Speech Pathologist

Position Purpose

Work to prevent, assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, social communication, cognitive-communication, and swallowing disorders in children based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.

Essential Job Functions

• Monitor patients' progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Develop or implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, swallowing disorders, or inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, or social workers.
• Write reports and maintain proper documentation of information, such as client Medicaid or billing records or caseload activities, including the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of clients.
• Participate in and write reports for meetings regarding patients' progress, such as individualized educational planning (IEP) meetings, in-service meetings, or intervention assistance team meetings.
• Evaluate hearing or speech and language test results, barium swallow results, or medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, or swallowing disorders.
• Complete administrative responsibilities, such as coordinating paperwork, scheduling case management activities, or writing lesson plans.
• Develop individual or group activities or programs in schools to deal with behavior, speech, language, or swallowing problems.
• Instruct clients in techniques for more effective communication, such as sign language, lip reading, or voice improvement.
• Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to patients to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written or oral tests or special instruments.
• Educate patients and family members about various topics, such as communication techniques or strategies to cope with or to avoid personal misunderstandings.
• Supervise or collaborate with therapy team.
• Teach clients to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, or breathing mechanisms.
• Consult with and refer clients to additional medical or educational services.
• Communicate with non-speaking students, using sign language or computer technology.
• Consult with and advise educators or medical staff on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
• Design, develop, or employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices or strategies.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Conduct lessons or direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems.
• Use computer applications to identify or assist with communication disabilities.
• Provide communication instruction to dialect speakers or students with limited English proficiency.
• Conduct or direct research on speech or hearing topics and report findings for use in developing procedures, tec.

Equipment Use

Standard office equipment such as personal computers, printer, copier and fax machines, calculator, and telephone.

Travel Requirements

Travel to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.

Pay Rates

PEA certified position
Work Schedule Standard teacher work schedule as set forth in the Teacher’s Contract.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

• Knowledge of human behavior and performance.
• Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language.
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.
• Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment.

Physical and Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Seldom = Less than 25%
• Occasional = 26 to 50%
• Often = 51 to 75%
• Very Frequent = Greater than 75%

Physical Requirement

• Percentage of Time: Ability to stand for extended periods of time. Often
• Ability to lift 25 pounds. Seldom
• Ability to carry 25 pounds. Seldom
• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations. Often

Communication

• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation. Very Frequent
• Ability to operate job-related equipment. Very Frequent
• Ability to see for the purpose of reading laws and codes, rules and policies and other printed matter. Very Frequent
• Ability to give full attention to what other people are saying and take time to understand the points being made. Critical thinking skills.
• Ability to select and use training/ instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things. Skills in selecting and using training/ instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
• Ability to read comprehension skills.
• Ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions. Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Licenses/Registration/Certification

Current Indiana Professional Educators License, in subject area applicable to assignment.

Education

Master's Degree.

Experience

Previous experience is preferred.