Speech Language Pathologist - ECI DEBT

Primary Purpose

Responsible for the participating districts' adherence to all state and federal requirements as established for speech‑delayed and/or communication‑disordered children (0‑3) referred to the ECI DEBT Program for services, ensuring that the children are served appropriately and in keeping with their rights and needs.

Major Duties

• Participates in the assessment process for children referred for services due to delayed and/or atypical motor responses/behaviors, which impact feeding, sensory integration and other language responses/behaviors affecting the ability to communicate.
• Participates in the IFSP meetings for children exhibiting speech/language behaviors for sharing assessment information and assisting with the development of IFSPs.
• Prepares written recommendations for children with diagnosed/identified atypical feeding and communication disorders and their families to be shared with parents and/or primary caregivers, appropriate staff and related personnel.
• Collaborates on an ongoing basis with teachers/service coordinators, parents and other team members regarding the motor status of children identified as communication delayed for the purpose of establishing and reviewing therapeutic needs.
• Serves as secondary service coordinator for assisting the family with assistive technology (equipment/devices/etc.) needs and for identifying other appropriate available resources.
• Maintains and submits all required documentation, i.e., therapy reports/notes, monthly service reports, child/family service logs, etc.

Qualifications

• Master's Degree.
• Current Texas licensure in the field of Speech/Language Pathology (LST/CCCs).
• Experience with pediatric speech therapy preferred.

Additional Requirements

• Must be able to work within a modified transdisciplinary team approach/setting.
• Must demonstrate a cordial, happy, supportive, flexible attitude when communicating and working with parents, community personnel, and staff.
• Must be open to direction and supervision as needed.
• Must be able to work in variable environments related to temperature, humidity, degrees of cleanliness and other uncontrollable environmental conditions.
• Physical ability to do heavy to moderate lifting (up to 50 lb), light to moderate carrying (up to 50 lb), talking, walking, bending, kneeling, floor sitting, pulling, pushing, sitting, stooping, standing, climbing, reaching and grasping; must be able to move with agility needed to carry out job duties.
• Ability to assist with personal hygiene, feeding, mobility, positioning and seizure activity.
• Ability to learn and implement early intervention strategies and techniques.
• Must be able to use good judgment, maintain emotional control and practice staff safety precautions when under stress.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of children (0‑3) who are developmentally delayed.
• Knowledge of normal child growth and development.
• Knowledge of handicapping conditions and their impact on growth and development.
• Background and experience in working with parents/families.
• Understanding of the IFSP process.
• Insight into community resources available to children with physical disabilities (e.g., Medicaid, SSI, CIDC, childcare, assistive technology).
• Knowledge of infant/toddler assessments, curriculum, strategies, techniques, etc., in the area of speech/language therapy, communication and feeding.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills (vocabulary, grammar, spelling, etc.).
• Ability to work harmoniously in team settings and with other staff.
• Knowledge of safety policies.
• Knowledge of assistive technology designed to improve children's functional abilities.
• Expertise in interpreting medical and diagnostic assessments and administering appropriate therapeutic assessments.

Working Conditions

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Occasional prolonged or irregular hours.