Salary Range can be found in our Collective Bargaining Agreement - LINK
Basic Function
Evaluate, diagnose, and implement Speech/Language services for wide range disability students of various ages.
Representative Duties
- Determine and use professionally sound procedures for identification, diagnosis, referral, and reevaluation.
- Assure adherence to state and district eligibility criteria.
- Serve as a member of the IEP Team completing IEP goals in the area of speech and language for students who qualify for services.
- Conduct single disciplinary speech evaluations and re-evaluations in accordance with legal and district requirements.
- Develop IEP's for eligible students with the parent/guardian, Local Education Authority (LEA), and when appropriate, the special education teacher.
- Provide speech and/or language therapy to students as stipulated by their Individual Education Plan.
- Utilize planning time to perform additional professional responsibilities including parent conferences, IEP team meetings, classroom observation of students, and consultations with classroom teachers and other professional support personnel.
- Remain cognizant of and comply with district, state, and federal laws which govern delivery of special education services.
- Serve as case manager for students whose primary related Special Education service is speech and language.
- Maintain student progress notes in student records.
- Re-evaluate students' individual speech and language needs on a regular basis.
- Collaborate with school staff to coordinate services to students.
- Develop, organize, and participate in in-service training programs; develop and maintain current resource information.
- Participate on Student Support Committee and 504 meetings and implementations when appropriate.
- Serve as a resource for staff on issues related to speech and language therapy.
- Communicate and refer to outside agencies, hospitals, or clinics when appropriate.
- Participate in district Child Find activities.
- Perform related duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
Any combination equivalent to: Master's degree from an accredited college or university; successful experience in planning and providing occupational therapy services to children in medical or educational settings.
Licenses and Other Requirements
Master's degree with Illinois certification in Speech/Language Pathology; valid driver's license for use in the state of Illinois.
Knowledge and Abilities
- State and federal laws, regulations and codes applicable to speech and language.
- Fundamental principles and accepted trends in the field of speech and language therapy.
- Demonstrated knowledge of legal requirements that apply to identification, placement, and delivery of services.
- Physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth patterns in students.
- Testing practices, procedures, and methods.
- IEP preparation and implementation methods and procedures.
- Record keeping techniques.
- Oral and written communication skills.
- Interpersonal skills using tact, patience and courtesy.
- Cultural differences in student population.
Ability To
- Establish and manage a school program for students with communication disabilities.
- Use a variety of current methods, techniques and practices in speech and language therapy.
- Compose and comprehend written communication.
- Communicate effectively with students, parents and district personnel, both orally and in writing and through email.
- Properly use and care for materials, supplies, and equipment employed in performing services as a speech and language therapist.
- Analyze situations accurately and adopt an effective course of action.
- Develop, write and implement comprehensive Individual Education Plans (IEP) for special education students.
- Utilize various testing techniques, materials, equipment and instruments.
- Work effectively with a diverse population of students.
- Travel to other sites and locations.
Working Conditions
Environment: School site environment (including classroom during observations); driving vehicle to conduct work.
Physical Abilities: Hearing and speaking to exchange information and make presentations; able to carry needed materials.
Hazards: Contact (at times) with disgruntled individuals.