Job Goal: The School-Based Speech and Language Therapist (SLP) works to enhance students' communication skills by addressing speech, language, and social communication challenges that impact their ability to engage in academic and social activities. The SLP will collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create and implement individualized treatment plans that help students achieve success in the classroom and broader school environment.
Pay: $51,260 to $94,433
Qualifications
- Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology from an accredited program
- Valid Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) licensure in the state of Maine
- Valid State of Maine criminal history record check (CHRC)
- Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) from the American Speech- Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) preferred, or eligibility for clinical fellowship (CF)
- Minimum of two years' experience working as a Speech-Language Pathologist, preferably in a school or pediatric setting
- Knowledge of child language development, speech disorders, and therapeutic interventions for students with communication needs
- Familiarity with special education laws (IDEA) and the IEP process
- Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, parents, and other professionals
- Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and manage a caseload of students with varying needs
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical guidelines
Essential Functions
- Provide individual and small group speech and language therapy services to students, addressing issues related to articulation, language development, social communication, fluency, and voice disorders
- Conduct assessments to evaluate students' speech, language, and communication skills, including standardized testing, non standardized measures and informal observations
- Develop, implement, and monitor individualized Speech and Language therapy goals as part of students' Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Collaborate with teachers, administrators, and other school staff to ensure effective integration of speech and language goals in the classroom environment
- Provide support to Behavior Health Professionals (BHPs) and paraprofessionals in the generalization of speech and language skills
- Assist teachers and staff in implementing language support strategies in the classroom and promoting language development across academic subjects
- Provide recommendations for classroom modifications, strategies, and accommodations to support students with speech and language needs in general education settings
- Offer guidance and training to parents, teachers, and other school staff on speech and language development, communication strategies, and behavior management
- Participate in the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), attending IEP meetings to discuss students' progress, challenges, and goals
- Serve as a resource to school staff in promoting student communication skills and academic success
- Participate in school meetings such as staff meetings, IEP meetings, and parent-teacher conferences, as necessary
- Work with students with speech and language delays or disorders to improve their social communication and peer interactions in a school setting
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation of services provided, including therapy reports, progress notes, and IEP documentation
- Ensure compliance with federal and state laws related to special education services, student privacy (FERPA), and therapy documentation
- Monitor and adjust therapy plans to ensure students make continuous progress and achieve IEP goals
- Provide small group interventions for students with speech, language, or social communication delays
- Bill for appropriate MaineCare services provided to students per their IEP when applicable
- Advocate for students to ensure their communication needs are addressed within the school's educational framework
- As appropriate, per student's IEP's assume the role of the case manager
- Participate in professional development activities and remain current on evidence-based and best practices in speech-language therapy for children
- Maintain a safe and supportive environment for therapy sessions, ensuring proper use and care of therapy materials and equipment
- Maintain confidentiality about all aspects of student and personnel written and oral records
- Demonstrate respect for the legal and human rights of students and staff
- Follow health and safety procedures established by the district
- Arrive and depart punctually, notifying appropriate personnel about absences and coverage
- Demonstrate dependability, integrity, and other ethical standards
- aa. Perform other responsibilities as assigned by the Director of Special Services