Purpose Statement

The job of Speech-Language Pathologist was established for the purpose/s of providing support to the educational process with specific responsibilities for identifying students with communication disorders; recommending, planning, and implementing appropriate treatment to minimize adverse impact on student success; and serving as a case manager.

This job reports to the Director of Special Services.

 
Essential Functions

•       Administers tests for the purpose of assessing students.

•       Assesses and evaluates 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/or 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/screening, IEPs, parent conferences, pre-referral, staffing, etc.) for the purpose of presenting evaluation results, developing treatment plans, and/or providing training to parents, students and/or staff.

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

•       Instructs assigned support staff for the purpose of providing information on communicative disorders, use of assistive devices, feeding techniques and/or implementing prescribed treatment plans.

•       Instructs eligible students in the use of appropriate communication technologies (e.g. hearing aids, FM systems, augmentative communication devices, etc.) for the purpose of minimizing the adverse educational impact of communication disorders in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.

•       Interprets medical reports within the scope of speech-language pathologist's experience and goals for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment and/or intervention plans are appropriate.

•       Maintains a variety of confidential and nonconfidential electronic and manual files and/or records (e.g. progress reports, activity logs, billing information, treatment plans, required documentation, quarterly reports, screening results, SEAS, Goal Tracker, etc.) for the purpose of ensuring the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance.

•       Participates in meetings, workshops, and seminars (e.g. professional learning community, training, IEPs, team meetings, etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.

•       Performs site visits at multiple worksites including home visits for the purpose of observing and/or providing therapy and assistance as required.

•       Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. IEPs, activity logs, correspondence, memos, treatment plans, Medicaid billings, reports, required documentation, homework, service plans for private students, etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities, providing written reference, and/or conveying information.

•       Provides direct and indirect speech and language services to students for the purpose of implementing treatments in compliance with goals and objectives.

•       Researches resources and methods (e.g. intervention and treatment 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 providing information and/or referral as appropriate.

•       Schedules various actives (e.g. student therapy appointments, IEPs, hearing and language screenings, testing, etc.) for the purpose of completing necessary arrangements.

•       Serves as the case manager for special education students for the purpose of ensuring proper services in accordance with established administrative guidelines and legal requirements.

•       Supervises the work activities of others (e.g. student teachers, clinical fellows, etc.) for the purpose of monitoring performance and achieving overall objectives.

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

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 are required to perform multiple, highly complex, technical tasks with a need to periodically 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 algebra and/or geometry; 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/or laws.

ABILITY is required to schedule activities, meetings, and/or events; gather, collate, and/or classify data; and use job-related 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/data; 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; and operating within a defined budget. The utilization of some resources from other work units is often required to perform the job's functions. There is a continual opportunity to impact the organization's services.

Working Environment

The usual and customary methods of performing the job's functions require the following physical demands: occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; frequent stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; and significant fine finger dexterity. Generally, the job requires 70% sitting, 20% walking, and 10% standing. The job is performed under temperature extremes and under conditions with some exposure to the risk of injury and/or illness.

Experience Job-related experience within a specialized field is required.

Education Masters degree in job-related area.

Equivalency None Specified

Required Testing

Certificates & Licenses Valid Driver's License & Evidence of Insurability

Prior to 2003: MO Teaching Certification from Dept of Elementary and Secondary Education
Beginning 2003: MO Board of Healing Arts License AND MO Student Services Certificate from Dept of
Elementary and Secondary Education
Continuing Educ. / Training 30 Units of Continuing Education every 2 years

Clearances  Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance