What are the responsibilities and job description for the Speech & Language Pathologist - Eligibility Pool position at Orange Unified School District?
ORANGE UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
Orange, CA
CLASSIFICATION SPECIFICATION
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
DEFINITION
Under professional direction, plan, organize and provide diagnostic services and therapy
for children with speech and language disabilities; demonstrate, teach and instruct pupils
in language and speech development processes; perform diagnostic assessment in
determining speech and language performance levels; aid in the development of
academic, social, and other educational skill areas; and to do other related functions as
required. This position is directly responsible to the Director of Pupil Services/SELPA.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position classification requires subject matter expertise in speech and language
assessment and development. Responsible and directly related assessment and language
development experience is required to perform problem analysis and arriving at
alternative solutions to speech and language problems, issues and concerns. The
position classification performs decision analysis continually and makes judgments and
decisions of considerable consequence. The functional role of this position classification
requires the application of a variety assessment protocols and interpretation of data, facts,
procedures, and policies pertaining student educational and speech and language
development programming. The incumbents meet frequently with school administrators,
teachers, other educational staff and parents to communicate information, data and
alternative problem solutions. This is a sedentary position classification and performs
light work that involves sitting a portion of the time, may require lifting, up to fifty (50)
pounds, and walking and standing for extended periods. This position requires accurate
perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with
educational and speech and language development materials and providing highly
technical oral and written information.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform
the essential functions of the job.
EXAMPLES OF DUTIES
• Performs diagnostic assessments of pupil speech and language development using
standardized tests and developmental speech and language inventories.
• Consults with teachers regarding pupils' speech and language status and
management.
• Confers with parents regarding speech and language status and management and
coordinates parent activities in relation to classroom and therapy instructional
processes.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
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• Confers with instructional staff in the assessment and remediation of speech and
language disabilities.
• Provides stimulation of speech and language abilities, utilizing behavior modification,
oral facilitation, phonemic vocalization, vocabulary development and expressive
language.
• Plans, organizes and performs intensive individualized speech and language programs
for students experiencing multiple handicapping conditions.
• Maintains clinical file recordings of speech and language evaluation information,
observations and recommendations for the remediation of speech and language
disabilities.
• May develop an individualized speech workbook to supplement home training and to
facilitate speech and language exercises and activities.
• Utilizes a variety of instructional aids and equipment in remedying speech disabilities
and may demonstrate uses of the instructional materials and equipment to
instructional personnel.
• Develops specialized in-service programs for school and community personnel.
• Develops parent education programs and individual or group counseling to assist
parents in the prevention and/or remediation of communicative disorders, when
appropriate.
• Evaluates students experiencing speech and language difficulties and reports therapy
progress to the instructional staff and to parents.
• Maintains appropriate standards of pupil behavior, utilizing a variety of behavior
management strategies and techniques, emphasizing positive reinforcement and
behavior shaping procedures.
• Maintains an effective therapy environment through the proper control of heating,
lighting and ventilation, and the utilization of exhibits, displays and independent
therapy sessions.
• Selects and requisitions appropriate instructional supplies, materials, equipment and
learning aids.
• Participates in professional growth activities at the local, state and national levels.
• Participates as a member of District committees for maintenance of standards and
evaluations of the speech and language services.
• Cooperates and performs a variety of non-instructional duties, including therapy and
instructional development activities, student supervision and advisory and
consultation functions.
• Participates in faculty and/or District meetings, committees and the sponsorship of
student activities.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
• Principles, theories, methods, techniques and strategies pertaining to the diagnosis
and remediation of speech and language disabilities;
• Developmental, social and behavior characteristics of pre-school and elementary age
pupils;
• Speech and language remediation goals and objectives, and the trends and research
findings of speech and language remediation processes;
• Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques and methods;
• Socio-economic, cultural and language differences of the general school population.
• Computer programs.
Ability to:
• Plan, organize, develop and conduct an intensified diagnostic and therapy program
for children experiencing speech and language disorders;
• Provide appropriate and effective language and speech therapy experiences for
students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and with
varying mental, social and emotional abilities;
• Effectively assess speech and language disorders and implement sound and
appropriate remediation programs;
• Provide a stimulating speech and language therapy environment;
• Perform research and development functions and activities pertaining to speech and
language therapy programs, and to motivate pupils experiencing speech and language
difficulties in the resolution of specific speech disorders.
• Communicate effectively in oral and written form, utilizing a simplistic
communication mode in ensuring understandable and thorough communication.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions with minimal accountability
controls;
• Work positively and effectively with other staff;
• Operate computers and computer programs.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required
knowledge and skill is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required knowledge and
skill would be:
Experience: Successful completion of a speech and language clinical experience at a
recognized college or university, or two years of speech and hearing service in private
practice or in the field of public education.
SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SPECIALIST
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Education: Possession of an earned baccalaureate or higher degree from an accredited
college or university, with emphasis in speech and language disorders, psychology,
linguistics and language development.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Certification: Possession of a valid California credential authorizing service as a service
as a speech and language specialist. State license in Speech Therapy and ASHA
Certificate of Clinical Competence preferred.
License: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator's License
Condition of Employment: Insurability by the District's liability insurance carrier.
Salary: Appropriate placement on teacher salary schedule and work year.
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