (Instructional or Specialist) certificate in Speech-Language Impaired PK-12
• Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech-Language Pathology (CCC-SLP)
• License to practice Speech-Language Pathology issued by PA Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs
• Clinical Fellowship (CF) candidates eligible to begin or currently completing the ASHA Clinical Fellowship may be considered for Long Term Substitute (LTS) positions while pursuing CCC-SLP and license

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong understanding of current Pennsylvania and Federal Special Education Regulations
• Clinical competence to support a wide range of communicative needs
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Knowledge of computer technology and Augmentative-Alternative Communication
• Compliance with health, safety, and confidentiality regulations

Physical Demands

This position requires regular on-site presence and includes a combination of sedentary and active physical duties. Employees are regularly required to sit, communicate effectively, use hands for fine motor tasks, and move throughout the work environment. Frequent activities may include walking, standing, reaching, bending, kneeling, crouching, and positioning at student level for extended periods. Depending on assignment and student needs, employees may also be required to assist with transitions, mobility support, and instructional or daily living activities. The employee must be able to lift up to 10 pounds frequently and up to 25 pounds occasionally. Certain assignments may require assisting students with mobility or physical support needs that exceed 25 pounds, with appropriate training and support provided. This position requires active supervision of students across various educational settings and the ability to respond appropriately and efficiently to students, classroom, or safety needs. Employees may work in environments with elevated noise levels and varying behavioral or emotional support needs. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Employees must also be able to hear and interpret sounds within the environment, including student communication, alarms, and other potential safety concerns.

Work Schedule

This is a full-time, 193-day calendar position in itinerant locations throughout Bucks County. Hours are based on a 7.5-hour workday with specific hours dependent on assignment in high school, middle or elementary school buildings or various community educational settings. Occasional evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.

Travel

Travel is required and may include trips to Bucks IU locations, client sites, constituent school districts, community agencies, professional conferences, trainings, state and regional meetings, and other program-related activities. Travel requirements vary based on operational and programming needs.