Speech & Language Pathologist - Eligibility Pool

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 (Continued) Page
• 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 (Continued) Page 4 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. 9/94 (Continued) Page 3 2