Speech-Language Pathologist

The Speech-Language Pathologist is a certificated, exempt position with Element Education.  The Speech-Language Pathologist directly reports to the Director of Special Education and is primarily responsible for screening, assessing, identifying, and providing direct and indirect services to students with communication disorders that adversely affect their educational progress.

Essential Functions

Support Student Learning

1. Screen, diagnose, assess, and identify students with all types of communicative disorders
2. Provide speech, language, and communication assessments including, but not limited to, articulation, fluency, voice, expressive and receptive language and pragmatics for the purpose of identifying communication disorders, determining program eligibility, developing recommendations for treatment, and providing services to students with speech and/or language impairments
3. Act as case manager for speech services only students
4. Develop IEPs, treatment plans, instructional programs, and interventions based on student’s IEP goals/objectives and Learning Styles in coordination with the IEP team
5. Effectively participate in and attend IEP meetings and regularly communicate test/assessment results, diagnosis, updates, and proposed treatment plans to the IEP team
6. Consult with EFs regarding accommodations necessary in the student’s education program
7. Works with EFs, RSPs, and parents on methods and materials that are associated with addressing IEP goals; such as carry-over and enrichment techniques related to therapy goals or whole-language concept
8. Instruct and support staff and students with instruction-using communication technologies to support student learning in the areas of communication, behavior, social skills, and academics
9. Develop and provide direct and indirect individual and/or small-group instruction/therapy sessions, conferences, and coordination of services for students based on established IEP goals and objectives for remediation and improvement of communicative disorders in the areas of articulation, language, fluency, voice, receptive and expressive language and/or pragmatics
10. Collaborate with EFs, parents, and other IEP members regarding implementation of students’ instructional program
11. Collaborate with related services providers, EFs, instructors, and parents to monitor special education students’ progress towards IEP goals and communicate progress with parents (at report card dates)
12. Respond to telephone calls/email messages from parents, staff, and teachers/tutors regarding special education
13. Submit requests for special education curriculum and supplemental materials (in accordance with students’ IEPs) to Director of Special Education
14. Distribute supplemental materials to students and staff, as needed; Maintain records of non-consumable items, including technology
15. Provide and assist with parent and staff trainings and support, as needed; Act as a resource in the areas of speech and language therapy to students, staff, and parents
16. Collaborate with Director of Special Education and participate in SST process, as needed
17. Work virtually/remotely, as-needed
18. Ensure the safety of students including, but not limited to, assisting in conducting emergency drills and cleaning of workspace

Accountability and General Administration

1. Maintain student records in accordance with school policies and procedures
2. Manage school resources in accordance with school policies and procedures
3. Return all correspondence, including phone calls and emails, within a timely manner; Be accessible during business hours and respond to administrative needs and inquiries in a timely manner
4. Attend and participate in all required meetings, trainings, and school functions; Promote and participate in creative exchange of ideas
5. Observe confidentiality

Public Relations

1. Develop positive relationships with parents and general public associated with the organization
2. Communicate and support the school’s mission, policies, and procedures
3. Represent Element Education and its programs in a positive and professional manner
4. Assist with maintaining a positive and effective work environment; Treat all staff with respect, provide opportunities for participation in decision making, and be responsive to the human needs of staff members

Professional and Organizational Development

• Remain current on instructional and technological advances concerning speech language therapy
• Provide professional learning to staff
• Seek innovative approaches to self-directed learning and formal training
• Practice reflective observation regularly; Maintain growth mindset
• In collaboration with the Director of Special Education, plan for own career growth and ongoing professional development
• Understand and contribute to the Organization’s vision, growth, and development

• Other duties as assigned
• Carry a student caseload, as determined by the Director of Special Education

Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

1. Knowledge and ability to assess students to determine eligibility for speech and language services
2. Knowledge of appropriate diagnostic and screening instruments in the area of speech/language screening.
3. Knowledge of appropriate materials to be used with specific deficiencies at the various grade levels.
4. Knowledge of and experience with a wide range of educational philosophies
5. Ability to manage a home office and flexible schedule
6. Familiarity and commitment to the mission and educational philosophy of Element Education
7. Ability to maintain records as directed by supervisor
8. Ability to maintain confidentiality regarding parents, families, and staff
9. Ability to remotely and/or virtually perform duties and attend meetings, as needed
10. Ability to exercise emotional maturity in communicating with students, parents, and colleagues
11. Demonstrate considerable knowledge of technology, Microsoft Office 365 and its applications, and DocuSign
12. Demonstrated ability to work under pressure, prioritize, multi-task, and meet deadlines
13. Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing; Use appropriate language, tone, and English usage
14. Demonstrate good judgement
15. Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships; be approachable and professional
16. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; be self-motivated and well-organized
17. Ability to think strategically and independently
18. Ability to accept responsibility and constructive criticism
19. Demonstrate willingness to help others and foster a cooperative and positive working environment

Requirements

1. Bachelor’s Degree
2. Possess a valid California credential authorizing service as a Speech Therapist (ex. Speech language pathology services credential or Clinical or rehabilitative services credential with authorization in Speech and Hearing)
3. Phone, scanner, and internet for school business

Upon Hire/Offer

1. First Aid/CPR/AED certification
2. Proof that employee is free of active tuberculosis (i.e. TB risk assessment, TB test, X-ray, etc.)
3. Successful background clearance

FT Salary: $57,344 - $88,959

Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package (FT Only); CalSTRS; 5 sick days

Work Schedule: 10 months 

FLSA Classification: Exempt

*Requires travel within San Diego County

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, and sit for an extended period of time.  Sitting is done at a desk with forward bending from the waist, leaning on the forearms, and looking down which requires neck flexion.  The employee is regularly required to read, speak, see, and hear well enough to communicate by telephone, electronically, and in person.  Employee must also regularly be able to write, file, type and operate a computer, telephone, and general office equipment.  It is necessary to grasp and manipulate pens, markers, scissors, staplers, etc., either occasionally or frequently, depending on the day.  May occasionally have to climb up stairs, stoop, kneel, and/or lift and carry up to 25 lbs. Mental acuity to perform the essential functions of this position in a safe, accurate, and timely fashion and to make and evaluate the results of judgments and decisions. High tolerance for continuing stressful situations. The employee is required to deal with irate members of the public and stressful situations.

The employee must have reliable transportation and be able to attend meetings at various Element Education regions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position works in a variety of settings including, but not limited to, the home office, student homes, Learning Centers, the Administrative Office, and vendor locations. Normal office working conditions within a collaborative environment. This environment may be expected to include: noise level that is quiet to moderate, frequent interruptions, and occasional movement from inside to outside with exposure to elements, stairs, children, and duty hours before sunrise or after sunset. The employee may experience heat or cold extremes as well as fumes, odors, and dust.

Element Education is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.