Job Description: Speech Language Pathologist

Primary Purpose

Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders.  Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students’ ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.

Qualifications

Education/Certification

• Master’s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university
• Valid license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations
• (TDLR) or Bachelor’s degree and valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills

• Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders and conditions
• Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech-language disorders and conditions
• Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills

Experience

• One year supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties

Therapy

• Conduct independent evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and make determination regarding therapy services
• Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee. Assist in interpretation of assessment date, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions according to district procedures
• Consult with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals, the needs of the student, and involvement in remedial process
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
• Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and work more effectively with students with communication deficits

Student Management

• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students
• Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook

Program Management

• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings
• Participate in the selection of equipment and instructional materials
• Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents
• Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy
• Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations
• May supervise licensed speech-language pathology assistant or speech aide

Professional Growth and Other

• Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures
• Participate in professional development to improve skills related to job assignment
• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor or other administrators that are consistent with the general requirements and qualifications for the position

Supervisory Responsibilities

• May direct and monitor the work of speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s)

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors

The working conditions described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions and expectations

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard office equipment including personal computer and peripherals.
• Posture: Frequent sitting and standing; occasional bending/stooping, pushing, /pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Repetitive hand motions; frequent keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching
• Lifting: Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); occasional physical restraint of students to control behavior; occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; assisting non-ambulatory students.
• Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable disease; may require districtwide travel.
• Mental Demands: Work with frequents interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure.