Speech Language Pathologist

KIPP Texas Public Schools is a network of 59 public charter, open-enrollment, pre-k-12 schools educating nearly 34,000 students across Austin, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston, and San Antonio. Together with families and communities, our mission is to create joyful, academically excellent schools that prepare students with the skills and confidence to pursue the paths they choose college, career, and beyondso they can lead fulfilling lives and build a more just world.

Founded in Houston in 1994, and operating as KIPP Texas since 2018, our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism in our classrooms, in our offices, and in the communities we serve is unwavering. We are looking to hire a diverse team of dynamic, collaborative, and dedicated individuals with an unyielding belief that every child will succeed. Join our Team and Family and champion equity, chase excellence, persist with purpose, bring joy, and help us rise together.

KIPP Texas is part of the national KIPP network of 255 college-preparatory public charter schools in 20 states and the District of Columbia. Nationwide, KIPP students complete four-year college at a rate of 36 percent, comparable to the national average for all students and approximately three times higher than the average of students from low-income communities.

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The Opportunity
The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) is responsible for assessing, diagnosing, and treating students in grades K-12 with speech (including articulation, phonological, voice, resonance, and fluency disorders), language, and social communication disorders. He/she also serves as a campus consultant for staff, teachers, and parents on issues related to speech and language development. The SLP is responsible for maintaining accurate clinical records for students receiving speech therapy. This position furthers the mission of KIPP Texas as it helps ensure that all students with communication disorders receive the specialized interventions they need to make meaningful progress and lead a life of choice.

Key Responsibilities

Evaluate students with speech impairments
a. Observe students who are having speech difficulties as noticed by parents or teachers who suspect an impairment
b. Assess and evaluate students to determine if a speech impairment is present and to determine eligibility for services
c. Recommend in-classroom interventions prior to therapy referral
d. Participate in Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committee meetings to interpret
assessments and to discuss appropriate placement and goal setting for student identified as having speech or language impairments
e. Participate in KIPP Houstons All Children Will Learn (ACWL) committee meetings to discuss interventions and pre-referral recommendations

Provide therapy to students that are identified as speech impaired
a. Meet with students on a regular basis to ensure services are provided as indicated in the ARD document ; Closely follow therapy schedule and provide make-up sessions when necessary
b. Provide therapy in the areas of language, articulation, fluency, and voice disorders
c. Implement Best Practices related to therapy techniques
d. Complete clinical records and paperwork associated with speech services
e. Provide students with Speech report cards each quarter to track progress

Evaluate the effectiveness of speech therapy
a. Assist teachers and parents in monitoring and evaluating the effectiveness of speech therapy throughout the year
b. Anticipate areas where there is a need for more development or improvement
c. Meet with the ARD committee to discuss progress, interpret test results, and/or modify students IEPs
d. Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of each student

Provide informative workshops for educators, school leaders and faculty members

a. Work with members of the Special Education Team in S 3 to provide at least one workshop per year at each KIPP Houston campus; Address issues such as developmental and educational norms for speech and in-classroom interventions

b. Provide educators and parents with resources related to speech and language

c. Assist school personnel in the identification and understanding of students with communication deficits

Attend and participate in monthly Special Education meetings with the Director of Special Populations

Education and Knowledge:

• Valid licensure through Texas Department of Licensure & Regulation as a Speech Language Pathologist
• Valid Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology
• Previous experience as a Speech Language Pathologist in a school setting

Skills:
Experience collaborating with teammates
Experience using a variety of assessments to diagnose communication disorders
Excellent interpersonal skills
Articulate, professional demeanor with strong self-confidence and initiative
Ability to work both on broad-based strategy and everyday details
Ability to exercise excellent judgment in decision-making
Ability to synthesize knowledge and present it to stakeholders in a comprehensive
manner
Independent, self-starter with a strong focus on student development
Proven written and verbal communication skills
Strong organizational and planning skills
Possession of a passionate and loving attitude toward all children
Responsiveness; Follow-up and follow-through with students, families, and staff
members is essential
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
Proficiency using computers, printers, copy machines, and fax machines
Reliable transportation

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is based on years of experience, degree of education, and level of expertise.

As a full-time KIPP Texas employee you are eligible to participate in all KIPP Texas benefit plans. KIPP Texas offers a robust variety of benefits choices with competitive rates, including medical, dental, and vision options, life insurance, fertility, and disability plans starting as low as $25/month.

KIPP provides equal employment opportunities for all applicants and employees. As an equal opportunity employer, we hire without consideration of race, religion, creed, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or disability.