Job Title
Speech‑Language Pathologist
Reports To
Principal
Job Summary
Plan and provide speech‑language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to reduce or eliminate impairments that interfere with their ability to derive the full benefits from the educational program. Assess and refer to other professionals such as diagnosticians, psychologists, and other agencies as appropriate.
Responsibilities
- Effectively utilize school technologies appropriate to the position and attend all required training.
- Maintain regular attendance and comply with policies established by Federal and State laws, Commissioner Rules, and local operational guidelines in assessment, placement, planning, and implementation of services.
- Maintain a safe learning environment for students.
- Teach instructional subjects according to Texas Education Agency and school‑approved curriculum.
- Instruct students in citizenship, character development, and basic subject matter as specified by school policy.
- Develop lesson plans and instructional materials and provide individualized and small group instruction, ensuring written plans are available for review.
- Show modifications for differences in student learning styles in lesson plans.
- Design instructional activities using data from student learning style assessments.
- Collaborate with special education teachers on Individual Education Plans (IEPs) to ensure all modifications are met.
- Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy in accordance with speech and language goals in IEPs.
- Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for cessation of therapy services.
- Receive and coordinate the appraisal process for initial referrals, three‑year re‑evaluations, and supplemental/transfer assessments for students with speech or language disorders in compliance with all state and local guidelines.
- Select and administer formal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services as per federal and state regulations.
- Provide observations, screenings, and awareness of speech and language disorders to staff and parents.
- Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student folders, teachers, support staff, parents, and outside resources.
- Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (SRD) Committee to interpret assessment data, determine appropriate placement, and develop IEPs for students with communication disorders per CityScape Schools procedures.
- Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve students’ communication skills.
- Provide staff development to assist school personnel in identifying and understanding students with communication disabilities.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding therapy goals and student needs.
- Create a learning environment conducive to maturity level and interests of students.
- Deal appropriately with student attitudes and behaviors.
- Provide speech therapy to students in agreement with ARD/IEP.
- Maintain a therapy schedule in compliance with ARD recommendations; provide schedule to Principal upon notice.
- Develop and coordinate ongoing evaluation of speech‑language pathology services and adjust based on findings.
- Prepare and maintain therapy logs for SHARS and other agencies.
- Demonstrate skills in work folder and state eligibility folder management.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve job assessment skills.
- Maintain current licensure and certification and earn required Continuing Education Units (CEU).
- Observe professional and ethical standards per community standards and the Professional Code of Ethics.
- Comply with district and local campus routines and regulations.
- Use accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders.
- Have knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech‑language disorders.
- Instruct and manage student behavior.
- Possess excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
Supervisory Responsibilities
- May direct and monitor the work of speech‑language pathology assistant(s), speech aide(s), or intern(s).
- Supervisors of licensed speech‑language assistants must be licensed by SBESLPA as speech‑language pathologists. An individual with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may not supervise a licensed speech‑language pathology assistant.
Other Responsibilities
Performs other related work as required.
Materials and Equipment
General office equipment and personal computer.
Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- Master’s degree in speech‑language pathology from an accredited college or university.
- or Bachelor’s degree.
Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:
- Valid Texas license as a speech‑language pathologist granted by the Texas Board of Examiners for Speech‑Language Pathology and Audiology (SBESLPA).
- or valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate and valid Texas license as a speech‑language pathologist.
Physical/Mental Demands
- Regularly sit, bend, stoop, and talk or hear.
- Frequently use hands to finger, handle, or feel, and reach with hands and arms.
- Occasionally stand, walk, and use stairs.
- May lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
- Require close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
- Prolonged computer use and repetitive hand motions.
- Moderate lifting and carrying of materials may be required to lift and transfer students to and from a wheelchair or assist with positioning students with physical disabilities.
Work Environment
- Noise level low to high with frequent interruptions.
- Activity from other employees and students may be distracting.
- Must maintain control in stressful situations.
- Regular travel to assigned campuses.
- Requires effective interaction with a variety of people and professions.