PRIMARY PURPOSE:

The Speech-Language Pathologist, under the direction of the, plans and implements an appropriate remedial program for students with speech-language impairments.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Certification Requirements

• Master's degree
• Current License from the Texas State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SBOE)
• Certificate of Clinical Competence from American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA)
• Valid Texas Driver’s License
• Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50.00) paid by the employee.

Special Knowledge and Skills

• Knowledge of policies and procedures addressing specific duties/responsibilities of the position of a Speech/Language Therapist or Pathologist
• Ability to administer and interpret assessment instruments related to communication disorders
• Ability to develop and implement staff training
• Basic computer skills
• Strong organizational and communication (written and oral)
• Knowledge of federal and state laws related to speech therapy services
• Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents
• Ability to adjust to and be flexible in a multitude of situations in the school environment

Experience

• Work with school-aged and pre-school aged children, including observation and supervised practice, as required for licensure

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

(The following statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned and should not be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions that may be assigned or skills that may be required.)

• Consults with teachers and provides Response to Intervention (RtI) strategies for students on assigned campuses, prior to referral for evaluation
• Schedules, conducts, and participates in meetings to review referral data and obtain consent to evaluate students
• Completes comprehensive, diagnostic evaluations to identify those students with communication disorders in accordance with the eligibility guidelines established by Federal, State, and local policies
• Completes written evaluation reports, including eligibility, in accordance with Federal and State laws and local policies and procedures
• Schedules and participates as a member of the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee, to review evaluation data and plan an appropriate Individual Education Plan (IEP) for students eligible for speech therapy services
• Conducts assistive technology evaluations, as needed, to determine communication needs
• Develops appropriate individualized plans to implement assistive technology recommendations
• Schedules and delivers speech therapy services to assigned students
• Ensures that an appropriate IEP is written for each student enrolled in the program
• Follows the IEP in choosing methods and materials for instruction
• Assists the classroom teacher (special or regular) in providing carryover of the speech therapy program as well as recommending modifications to ensure student success
• Maximizes amount of time available for instruction and delivery of services
• Demonstrates effective therapy/teaching methods and selects appropriate therapy/teaching materials using a variety of activities to develop student interest and performance
• Manages student behavior and activities to allow for learning
• Creates a learning environment conducive to student intellectual, social, emotional, and character development
• Maintains accurate student attendance and progress records that are appropriate and consistent with special education guidelines
• Maintains appropriate documentation to enable the District to meet Federal, State, and local funding requirements, and submits documentation according to specified District timelines
• Submits monthly School Health and Related Services (SHARS) claims for evaluation/therapy services, including documentation of data collection
• Utilizes computer applications to write reports, document student progress, collect data, and maintain accurate records of student performance
• Establishes and maintains professional rapport with students, teachers, supervisors, administrators, colleagues, and parents
• Uses the district’s electronic mail system in accordance with JISD’s Acceptable User Policy
• Participates in professional growth opportunities provided through the staff development program of the district and other approved entities
• Maintains current license and certification by acquiring the necessary Continuing Education Units (CEUs) as mandated by the Texas SBOE and ASHA
• Provides required supervision to the Speech Therapy Assistant including maintaining records of supervision
• Maintains a consistent professional demeanor and appearance
• Ensure compliance with the Texas Educator’s Code of Ethics
• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job

Supervisory Responsibilities:

Supervision of students and assistant speech/language pathologists, as appropriate

Equipment Used:

• Office equipment – personal computer, printer, calculator, multi-line telephone, software programs and peripherals, copier, fax, and other equipment applicable to position.
• Communication equipment – radio communication equipment, cellular telephone
• Video monitoring equipment

Working Conditions:

Mental Demands:

• Maintain emotional control under stress
• Work with frequent interruptions

Physical Demands:

• Frequent: Sitting, standing, walking, climbing stairs and/or ramps, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, pulling, pushing, reaching, repetitive hand motions, hearing, speaking clearly, visual acuity, distinguishing colors, driving, traveling.
• Occasional: Lifting, moderate, 15-44 pounds; carrying, moderate, 15-44 pounds

Environmental Factors:

• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination, vibration
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, insects, mold, fungi, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces, work alone, work prolonged or irregular hours.

Nondiscrimination Statement:

The Judson School District considers applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, marital or veteran status, the presence of a medical condition, disability, or any other legally protected status.