Speech Language Pathologist

Job Summary

The Speech-Language Pathologist reports to the Principal and is responsible for providing speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, and language disorders. They also assess students, provide therapeutic intervention, and collaborate with other professionals and educators.

Essential Functions

• Maintain regular attendance and comply with policies established by Federal and State laws, Commissioner Rules, and local operational guidelines.
• Maintain a safe environment for students, conducive to learning.
• Teach instructional subjects according to guidelines established by the Texas Education Agency and school-approved curriculum.
• Instruct students in citizenship, character development, and basic subject matter as specified by school policy.
• Develop lesson plans and instructional material and provide individualized and small group instruction to adapt the curriculum to the needs of each pupil.
• Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for cessation of therapy services.
• Receive and coordinate the appraisal process for initial referrals, three-year re-evaluations, and supplemental/transfer assessments for students with speech or language disorders and conditions.
• Select and administer formal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and state regulations.
• Provide observations, screenings, and awareness of speech and language disorders to staff and parents.
• Collect and organize relevant assessment data from students' cumulative folder, classroom teachers, support staff, parents, and outside resources.
• Participate in the Admission, Review and Dismissal (SRD) Committee to assist in the interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEPs).
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
• Provide staff development to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with communication disabilities.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the students.
• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
• Deal appropriately with attitudes and behaviors displayed by students.
• Provide speech therapy to speech impaired students in agreement with ARD/IEP.
• Maintain a therapy schedule in compliance with ARD committee recommendations and, upon notice, therapy schedule can be given to the Principal.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings.
• Prepare and maintain therapy logs for SHARS and other agencies.
• Demonstrate skills in management of work folders and state eligibility folders.
• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assessment.
• Maintain current licensure and certification by earning required Continuing Education Units (CEU).
• Observe professional and ethical standards in accordance with generally accepted community standards and the Professional Code of Ethics.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university.
• Valid Texas license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the state Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SBESLPA).
• Or Valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate, valid Texas license as a speech-language pathologist.
• Excellent Organizational, Communication, and Interpersonal Skills.