Speech-Language Pathologist

* This position can be either Certified or Classified *

TITLE: Speech Therapist (Certified)

QUALIFICATIONS: Valid Kentucky Certification

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Principals

PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

1. Maintains at all times an orderly learning atmosphere and keeps the Principal and Director of Special Education fully informed of the speech-language program’s activities and problems.
2. Conducts speech and language screening for students referred by teachers, parents, or other school personnel.
3. Conducts hearing screenings as a part of the screening process.
4. Conducts and completes collaboratively with other teachers/administrators all required elements for enrollment of students in the speech-language program and three-year evaluation of students enrolled in the program, including: behavioral observations; all elements of complete speech-language evaluation and written assessment reports; due process paperwork; attendance at SBARC meetings (and arrangement for the meetings for “speech only” students) to consult with parents and teachers regarding test results and recommendations; development and maintenance of individualized plans (IEP’s) for all students enrolled.
5. Provides specially designed instruction to all students on assigned caseload.
6. Evaluates the progress of each child’s speech/language goal on their caseload.
7. Maintains IEP goal progress logs for each student on their caseload.
8. Develop appropriate health and/or safety plans based upon the individual student needs, as applicable.
9. Maintains confidentiality of student records in accordance to district policies and procedures.
10. Follows the policies and procedures as outlined in the district’s Special Education policies and procedures and follows revised procedures as outlined by the Director of Special Education in accordance to KDE regulations.
11. Maintains accurate records of therapy treatment sessions and submits records for Medicaid billing in a timely manner.
12. Develops and maintains a daily schedule with the priorities of minimal disruption to academic schedules and special class schedules for maximum use of therapy time.
13. Establishes and maintains standards of individual student behavior with district/SBDM policies.
14. Maintains contact with parents for on-going intervention and progress.
15. Takes an active part in the professional development program of the school and the district, and participates in the planning and evaluation of the school’s curriculum and extra-curricular activities through membership on various district and SBDM Council committees.
16. Maintains professional competence through professional development activities provided by the district and/or consortia, and through self-selected professional growth activities.
17. Consults with teachers regarding the status of students referred for a speech, language, hearing screening, those enrolled in the speech-language program, those being evaluated for placement in the speech-language program, and those for whom classroom intervention is appropriate.
18. Serve as a resource to the regular classroom teacher(s) in the development of a balanced program.
19. Creates a safe, disciplined, and effective environment for learning.
20. Takes all necessary and reasonable precaution to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities.
21. Assumes responsibility for requisitioning and maintaining needed equipment and supplies after consulting the Director of Special Education.
22. Maintains proper inventories non-expendable school supplies, materials, and equipment assigned to the classroom.
23. Assists in upholding and enforcing school rules, administrative regulation, Board of Education policies, and SBDM Council policies.
24. Completes monthly and final end-of-year data reports.
25. Shares duties of the school as assigned by the Principal, and supervises pupils in out-of-classroom activities during the assigned work day.
26. Observes the Board approved “chain of command” in airing grievances and in communicating suggestions for improving school operations.
27. Attends faculty meetings and Parent/Teacher Organization meetings and serves on staff/district and SBDM Council meetings on request of staff.
28. Participates in school-based decision making, including electing teacher Council representatives, serving on Council and providing input and feedback on all matters relating to the operation of the school in his/her building.
29. Supports or participates in school-wide student activities and social events and approved fund-raising activities if applicable.
30. Always maintains the highest professional standards in personal conduct.
31. Performs related duties and assumes other responsibilities as may be assigned by the Principal, Director of Special Education, or the Superintendent.
32. Adheres to the Professional Code of Ethics.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Certified Personnel.

CLASS TITLE: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST (CLassified)

BASIC FUNCTION:

Under the direction of the Admissions & Release Committee, screen, assess and identify students with communication disorders which adversely affect their educational progress. Develop and provide direct and indirect services within the student’s educational setting, based on established IEP goals and objectives.

REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES:

• Prepare written evaluations and maintain records which clearly and succinctly document services provided, student progress and discharge from therapy as recommended to the Admissions & Release Committee.
• Comply with evaluations standards and determine eligibility for services based on the Kentucky Eligibility Guidelines for Communication Disorders .

• Effectively communicate test results, diagnosis and proposed treatment plans to the Admissions and Release Committee.

• Participate in the multidisciplinary team process regarding eligibility issues, Individual Education Plan (IEP) development, consultation services and service delivery models.
• Assure compliance with established state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Prepare reports as needed by the local school district and/or the KY Department of Education.
• Develop treatment plans consistent with the IEP. Review therapy goals and objectives and make recommendations for changes as appropriate to the Admissions & Release Committee.
• Employ instructional/therapeutic methods and materials that are appropriate for meeting each student’s goals and objectives.
• Operate and maintain a variety of therapeutic equipment and train others in use of the equipment as necessary.
• Assess, select and develop augmentative and/or alternative communication systems and provide training in their use.
• Participate in hearing screening programs to identify and refer students with suspected hearing impairment and/or middle ear disorders.
• Supervise and coordinate the activities of any assigned staff. Adhere to state law regarding the type and amount of supervision required for licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s).
• Communicate with students who have disorders of communication, their families, caregivers and other service providers relative to the student’s disability and its management. Assist in development of classroom activities to meet the communication needs of the student.
• Communicate with appropriate agencies, schools and other organizations as needed in order to meet the needs of students with communication disabilities.
• Remain current concerning instructional and technological advances and other matters concerning speech-language therapy. Attend and participate in professional workshops and conferences. Provide in-service training to other professionals and paraprofessionals.
• Attend staff meetings and serve on committees as needed.
• Operate office equipment, as appropriate.
• Perform related duties as assigned.
• Adheres to the Professional Code of Ethics

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:

KNOWLEDGE OF :

• Principles and techniques of speech-language therapy

• Methods and procedures for assessment and treatment of communication disorders (speech sound production and use, receptive and expressive language, fluency, voice, oral motor, etc.)

• State and federal laws and regulations regarding special education records, due process and service provision

• Local school district policies and procedures

• State laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology.

• Kentucky Eligibility Guidelines for Communication Disabilities

• Principals of training & supervising staff

• Health and safety regulations

ABILITY TO:

• Provide speech-language therapy to eligible students.

• Develop and evaluate the appropriateness of treatment plans (IEPs).

• Develop student rapport and establish a positive therapeutic atmosphere.

• Communicate and work effectively with the families of students with disabilities.

• Work collaboratively with other professionals.

• Maintain student records and prepare reports as specified by the District.

• Read, interpret, apply and explain rules, regulations, policies, and procedures.

• Prepare written evaluations and reports.

• Remain current concerning knowledge of therapeutic and special issues.

• Operate and maintain therapeutic and office equipment.

• Prioritize and schedule work.

• Meet schedules and timelines.

• Train and supervise others as needed.

• Observe health and safety regulations.

EVALUATION:

Performance of this job will be evaluated in accordance with provisions of the Board’s policy on Evaluation of Classified Personnel.

The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this job classification. These statements are not intended to be a complete list of responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so assigned. Responsibilities and duties assigned are at the discretion of the supervisor.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

A master’s degree or any combination equivalent to a master’s degree in the area of speech-language pathology from an accredited program in speech-language therapy, and all other requirements as set forth in KRS334A.050.

LICENSES AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Valid speech-language pathology license, or interim license, issued by the Kentucky Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology .