Job Title:            Speech Language Pathologist

Department:      Special Services

Pay Grade:         E101

FLSA Status:      Exempt

Reports to:         Assistant Director III - Therapy & Related Services

GENERAL PURPOSE

This position is responsible for providing support to the instructional program with specific responsibility of identifying and serving students with disabilities in the area of communication; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to assist with minimizing adverse educational impact; keeping accurate records of therapy and student progress; submitting required documentation in order for the District to bill Medicaid for eligible students. 

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assesses students’ communication skills identifying communication disorders, determining program eligibility and developing recommendations for treatment.
• Collaborates with internal and external stakeholders communicating information, resolving issues and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.
• Coordinates meetings and processes eligible students presenting evaluation results, developing treatment plans, and/or providing training to parents/students/staff.
• Develops treatment plans, tiered interventions, and/or provides skilled therapy minimizing the adverse impact of communication disorders in compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Instructs assigned support staff providing information on communicative disorders, use of assistive devices and feeding techniques and/or implementing prescribed treatment plans.
• Interprets medical reports within the scope of Speech/Language Pathologist’s experience and goals providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.
• Participates in professional learning activities acquiring research-based knowledge of current practices, compliance standards, regulations and procedures.
• Participates in required meetings such as evaluation meetings, IEP’s, site special services staff meetings and therapy department meetings.
• Prepares a wide variety of materials documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.
• Researches resources and methods of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students’ needs.
• Responds to inquiries providing information and/or referral as appropriate.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites ensuring the availability of items as needed.
• Reports health and safety issues to instructional personnel, administrative personnel and/or appropriate agencies maintaining students’ personal safety, a positive learning environment and complying with regulatory requirements and established guidelines.
• Supervises SLP Clinical Fellow, practicum students and provides guidance and training for other staff that use speech and/or language strategies achieving overall objectives of school curriculum.
• Performs other related duties as required/assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS

Education and Experience

• Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology from an accredited program, required.
• Minimum of two (2) years of job related experience preferred.

Certificates and Licenses

• Missouri Board of Healing Arts licensure in Speech Language Pathology, required.
• ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology, preferred.
• Must pass a Criminal Background Clearance, the results of which must be satisfactory to the District, required.
• Possession of a valid Driver’s License, with evidence of insurability.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of basic math, including calculations using fractions, percentages, and/or ratios; read a variety of manuals, write documents following prescribed formats, and/or present information to others; and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions, and analyze situations to define issues, draw conclusions and create action plans.
• Knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: principles of speech and language therapy, health standards and hazards, safety practices and procedures, developmentally appropriate activities, current speech and language treatment interventions, and pertinent policies, regulations and/or laws.
• Skill to perform multiple, technical tasks with a need to routinely upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions.
• Skill based competencies required to perform the functions of the job, applying assessment instruments, operating equipment used in speech and language therapy strategies, adhering to safety practices, facilitating meetings, and preparing and maintaining accurate records.
• Ability to read technical information and compose a variety of documents.
• Ability to work with others under a wide variety of circumstances; working with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using defined methods.
• Ability to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment.
• Ability to collaborate and communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to apply critical thinking/problem solving to improve work processes.
• Ability to adhere to safety practices; meet deadlines and schedules; work under time constraints; and communicate with diverse groups.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

• Work environment is primarily inside, where the noise and temperature levels are moderate.
• The work is light work that requires exerting up to 20 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 10 pounds of force to move objects.
• Must possess the physical ability to work primarily with fingers, perceive the nature of sounds, make rational decisions through sound logic and deductive processes, express or exchange ideas by the spoken word, substantial movements (motions) with the hands, wrists, and/or fingers, and discern letters or numbers at a given distance.
• Additionally, the following physical abilities are required: balancing, climbing, crawling, crouching, feeling, grasping, handling, hearing, kneeling, manual dexterity, mental acuity, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, standing, stooping, talking, visual acuity and walking.