JOB TITLE: Speech-Licensed Pathologist

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt

PAY GRADE:  Professional 03  

REPORTS TO:  Director of Special Education

DUTY DAYS:  192 Days    

DEPARTMENT:  Special Education

DATE REVISED:  June 2020

This position is eligible for a Non-Chapter 21 Contract

PRIMARY PURPOSE:

Plan and provide direct/indirect therapy to students with articulation, language, fluency and voice 

disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or 

impairments that interfere with students’ ability to derive full benefit from the educational program. 

Implement Response to Intervention strategies with general education students for early intervening

services.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Education/Certification:  

• Master’s Degree in speech-language pathology
• Valid Texas license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the Texas Board of Examiner’s for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology

OR

• Valid Texas Teacher’s Certificate for Speech-Language Therapy

Special Knowledge/Skills:

• Skill in the use of tests and measurements for assessing speech-language disorders
• Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders
• Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to travel to multiple work locations as assigned
• Ability to work with range of abilities and maturity level as assigned

Minimum Experience:  

Speech/language pathology experience or graduate practicum experience

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Program Management

• Assess students with speech or language disorders and determine eligibility for services.
• Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech/language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
• Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee regarding interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with speech and/or language disorders according to district procedures.
• Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of therapy services.
• Counsel and involve parents in the remedial process.
• Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom-based activities to improve oral and written language skills of students.
• Provide staff development training in assigned schools to assist school personnel in the identification and understanding of students with communication deficits.
• Compile, maintain, and file all reports, records, and other documents required.
• Comply with department SHARS reporting requirements.
• Comply with policies established by federal and state law, State Board of Education rules, and the local board policy
• Remain current and comply with department  medicaid billing submissions. 

School Climate

• Present a positive role model for students that support the mission of the school district.
• Maintain a positive and effective relationship with supervisors
• Comply with all district and local campus routines and regulations
• Effectively communicate with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the student
• Maintain confidentiality, compile and maintain all reports and other required documents

School Improvement

• Assess and respond to needs related to job responsibilities
• Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of the assessment program and implement changes based on the finding
• Assist in the selection of materials, equipment, and other instructional material.

Student Management

• Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate to the maturity and interest of students
• Establish control and administer discipline according to board policies and administrative regulations

Professional Growth and Development

• Develop needed professional skills appropriate to job assignment.
• Demonstrate behavior that is professional, ethical, and responsible
• Obtain continuing education/staff development hours to remain current and responsive to professional and ethical standards
• Keep informed of and comply with state, district and school regulations and policies

School/Community Relations

• Articulate the district’s mission and goals in the area of speech therapy to the community and solicit its support in realizing the mission
• Demonstrate awareness of school-community needs and initiate activities to meet those identified needs
• Demonstrate the use of appropriate and effective techniques for community and parent involvement
• Actively participate in campus activities
• Maintain a supportive and positive relationship with school personnel

SUPERVISORY RESPONSBILITIES:  

• May direct/monitor licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s), Clinical Fellowship intern(s) or graduate student intern(s)

PROFESSIONAL PRACTICES:

• Abide  by the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) Code of Ethics
• Adhere to all board policies, district administrative procedures, and the Individuals with Disabilities Act

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

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:   Maintain professionalism with all staff.  Must maintain emotional control and exercise reasoning and problem-solving skills while under stress. Must demonstrate ability to communicate effectively (verbal and written). Should be able to interpret procedures and analyze data for decision-making. Frequent in-district and occasional in-state travel. Occasional prolonged and irregular hours.

Safety:  Contribute to the prevention of accidents and injuries by observing safety rules and District policy, practicing the principles and skills taught in safety training, wearing personal protective equipment as required, reporting injuries and incidences immediately to supervisor, and being proactive in the ongoing efforts to improve and maintain workplace safety.

The information contained in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.