Primary Purpose:

Plan and provide speechlanguage pathology services to students with speech voice or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.

Qualifications:

Education/Certification:

Masters degree in speechlanguage pathology from an accredited college or university

Valid license as a speechlanguage pathologist granted by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) or Bachelors degree and valid Texas Education Agency speech therapy certificate

Special Knowledge/Skills:

Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders and conditions

Knowledge of evaluation habilitation and rehabilitation of speechlanguage disorders and conditions

Ability to instruct and manage student behavior

Excellent organizational communication and interpersonal skills

Experience:

One year supervised clinical speechlanguage pathology experience

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

Therapy

1. Conduct independent evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP). Evaluate student progress and make determination regarding therapy services.
2. Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements.
3. Participate in the Admission Review and Dismissal (ARD) Committee. Assist in interpretation of assessment data appropriate placement and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions according to district procedures.

Consultation

1. Consult with colleagues students and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals the needs of the student and involvement in remedial process.
2. Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
3. Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and work more effectively with students with communication deficits.

Student Management

1. Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
2. Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.

Program Management

1. Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speechlanguage pathology services and make changes based on the findings.
2. Participate in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.
3. Compile maintain and file all physical and computerized reports records and other required documents.
4. Comply with policies established by federal and state laws State Board of Education rule and board policy. Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
5. May supervise licensed speechlanguage pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).*

Other

1. Follow district safety protocols and emergency procedures.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

May direct and monitor the work of speechlanguage pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).*

Mental Demands/Physical Demands/Environmental Factors:

Tools/Equipment Used: Standard testing equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals

Posture: Frequent sitting kneeling/squatting bending/stooping pushing/pulling and twisting

Motion: Frequent walking grasping/squeezing wrist flexion/extension

Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds) occasional heaving lifting 45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting nonambulatory students

Environment: Exposure to biological hazards bacteria and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel

Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure

*Supervisors of licensed speechlanguage assistants must be licensed by TDLR as speechlanguage pathologists. A person with a TEA certificate who is not licensed may supervise a licensed speechlanguage pathology assistant but not if services are billed through School Health and Related Services (SHARS).