Speech and Language Pathologist - District Wide

PAY GRADE: Certified Salary Schedule

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

POSITION OBJECTIVE:

The job of Speech and Language Pathologist is done for the purpose/s of identifying students with communication disabilities; planning and implementing appropriate treatment to minimize adverse impact on student success and recommending treatment plans.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: (These duties are a representative sample; position assignments may vary.)

• 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/or individuals (e.g. parents teachers physicians administration maintenance personnel 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/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 and 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 Pathologists experience and goals for the purpose of providing information and/or ensuring that treatment/intervention plans are appropriate.
• Maintains files and/or records (e.g. progress reports activity logs billing information treatment plans required documentation quarterly reports screening results 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. training IEPs team meetings etc.) for the purpose of conveying and/or gathering information.
• Performs other related duties as assigned for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.
• Performs site visits at multiple work sites including home visits for the purpose of providing therapy and assistance as required.
• Prepares a wide variety of written materials (e.g. activity logs correspondence memos treatment plans Medicaid billings reports required documentation etc.) for the purpose of documenting activities providing written reference and/or 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.
• 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.
• Transports supplies and equipment to a variety of sites for the purpose of ensuring the availability of items as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE (positions in this class typically require):

Masters degree (or higher) in Speech and Communicative Disorders

LICENSING REQUIREMENTS (positions in this class typically require):

Valid Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card

Arizona Department of Education Speech Language Certification

ASHA Certification

DHS Certification

KNOWLEDGE (position requirements at entry):

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.

SKILLS (position requirements at entry):

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.

ABILITY (position requirements at entry):

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.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Positions in this class typically require: stooping kneeling crouching reaching standing walking pushing pulling lifting finger dexterity grasping talking hearing seeing and repetitive motions.

Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.

Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts odors chemicals extreme temperatures inadequate lighting workspace restrictions and intense noises.

NOTE:

The above job description is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific position assignments will vary depending on the business needs of the department.