Speech Therapist
Location: Site Level School	Reports To: Supervisor of Special Education and Principal
FLSA Status: Exempt
Salary Range: Per WBR Salary Schedule	Terms of Employment: 9 Months
GENERAL OVERVIEW
Provides assessment and remediation services to students with speech impairments within the school setting.
PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning: Plans effectively for therapeutic intervention Develops clear and concise written objectives for lesson plans Identifies and plans for individual differences in the therapy session Identifies materials needed for lessons Consults with teacher(s) to develop appropriate goals and objectives for identified students States methods of evaluation to measure learner outcomes Develops, when necessary, Individual Education Plans- IEP, ITP, and/or IFSP Management: Maintains an environment conducive to therapeutic intervention Organizes available space, materials, and/or equipment to facilitate therapy Takes appropriate precautions to protect students, equipment, materials, and facilities Manages routines and transitions in a timely manner Maximizes the amount of time available for each therapy session Manages and/or adjusts allotted time for activities planned Maintains accurate, complete, and correct records Establishes expectations for learner behavior Administers appropriate tests based on student need Manages learner behavior to provide productive therapeutic intervention Serves as a member of the Pupil Appraisal Team for students requiring speech therapy assessment Refers any student with suspected vocal pathologies to Laryngology Clinic and prepares the student for examination Conducts or attend IEP Conferences for students identified with speech impairments Instruction: Implements a program of appropriate goals and objectives for Special Education students with speech impairments Delivers instruction effectively Presents appropriate content through therapeutic intervention Utilizes knowledge of clinical methodology and child growth and development Provides opportunities for student involvement in the therapeutic process Re-teaches when necessary Gives positive feedback throughout the session Employs a variety of methods and techniques Sequences lessons to promote learning Uses available therapeutic materials and resources to achieve therapy objectives Adjusts therapy when appropriate Integrates technology into therapy when appropriate Presents content at a developmentally appropriate level Utilizes knowledge of appropriate therapy techniques and child growth and development Assesses and measures student growth using established goals and objectives Uses a variety of evaluation tools to test for understanding and acquisition of communication skills Informs students and/or parents of student progress Produces evidence of student academic growth under his/her instruction Performs other duties as assigned Professional Development: The experienced speech therapist plans for professional development The new or beginning speech therapist plans for professional self-development Maintains licensure, certification, and other needed qualifications School Improvement: Takes and active role in building-level decision making Participates in grade-level/subject area curriculum planning and evaluations Serves on professional learning communities, task forces and decision-making committees, when appropriate Implements school improvement plan Creates partnerships with parents/caregivers, and colleagues regarding classroom expectations, student progress, and provides clear and timely information relative to ways they can assist learning Encourages parents/caregivers to become active partners in their children’s education and to become involved in school and classroom activities Seeks community involvement in the instructional program
PERSONAL TRAITS
Exhibits competency in the following areas: Poise and self-confidence Enthusiasm and optimism Punctuality Dependability Flexibility Willingness to implement recommendations Acceptable speech and grammar Effective communication with students Discreet handling of confidential information Unbiased attitude regarding race, sex, creed, religion or disability Effective communication with colleagues and other adults
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Must possess a current valid license issued by the Louisiana Board of Examiners for Speech Pathology and Audiology, and the therapist must possess a valid Louisiana Teacher’s Certificate in the area of speech therapy.
ABILITIES AND SKILLS
Work Environment: The Speech Therapist will work in a climate-controlled environment adhering to the School Board energy policy. Workday consist of regular Central Office hours. Then length of the workday consists of teacher hours at the assigned school and may vary as the result of evening activities or emergencies. Communication Skills: The Speech Therapist must be able to effectively communicate in English both orally and in writing. Must have the ability to accurately give and receive information via telecommunication system and must be able to communicate successfully with students, teachers, parents, school personnel, and the community. Equipment Used: The Speech Therapist must be able to use a telephone, cell phone, fax machine, scanner, audio-visual equipment, PC, PC software, hardware, copy machine, laminator, calculator, and other appropriate machines. Physical and Mental Involvement: The Speech Therapist should be able to perform these physical activities: standing, walking, reaching bending, and lifting 10 pounds (sometimes required). The Speech Therapist must be able to plan and implement appropriate educational programs for staff. Must be able to understand and interpret written and verbal instructions. Must keep accurate, up-to-date records. Must be able to comply with state and parish regulations. Human Relations: The Speech Therapist must be able to work cooperatively with district personnel and the community. Must be able to respond appropriately to supervision and accept commendations and recommendations. Must demonstrate sensitivity/understanding in interpersonal relations with persons of diverse cultures/backgrounds.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
Job descriptions are designed and intended only to summarize the essential duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and requirements for the purpose of clarifying the general nature and scope of a position’s role as part of the overall organization. Job descriptions do not list all tasks an employee might be expected to perform – even if seemingly unrelated to the basic job, Every employee has a duty to perform all assigned tasks. An employee who is assigned a duty or task believed to be unlawful should report the assignment to the Associate Superintendent for Human Resources/Staff Development. It should also be noted the order of duties/responsibilities as listed in the job description is not designed nor intended to rank the duties in any order of importance relative to each other.