Speech Language Pathologist/Therapist

Department:      Special Services
Reports To:         Director of Special Services and School Principals (as assigned)
Qualifications:  Minimum of a Master's Degree required, a valid SC Teaching Certificate; Certificate of Clinical Competence for Speech-Language Pathologists (CCC-SLP) by The American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) is preferred; experience in the school setting preferred
Duties and Responsibilities:

• Provides speech/language services consistent with local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and guidelines and as prescribed by a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Serves as a resource to school staff members in development of a balanced program for oral communication, other modes of communication, speech improvement.
• Schedules meetings with appropriate persons to develop IEPs for each eligibility student with speech and language impairments.
• Provides a therapeutic program addressing goals prescribed in the student’s IEP.
• Assists and guides teachers in observing, prescribing interventions, and referring suspected and identified speech and language impairments. 
• Provides a thorough assessment and diagnosis of students with identified or suspected speech and language disabilities.
• Assists in appropriate referrals of individual students to agencies and specialists in the community as needed.
• Provides screenings throughout the school year to identify possible students with speech/language disabilities.
• Confers with classroom teachers in order to provide suggestions for the student’s daily activities when requested and appropriate.
• Provides information and support to parents and families of students with speech and language disabilities as appropriate.
• Maintains effective communication with parents/guardians and holds parent conferences as needed to discuss student progress.
• Adheres to established timelines per local procedures and state and federal regulations for initial evaluations, re-evaluations, Annual Reviews, Progress Reports, and the submission of compliance paperwork, reports, service logs, and Medicaid Billing.
• Collects data to determine student progress toward the achievement of IEP goals (and objectives as appropriate) and reports progress to parents according to the established schedule.
• Prepares and maintains various confidential student records such as IEPs and related paperwork, special services reports and paperwork, interim reports, progress reports, service logs, Medicaid billing paperwork, etc.
• Participates in professional meetings, educational conferences, special services workshops/trainings, and other professional development training/workshops. 
• Participates in faculty meetings at assigned schools unless otherwise approved by the Director of Special Services and the Principal.
• Operates a computer, IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) related software/computer programs, printer, copier, calculator, fax, audiovisual equipment, laptop, Chromebook, iPad, etc.
• Provides staff development (as assigned) and serves as a resource to teachers and school staff members on topics concerning speech/language/communication improvement.
• Maintains accurate and ongoing Medicaid documentation and submits it in accordance with local guidelines and procedures.
• Complies with all local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures governing programs and services for students with disabilities.
• Develops, updates, and maintains student’s IEPs on an annual basis (at minimum) and as needed (special reviews) and adheres to annual review compliance timelines.
• Plans and coordinates IEP meetings with the parents/guardians of students with speech/language disabilities per local, state, and federal laws, regulations, and procedures.
• Acts as the case manager for assigned students.
• Assists the school administration in implementing all policies and rules governing student life and conduct; develops reasonable rules of classroom behavior and procedure and maintains order the in the classroom in a fair and just manner.
• Assumes other duties as assigned per the Director of Special Services (i.e. Child Find activities, preschool pre-registration, etc.)
• Assumes other duties at the school as coordinated through the Director of Special Services and the Principal (i.e. bus rider duty schedule, lunch duty schedule, etc.)

• Assists in the supervision of special education para-professionals as appropriate (i.e. in the speech therapy room or when involved in the provision/modeling/etc. of speech/language/communication services, accommodations, and or modifications for students with IEPs)
• Supervises students

• Demonstrates the ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, and/or governmental regulations.
• Demonstrates the ability to write IDEA related documents (i.e. IEPs, evaluation reports, Prior Written Notices, etc.), service notes, Medicaid billing documentation, business correspondence.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate in person in a professional manner with other district and school staff and to maintain effective working relationships with students, peers, parents, and administrators.
• Demonstrates the ability to effectively present information and data and respond to questions from groups of supervisors, other district and school staff members, parents, students, and the general public.
• Demonstrates the ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply knowledge of current research and theory and best practices to instructional programs.
• Demonstrates the ability to plan and implement lessons based on the needs of students, the school schedule, etc.
• Demonstrates the ability to speak clear and concisely in written and oral communication.
• Maintains inventory of classroom supplies and equipment; prepares supply requisitions as needed.

Essential Functions:
In addition to the physical and mental capabilities implied by the responsibilities detailed above, the essential function of a Speech Language Pathologist/Therapist include: reading, writing, hearing, and speaking effectively, analyzing data, and occasionally lifting/moving items weighing up to 25 pounds. 
 
The job of a Speech Language Pathologist/Therapist involves adapting to a changing educational environment and therefore, while accurate, is not exhaustive.