Speech Language Pathologist
Job Summary
Position is responsible for providing speech/language services to meet the individual needs of students with oral communication and speech/language impairments. Position is responsible for screening and assessment; goal development; and planning/implementing appropriate speech and language treatment services to maximize student learning.
Essential Duties
- Evaluates and assesses the student’s functional status to identify and determine needs for speech/language therapy.
- Selects, administers, and interprets specialized hearing and speech tests.
- Gathers background information as necessary on the student’s educational, medical, social, and psychological history to assist with determining possible causes of speech disorders.
- Serves a member of an interdisciplinary team and participates in child study, IEP, staffing, and eligibility meetings as required.
- Develops individualized education plans for students receiving speech/language therapy services and implements therapy sessions that target IEP goals.
- Chooses appropriate activities for developing the student’s speech, voice, fluency, and language skills.
- Instructs students on how to monitor their own speech and provides ways to practice skills.
- Recommends the adaptation of the student’s learning environment as necessary.
- Provides consultation to teachers and staff members to ensure the integration of speech/language development techniques into the student’s classroom routine.
- Monitors student progress, reevaluates IEP objectives, and adjusts delivery of speech/language services as appropriate.
- Conferences with parents/guardians and provides them with support and information regarding their child.
- Instructs parents/guardians in exercises to implement at home and in the care and use of specialized equipment.
- Serves as a resource to staff members and conducts workshops at the assigned school(s) regarding speech/language services and proper procedures for the identification and referral of students.
- Consults with physicians and other agencies as necessary and assists with referring students to appropriate specialists.
- Adheres to legal and ethical standards and guidelines regarding the provision of speech/language services.
- Maintains thorough records for each student receiving speech/language services at the assigned school(s) and provides related reports.
- Requisitions needed supplies and equipment.
- Models nondiscriminatory practices in all activities.
- Maintains professional competence by attending staff development programs and other professional activities. Keeps abreast of developments and research in the field of speech/language pathology.
- Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or other appropriate administrator.
Job Specifications
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified, to perform the essential functions.
Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and/or Abilities Required)
Must possess a Master’s degree in speech language pathology and meet the Virginia Department of Education licensure eligibility requirements. Must be eligible for, or in possession of an appropriate Virginia license. Certificate of Clinical Competence preferred. Some experience providing speech language therapy in a school based setting preferred. Must possess a thorough knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices, and procedures of speech language therapy. Must possess a thorough knowledge of the normal development and use of speech, voice, fluency, and language; and the types, causes, and the treatments of speech disorders. Must possess the ability to evaluate the functional status of students; design treatment plans; and provide safe and effective therapy to students with speech/language impairments. Must possess knowledge and skills in the augmentative communication devices and specialized equipment. Must possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and recordkeeping skills. Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with students, staff, parents, and the public.
Working Conditions & Physical Requirements
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Must have the ability to sit and stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, to enter data into a computer; see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal classroom levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly in normal classrooms, outdoors and on the telephone; physical agility to lift up to 25 pounds; and to bend, stoop, climb stairs, and reach overhead.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Duties are normally performed in a school or classroom environment. Duties may be occasionally performed on field trips away from school. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Supervision Exercised: Dependent on grade level and subject; may include instructional assistants, volunteers, tutors.
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.