Speech-Language Pathologist

Experience:     Job related experience within a specialized field is required

Education:      Master’s Degree in job related area

Certificates/License:       Kansas Department of Aging & Disability Services—Speech-Language Pathology License

Status:      School Year Term – Benefit Eligible

Salary:      Certified Salary Schedule__Determined by qualifications and experience

Location:      McPherson County Special Education Cooperative

Report to:      McCSEC Director and/or Building Principal

FSLA Classification:      Exempt                   

Purpose Statement

The job of Speech-Language Pathologist is done for the purpose(s) of supporting the instructional program with specific responsibilities for identifying students with communication disorders; planning and implementing appropriate individual educational plans to minimize adverse impact on student success; and recommending direct and indirect services to improve students’ communication competence.

Essential Functions

• Assesses students' communication skills (e.g. articulation, fluency, voice, expressive and receptive language, etc.) for the purpose of identifying communication disorders, determining program eligibility, and developing recommendations for treatment.

• Collaborates with a variety of groups and individuals (e.g. parents, teachers, physicians, administration, team members, other professionals, etc.) for the purpose of communicating information, resolving issues, and providing services in compliance with established guidelines.

• Coordinates meetings and processes for eligible students (e.g. testing and screening, IEPs, parent conferences, pre-referral staffing, etc.) for the purpose of presenting evaluation results, developing treatment plans, and providing training to parents, students, and staff.

• Develops individual educational plans, interventions, and educational materials for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of communication disorders in compliance with regulatory requirements.

• Interprets medical reports within the scope of the Speech Language Pathologist's experience for the purpose of providing information and ensuring that treatment and intervention plans are appropriate.
  
  
• Maintains complete confidentiality and professional discretion with a variety of confidential and non-confidential activities, files and records (e.g. conversations, emails, progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, required documentation, quarterly reports, screening results, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, complying with mandated requirements, and providing up-to-date information.

• Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. training, IEPs, team meetings, general education intervention meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and gathering information.

• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs, correspondence, memos, educational plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, progress reports, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and conveying information.

• Provides speech and language therapy to students for the purpose of minimizing the adverse impact of speech and language disorders on student success. 

• Provides itinerant services at multiple work sites for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.

• Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and therapy techniques, assessment tools and methods, community resources, etc.) for the purpose of determining the appropriate approach for addressing students' needs.

• Responds to inquiries (e.g. parents, teachers, staff, students, etc.) for the purpose of resolving problems, providing information, and/or referring to appropriate personnel.

• Schedules student speech language therapy intervention sessions for the purpose of directing services in an efficient and timely manner. 

• Serves as a Case Coordinator for speech-language only students for the purpose of ensuring each student is receiving services and IEPs are in compliance.

• Supervises paraeducators and/or speech assistants for the purpose of monitoring performance and supporting the overall objectives of the instructional program to impact student success.

• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.

• Travels to multiple work sites for the purpose of providing speech/language services to students and support to staff.

Other Functions

• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Job Requirements: Minimum Qualifications

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

SKILLS are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to occasionally upgrade skills in order to meet changing job conditions. Specific skill based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: applying assessment instruments; operating specialized equipment used in the treatment of communication disorders; operating standard office equipment including pertinent computer software; and preparing and maintaining accurate records.

KNOWLEDGE is required to perform basic math, including calculations using fractions, percents, and/or ratios; review and interpret highly technical information, write technical materials, and/or speak persuasively to implement desired actions; and analyze situations to define issues and draw conclusions. Specific knowledge based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms and disorders; principles and practices of speech and language therapy; and pertinent codes, policies, regulations, and laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use jobrelated equipment. Flexibility is required to independently work with others in a wide variety of circumstances; work with data utilizing defined but different processes; and operate equipment using standardized methods. Ability is also required to work with a significant diversity of individuals and/or groups; work with data of widely varied types and/or purposes; and utilize job-related equipment. Independent problem solving is required to analyze issues and create action plans. Problem solving with data frequently requires independent interpretation of guidelines; and problem solving with equipment is significant. Specific ability based competencies required to satisfactorily perform the functions of the job include: adapting to changing work priorities; communicating with diverse groups; utilizing specialized equipment in communication disorders; maintaining confidentiality; meeting deadlines and schedules; working as part of a team; working with detailed information; maintaining effective working relationships; and translating therapy data into meaningful educational activities.

Responsibility

Responsibilities include: working under limited supervision using standardized practices and/or methods; leading, guiding, and/or coordinating others; operating within a defined budget. Utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions.

Work Environment

The usual methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting and carrying up to twenty (20) pounds, some pushing, and/or pulling, frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally the job requires 60% sitting, 35% walking, and 5% standing. The job is performed under conditions with some exposure to risk of injury and/or illness.