Primary Purpose

Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, fluency, voice, language or pragmatic disorders. Evaluate, develop, and implement intervention/treatment plans to eliminate or reduce impairments that interfere with a student’s ability to derive full benefit from their educational program.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Master’s degree in Speech Language Pathology from an accredited college or university

Valid Texas License as a Speech Language Pathologist granted by the State Board of Examiners for Speech Language Pathology and Audiology

Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) issued by the American Speech Language Hearing Association (If Clinical Fellowship Year, candidate must attain within first year of employment)

Candidate must have satisfactory outcome of fingerprinting background check. Non-refundable fee (approximately $50) paid by employee.

Knowledge/Skills:

Knowledge of Evaluation Procedures and Treatment Methodologies for individuals with Communication Disorders

Ability to administer and interpret a variety of diagnostic test and measurements

Knowledge of and ability to interpret State, Local, and Federal regulations affecting the identification and treatment of students with disabilities

Ability to instruct and manage student behavior

Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills (written and oral)

Knowledge of policies and procedures addressing specific duties/responsibilities of the position of a Speech/Language Therapist or Pathologist

Ability to develop and implement staff training

Ability to work cooperatively with staff, students and parents
Familiarity with augmentative communication devices

Ability to adjust to and be flexible in a multitude of situations in the school environment

Bilingual (Spanish) 

Experience:

Clinical fellowship year students eligible (must have valid Texas intern license to practice)

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)

Professionalism

The Educators' Code of Ethics is set forth in Texas Administrative Code to provide rules for standard practices and ethical conduct toward students, professional colleagues, school officials, parents, and members of the community.

• Rule §247.1 Purpose and Scope; Definitions
• Rule §247.2 Code of Ethics and Standard Practices for Texas Educators

Organization Management

The speech language pathologist manages administrative, fiscal, and facilities functions responsibly through activities such as the following: 

• Receive student referrals and implement the appraisal process.
• Select and administer formal and informal assessments to determine student eligibility for special education services according to federal and Texas Education Agency regulations.
• Collect and organize relevant assessment data from student’s cumulative folder, classroom teacher(s), principal, support staff, parents, and outside resource people.
• Conduct classroom observation and personal interviews.
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist with interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and development of Individual Education Plans (IEP) for students according to District procedures.
• Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals within the Individual Education Plan (IEP).
• Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of services.
• Develop and maintain effective individual and group relationships with students and parents.
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and make changes based on findings.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other document required.
• Comply with policy in the areas of assessment, placement, and planning for special education services.
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations.

Instructional Management

The speech language pathologist promotes improvement of instruction through activities such as the following:

• Assist classroom teachers with implementation of individual education plans (IEP).
• Instruct eligible students in the use of appropriate communication technologies (hearing aids, FM systems, augmentative communication devices, etc.) to minimize the adverse educational impact of communication disorders.
• Develop plans, interventions and/or educational materials for the purpose of minimizing the adverse educational impact of communication disorders.
• Administer appropriate test instruments to students who are referred for consideration of eligibility as speech impaired, and write reports to reflect the findings.
• Participate in the ARD/IEP committee meeting to select appropriate goals and objectives in the areas of speech and language to remediate areas of weakness identified in standardized testing and classroom performance.
• Develop and implement speech/language therapy that reflects the IEP for students.
• Maintain written records of the performance of students over time to document progress toward mastery of IEP goal and objectives.
• Assist classroom teachers to make the needed accommodations and instructional support for students with speech/language weaknesses.
• Report on a regular basis, as determined in the ARD/IEP, on the progress of students toward mastery of their IEPs.

Organization Climate

The speech language pathologist fosters positive morale through activities such as the following: 

• Assess and plan improvement of the school, school District, or community environment.
• Reinforce excellence.
• Promote a positive and caring climate.  

Organization Improvement

The speech language pathologist promotes leadership in efforts to improve the school or organization through activities such as the following:  

• Assist in the selection of assessment materials and equipment. 

Communication and Community Relations

The speech language pathologist promotes a positive tone for school or community relations through activities such as the following:  

• Consult with parents concerning the educational needs of students and interpretation of assessment data.
• Consult with parents, teachers, administrators, and other relevant individuals to enhance their work with students.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors.
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents.

Professional Growth and Development

The speech language pathologist provides leadership in professional growth and development through activities such as the following:  

• Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in identification and understanding of students with disabilities.
• Participate actively in professional associations.
• Disseminate ideas and information to other professionals.

Qualities of Speech Language Pathologists

The speech language pathologist exhibits qualities such as the following: 

• Daily attendance and punctuality at work are essential functions of the job.
• Comply with District and campus policies and procedures, as well as state and federal laws and regulations.
• Comply with the standards of conduct set out in Board Policy DH (Legal) and (Local) and with any other policies, regulations, and guidelines that impose duties, requirements, or standards.
• Demonstrate a high level of personal integrity, a collaborative leadership style, and high ethical standards.
• Compile, maintain and file all reports, records, and other required documents.
• Attend and participate in faculty meetings and serve on staff committees as required.
• Maintain confidentiality. 

Supervisory Responsibilities:  

• None 

Equipment:

Personal computer, printer, calculator, telephone, copier, scanner, fax machine and other equipment applicable to the position.

Working Conditions

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors: 

• Maintain emotional control under stress.
• Work with frequent interruptions.
• Work irregular hour and extended work hours to include holidays and weekends.
• Regular district-wide travel to multiple work locations as assigned.
• Occasional statewide travel.
• Use computer for prolonged period resulting in repetitive hand motions.
• Frequent exposure to: temperature extremes (hot and cold), humidity extremes, noise, low or intense illumination vibration.
• Occasional exposure to: biological hazards (communicable diseases, bacteria, etc.), work outside, work around moving objects or vehicles, work on uneven surfaces. 
• Frequent walking, standing, stooping, bending, pulling, pushing, heavy lifting, and moderate carrying.
• May be required to lift and transfer students to and from wheelchair or assist positioning students with physical disabilities.

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties that may be assigned or skills that may be required.