CLASS TITLE: SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST
QUALIFICATIONS: 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.
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education and Building Principals
JOB GOALS: Under the direction of the Special Education Director, 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.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Prepares written evaluations and maintains records which clearly and succinctly document services provided, student progress and discharge from therapy.
Complies with evaluations standards and determines eligibility for services based on the Minnesota Eligibility Guidelines for Communication Disorders.
Effectively communicates test results, diagnosis and proposed treatment plans.
Participates in the multidisciplinary team process regarding eligibility issues, Individual Education Plan (IEP) development, consultation services and service delivery models.
Assures compliance with established state and federal laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.
Prepares reports as needed by the local school district and/or the MN Department of Education.
Develops treatment plans consistent with the IEP. Reviews therapy goals and Objectives and make recommendations for changes as appropriate.
Employs instructional/therapeutic methods and materials that are appropriate for meeting each student’s goals and objectives.
Operates and maintains a variety of therapeutic equipment and trains others in use of the equipment as necessary.
Assesses, selects and develops augmentative and/or alternative communication systems and provides training in their use.
Supervises and coordinates the activities of any assigned staff. Adheres to state law regarding the type and amount of supervision required for licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s).
Communicates with students who have disorders of communication, their families, caregivers and other service providers relative to the student’s disability and its management.
Assists in development of classroom activities to meet the communication needs of the student.
Communicates with appropriate agencies, schools and other organizations as needed in order to meet the needs of students with communication disabilities.
Remains current concerning instructional and technological advances and other matters concerning speech-language therapy.
Attends and participates in professional workshops and conferences. Provides in-service training to other professionals and paraprofessionals.
Attends staff meetings and serves on committees as needed. Operates office equipment, as appropriate. Demonstrates regular attendance and punctuality. Adheres to professional Codes of Ethics adopted by the Minnesota Education Professional Standards Board. Performs other duties consistent with the position as may be requested by the Director of Special Education or Superintendent.
KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES:
Principles and techniques of speech-language therapy, training and supervising staff.
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, service provision and speech language pathology.
State laws and regulations governing the practice of speech-language pathology and local school district policies and procedures.
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 and observe health and safety regulations.