BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF POSITION:

Public school Speech-Language Pathologists are communication specialists who work with both the general education and special education population with language handicaps, articulation deficits, and voice disorders.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED OR RECEIVED:
Under the direction of the Director of Special Education.

MAJOR DUTIES OR RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Effectively evaluates pupils for communicative disorders  according to appropriate criteria as determined by state and federal guidelines.
• Employs assessment procedures, techniques and standard tests necessary for thorough and accurate diagnosis and conveys pertinent information to appropriate personnel.
• Provides a full continuum of speech-language therapy services to children who are in need of such services, including articulation and language therapy.
• Provides consultation services to parents and teachers on appropriate speech and language activities, including training parents and teachers to use appropriate speech-language activities.
• Establishes individual education plan for students admitted to program and reviews IEPs at least annually.
• Implements IEP for pupils admitted to program; provides therapy for individuals and/or groups.
• Serves as a member of special education individual education program team as required.
• Utilizes results of current resources to improve program.
• Carries out appropriate follow-up procedures for pupils dismissed from speech and language program.
• Participates in conferences and meetings.
• Assumes responsibility for implementation of state and federal regulations as related to speech and language services.
• Acquaints administrators and other school personnel with speech, language and hearing problems, and resources in the community.
• Assesses and makes necessary referrals for preschool children with communicative disorders.
• Prepares required District and state reports.
• Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
• A graduate degree in speech-language pathology from a university training program accredited by the American Speech-Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Possession of, or eligibility for, the California Clinical or Rehabilitative Services – Language, Speech and Hearing Credential, or the Speech-Language Pathology Services – Language, Speech and Hearing Credential, or the equivalent.
• Certification as a Speech Pathologist.

PERSONAL QUALITIES:
Appearance, grooming and personality which establish a desirable example for pupils. Ability to meet District Standards for physical and mental health. Better than average recommendations from supervisors or other professionals who have observed the personal characteristics, scholastic attainment and performance of interaction with students. Must possess mature judgment and ability to exercise individual initiative. Must be able to develop rapport with administration, staff, parents and students. Must also be able to tolerate stressful, emotional situations responsibly.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
• Ability to work at a desk, conference table or in meetings of various configurations.
• Ability to see for the purpose of reading printed matter.
• Ability to hear and understand speech at normal levels.
• Ability to communicate so others will be able to clearly understand a normal conversation.
• Ability to bend and twist, sit, stoop, kneel, push, pull, and crawl.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to carry 25 pounds.
• Ability to reach in all directions and assist physically challenged students.