Speech Language Pathologist

Reports to:  Director of Student Services

Provides therapeutic interventions to help students identified as having a disability achieve maximum benefit from the

educational program.  Encourages parental involvement. 

Minimum Qualifications

• Valid Ohio speech/language pathologist and provisional teaching license.
• Meets all mandated health requirements (e.g., a negative tuberculosis test, etc.).
• Documented evidence of a clear criminal record.
• Training in physical and behavioral management techniques.

Responsibilities and Essential Functions: The following duties are representative of performance expectations. A reasonable qualification can be made to enable a qualified individual with a disability to perform essential functions.

• Performs screening activities (e.g., child find program, new district students, students in grades designated by the board, etc.).
• Maintains screening records of preschool and kindergarten students when results are not conclusive.
• Retests students who have not passed earlier screening procedures.
• Performs diagnostic evaluations.  Evaluates the needs of students based on all available information.  Ensures that signed permission forms for the release of information are on file.
• Works with student assistance team members to reach a consensus on a plan for students requiring assistance.
• Completes Evaluation Team Reports for students suspected of a communication disorder using updated assessments and following policies and procedures prescribed by the state department of education.
• Helps prepare and implement Individualized Education Plans (IEP).
• Constructs a therapy schedule.  Treats speech/language disorders (e.g., verbal and written language, voice, articulation, fluency, interactive communication, auditory and/or visual processing, cognition/communication, etc.).
• Monitors student progress towards IEP goals and objectives with periodic reporting to parents. 
• Prepares the assigned therapy area.  Sets up equipment.  Requisitions essential supplies.  Promotes the proper use and care of school property.  Oversees the cleaning, repair, and replacement of therapy equipment.  Ensures that supplies and equipment are stored properly.
• Complies with state model policies and procedures for the education of students identified as having a disability.  Works with staff to ensure that services are provided in the least restrictive educational environment.
• Provides instructions in the use and care of assisted and/or augmentative devices.
• Implements effective pupil management procedures.  Maintains high standards for student conduct.  Upholds the student conduct code.
• Implements behavior modification plans.  Counsels students to acknowledge and manage responsible personal conduct.  Charts behavior as required.  Exercises caution when physical restraint is required.
• Develops and maintains a positive therapy environment.  Helps parents and students understand therapy goals and how they relate to the educational program.
• Communicates high expectations and shows an active interest in student progress.
• Collaborates with teachers.  Shares knowledge and resources that enhance the educational process
• Helps students take full advantage of the learning environment (e.g., access and proximity to activities, use of adaptive equipment, etc.).
• Documents therapy progress.  Supervises the preparation of clinical records to ensure accuracy.  Submits reports on time.
• Consults with parents as needed (e.g., telephone calls, conferences, etc.).
• Effectively uses support personnel to address student concerns (e.g., excessive absences, at-risk behavior, mental/physical health, family/peer relations, etc.).
• Supports a full range of educational options.  Helps staff resolve problems related to the participation of students with disabilities in appropriate peer group activities.
• Works with community services associated with students’ programs (e.g., law enforcement, health care facilities, child welfare services, etc.).
• Schedules home visits when necessary to support therapy goals.  Provides families information about proper techniques to assist with speech/language activities at home.
• Closely monitors student use of therapy equipment.  Follows standard sanitation procedures to maintain a clean program environment.
• Takes precautions to ensure student safety.  Does not leave students unsupervised.
• Prepares an end-of-the year report and recommendations for each student served.
• Participates in after-school programs (e.g., open houses, etc.) as directed.
• Participates in professional growth opportunities to remain current with therapy innovations.

Other Duties and Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Upholds board policies and follows administrative procedures.
• Promotes a favorable image of the school district.
• Respects personal privacy.  Maintains the confidentiality of privileged information.
• Reports evidence of suspected child abuse as required by law.
• Takes precautions to ensure student safety.  Does not leave students unsupervised.  Reports unauthorized persons or suspicious circumstances immediately.
• Supervises non-classroom activities when assigned.
• Complete required training by appropriate deadlines (Vector, Gifted, Science of Reading, etc.)
• Accepts responsibility for personal decisions and conduct.  Strives to develop rapport and serve as a positive role model for others.
• Performs other specific job-related duties as directed.

Abilities required: The following aptitudes and physical skills are essential for the successful performance of assigned duties.

• Demonstrates professionalism and maintains a positive work attitude.
• Acts in accordance with the professional code of ethics.
• Skillfully manages individual, group, and organizational interactions.
• Communicates effectively using verbal, nonverbal, and writing skills.
• Organizes tasks and manages time effectively.
• Averts problem situations and intervenes to resolve conflicts.
• Lifts, carries, and/or moves therapy supplies and equipment.
• Uses self-control, perseverance, and physical skills to manage students. 
• Maintains an acceptable attendance record and is punctual.
• Travels to meetings and work assignments.

(Additional) Working Conditions: Exposure to the following situations may range from remote to frequent, depending on circumstances and factors that are not predictable.

• Potential for exposure to blood-borne pathogens and communicable diseases.
• Potential for interaction with disruptive and/or unruly individuals.
• Exposure to adverse weather conditions and seasonal temperature extremes.
• Duties may require operating and/or riding in a vehicle.
• Duties may require detailed paperwork.
• Duties may require working under time constraints to meet deadlines.
• Duties may require working during the evening and/or weekends.
• Occasional exposure to loud noises.
• Regular requirement to sit, stand, walk, talk, hear, see, read, speak, reach, stretch with hands and arms, crouch, kneel, climb, and stoop.
• Occasional requirement to lift, carry, push, and pull various items up to a maximum of 50 pounds.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Under the direction of the director of special education, plans meaningful work assignments, provides

instructions, and communicates expectations to assigned staff and volunteers.  Monitors and helps assigned staff

successfully accomplish delegated duties.

Performance Evaluations

Job performance is evaluated according to the policy provisions adopted by the Fostoria City School

District Board of Education.