Special Education Department-Speech/Language Pathologist

Position:                                             Speech/Language Pathologist

Supervisor:                                         Director of Special Education      

General Job Description:                   To facilitate reduction, remediation, or elimination of speech and language impairments which interfere with the individual student’s ability to benefit from the district’s educational program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Organize and conduct identification program of students with potential speech/language difficulties.
2. Evaluate speech and language functions.
3. Plan the clinical program for students who have been identified as speech/language impaired, Speech Impaired, and/or students having related disabilities with communication needs (i.e., Intellectually Disabled, Autistic, etc.).
4. Implement the clinical program.
5. Comply with New Mexico State Standards, District Policies, and ASHA Guidelines in the processes of referral, screening and placement:
   1. Follow district procedures for screening, pre-intervention, and/or referring students needing a speech/language evaluation.
   2. Complete comprehensive and appropriate evaluations according to State Standards, District Guidelines, and ASHA Guidelines.
   3. Provide a complete diagnostic summary report including a summary of evaluation information and educational relevance. Complete IEP paperwork in a timely manner.
   4. Cooperate with the Individualized Education Plan Committee, recommending/planning for program services in compliance with State Standards.
   5. When appropriate, make referral for further evaluation.
6. Obtain and use diagnostic information:
   1. Participate in building committee (i.e., Student Assistance Teams, School Support Team) in order to provide pre-referral interventions, screening, and/or evaluation referral information.
   2. Administer appropriate assessments for each area of suspected speech/language impairment.
   3. Demonstrate understanding and use of the principles of diagnostic evaluation and interpretation.
   4. Maintain on-going assessment to verify progress toward established goals.
7. Demonstrate program management skills:
   1. Maintain communication with the building faculty regarding the role of the SLP.
   2. Maintain a physical environment conducive to learning.
   3. Develop work schedule(s), which will fit the needs of the students, school, and faculty.
   4. Report to building principal(s) and Executive Director of Student Support Services.
8. Implement Intervention Program:
   1. Develop and maintain the instructional component of the IEP according to the results of the evaluation and on-going assessment of progress.
   2. Develop long-range goals and specific objectives.
   3. Complete daily notes for each student in a timely manner.
   4. Include methods and materials in planning.
   5. Document student progress, attendance, etc.
   6. Use a variety of approaches and materials to address the IEP that are compatible with the student’s age, interest and ability.
   7. Stay abreast of and implement new instructional strategies.
   8. Attend workshops, in-service training, University programs to obtain up-to-date information in the area of speech and language and maintain required certifications and licensure.
   9. Implement instructional activities in a logical sequence.
   10. Provide therapeutic intervention with students to enhance student performance.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Complete Medicaid billing for services provided to students in an efficient, comprehensive, and timely manner.
2. Participate in state testing by becoming a test administrator for students with modifications/accommodations when needed.
3. Other tasks as may be deemed appropriate and necessary by the immediate supervisor and/or the Superintendent.

Qualifications:

1. Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders/Speech and Language Pathology.
2. Current ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competency/ASHA certification.
3. Current New Mexico State License for Speech-Language Pathology, Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensing Practices Board.
4. Such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

Physical Requirements:

Sitting, standing, lifting, and carrying (up to 50 pounds), climbing stairs, reaching, squatting, kneeling, and moving light furniture may be required. Adequate vision and hearing ability for monitoring children’s verbal and non-verbal responses. Ability to provide a quality speech/language model for students and staff.

Safety and Health:

Knowledge of universal hygiene precautions.

Equipment/Material Handled:

The Speech/Language Pathologist shall be assigned a variety of evaluation and consulting materials which are to be appropriately stored and accounted for. A reference library, consisting of privately and school owned resources is to be adequately maintained to provide quick and acceptable assistance. All media resources and borrowed material are to be judiciously used, and are to be maintained in a reasonably unsoiled non-damaged fashion. Must know how to properly operate or be willing to learn to operate all multimedia equipment including current technology.

Work Environment:

The Speech/Language Pathologist shall be assigned office space, amendable to individual, and small group consultations. When working with individual students or groups of students or staff in the schools, a reasonably clean and distraction-free area is to be jointly discussed with the building supervisor; when possible, such a space is to be reserved for testing or therapy on a reasonable weekly schedule. It shall be the duty of the pathologist to maintain a travel schedule from one location to another, and to provide timely notices when published schedules cannot be maintained. Must be able to work within various degrees of noise, temperature, and air quality. Interruptions of work are routine. Flexibility and patience are required. Must be self-motivated and able to complete job assignments without direct supervision. After hours work may be required. May make site or home visits when needed and appropriate. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

Terms of Employment:

• Contract Days
• Salary
• Benefits Available