Speech - Language Pathologist

The Speech-Language Pathologist provides prevention, assessment, and remediation services for students who exhibit difficulties in the areas of language, speech, voice, and fluency. These services are designed to help children meet their educational goals. The Pathologist is responsible for the planning and oversight of the schools' program that addresses local school speech-language goals.

Qualifications:

• Valid Arkansas teaching license with applicable endorsement/certification (required)
• Minimum of three (3) years of successful campus or administrative experience (preferred)
• Master's Degree in Speech Pathology (SLP)
• Strong logistical, planning and coordination skills required
• Ability to perform research and communicate results effectively results
• Efficient organizational skills, attention to detail and the ability to meet deadlines required
• Effective oral and written communication skills and the ability to interact effectively with the public and district staff and management required
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of development and evaluation of child growth and development, effective instructional strategies, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning

Responsibilities:

• Conducts speech, language and hearing screenings
• Evaluates, analyzes, and interprets information to make recommendations regarding the need for speech-language services
• Presents and explains data to IEP team members
• Prepares evaluation summary
• Develops educational plans (IEP's) for identified students based on individually assessed needs in accordance with federal, state and local laws/guidelines
• Schedules intervention using a variety of service models, including classroom intervention, consultation/collaboration and pullouts as appropriate to meet student needs in the least restrictive environment
• Collaborates with school personnel, such as teachers and psychologists, to best meet students' needs
• Maintains records of the speech-language program and preparing periodic reports as required.
• Safeguards confidentiality of student records
• Completes records for third party reimbursement accurately and in a timely manner as appropriate
• Adheres to established rules, regulations, laws and appropriate ethical standards
• Demonstrates knowledge of federal, state and local rules, regulations and laws
• Complies with established lines of authority within the parameter of professional standards.
• Serves on student intervention teams/Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams as appropriate
• Cooperates with local education agencies, community and/or state programs to affect comprehensive services
• Serves on committees, such as curriculum development committee, school-based committees, and /or speech-language development meetings
• Administers formal and informal (ongoing & curriculum-based) assessments.
• Observes students in educational environments
• Obtains additional diagnostic information from appropriate persons and available records for speech-language purposes
• Provides appropriate information on an informal or formal basis regarding speech, language, and hearing programs
• Presents information to school personnel about language disorders and speech disorders as they relate to literacy, interactive communication skills, articulation, voice, and fluency and their impact on communication and learning
• Provides information to parents and teachers about speech, language and hearing development
• Speaks to community organizations and allied professionals, conducting workshops and providing public information when appropriate
• Supervises paraprofessionals, aides, volunteers and other professionals (as appropriate)
• Evaluates effectiveness of personnel assigned to the speech-language pathologist
• Manages and conducts therapy
• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of Arkansas Standard Course of Study in management of communicative disorders
• Collaborates/consults with classroom teachers in the management of speech-language disorders
• Plans evidence-based interventions appropriate for individual students and groups of students
• Selects and implements evidence-based practices which support the goals and objectives of the speech and language program and implementing the service delivery model most appropriate to the student's degree of severity
• Uses systematic and evidence-based methods and techniques and intervention strategies to foster communicative competence
• Manages the facilities, materials and equipment, including assistive technology, necessary to delivery of services
• Adjusts intervention strategies based upon student performance
• Promotes effective interpersonal relations with students
• Adheres to Local, State, Federal Regulations and Ethical Practices
• Engages in continuing education and professional growth activities related to speech-language and education. Serves as a liaison by providing consultation to parents, teachers and other appropriate school personnel
• Consults/seeks the assistance of teachers, parents and other non-school agencies to meet the communication needs of students
• Makes recommendations and referrals for audiological/medical and related services
• Collaborates appropriately with other allied health professional (i.e. physicians, therapists, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned by the superintendent or designee

Physical Demands:

The physical demands 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. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

Working Environment: The work environment characteristics are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

---