SPEEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPIST

DEFINITION

Under the direction of the Site Principal, provide students with specialized instruction who have language, speech, or hearing disorders.  To assist staff in assessing, planning, identifying and implementing instructional programs for students with communication deficits; to provide services to remediate speech, language, hearing and/or communication deficits; to help remediate speech and language impairments that interfere with the individual student’s ability to derive full benefit from the educational program and to perform related duties as assigned.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Under the direct supervision of the site principal.

EXAMPLES OF  DUTIES / ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Duties may include, but are not limited to the following:

• Identify individuals with language, speech or hearing disorders.
• Screen and evaluate students referred for speech/language services.
• Develop and implement an individualized speech or language program for each student enrolled.
• Develop specialized instruction for individuals with language, speech, or hearing disorder, delayed development, as specified in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).
• Consult with parents, teachers, or other school personnel in the management of an individual’s language, speech or hearing disorder, delayed development, as specified in the IEP.
• Set up and carry out the speech and language disorder program.
• Coordinate the program with the classroom teacher and assist teachers in carrying out the program.
• Screen and evaluate students referred for speech/language services.
  • Develop and implement an individualized speech or language program for each student enrolled.
  • Keep abreast of trends and developments in special education, and seek out creative educational practices to improve quality of instruction.  Participate in continuing education studies.
  • Serve as a contributing member of the IEP team in the evaluation and placement of students into special education programs.
  • Consult with teachers regarding language programs within the classrooms.
  • Serve as a resource to school staff and families in developing, training, and using oral and alternative communication programs.
  • Assist and guide families, teachers, and other school staff members in observing, describing and referring students with suspected and/or identified communication deficits.
  • Assist in referrals of students to agencies and specialists in the community as appropriate.
  • Provide training, in-service and/or staff development activities to a variety of audiences as needed.
  • Monitor student progress toward communication goals and objectives.
  • Maintain required reports, records, and legal documents of referred, screened, and eligible students.
  • Perform other duties assigned by the administrator.

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Students with exceptional needs.
• Diagnostic and assessment instruments.
• Methods and materials to remediate speech and language disorders.
• Policies and regulations in the identification of students and educational planning.
• Practical application of principles, practices, methods and strategies applicable to students with communication deficits.
  • Current research and developments in field of specialty.
  • Laws, codes, regulations, ordinances and other requirements which are applicable to the education field.
  • Educational techniques, tests, materials, methods, theories, and trends in identifying, assessing and instructing students with communication deficits.

Ability to:

• Communicate effectively with students, staff and parents.
• Work as a team member with other speech and language therapists and professional staff.
• Respond promptly to requests for services.
• Provide needed direction, assistance, training, materials, and resources.
• Express ideas and concepts clearly and concisely in both oral and written form; use language and medium appropriate for audience.
• Establish and maintain cooperative and professional working relationships with students, families, staff, groups, public and private agency personnel.
• Analyze data and situations, render judgment, make decisions and solve problems efficiently and effectively.
• Plan, organize and conduct training and in-services.
  • Maintain and improve professional skills and knowledge.
  • Be flexible and receptive to change.
  • Interpret and apply education laws, codes, and regulations.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Previous speech and language therapist experience desirable.
• Three years successful teaching experience working with a wide range of age groups and handicapping conditions preferred.
• Basic knowledge of language development for children who are English Language Learners.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES/OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Masters Degree from an accredited college or university with a major in speech, language, and hearing.
• California Speech & Hearing Therapy, Clinical or Rehabilitative Services Credential in Language, Speech & Hearing or California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential in Language, Speech & Hearing.
• California State License in Speech and Language Pathology desired.
• Bilingual/Spanish desired.
• Valid California Driver’s License.
• Fingerprint and TB clearance required prior to employment.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Sitting or standing for extended periods of time.
• Lifting light objects.
• Bending at the waist, kneeling or crouching to assist students.
• Reaching overhead, above the shoulders and horizontally.
• Seeing to read a variety of materials and monitor student activities with or without vision aids.
• Hearing and speaking to exchange information.
• Travel to and walk to various locations at school sites and offices.

SALARY

 Placement on the current Certificated Salary Schedule according to experience.