PIEDMONT UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT

Job Description

Job Title:                    Speech-Language Pathologist

SUMMARY

Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) will assess and treat children with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders.   The SLP will administer speech/language evaluations, tests, or examinations to school age children to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written and oral tests and special instruments.  The SLP will develop and implement IEP’s for problems such as stuttering, delayed articulation, delayed language, swallowing disorders, and inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems.  Will monitor student’s progress and adjust treatments accordingly.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess speech/language impairments using written and oral test and special instruments.
• Develops an IEP stating each child’s present level of functioning, goals to meet each child’s needs, methods/materials used to meet those goals, and procedures and schedules for determining when goals/benchmarks are met.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.  Create learning materials geared to each student’s ability, interest and strength.
• Evaluate hearing and speech/language test results and medical or background information to diagnose and plan treatment for speech, language, fluency, voice, and swallowing disorders.
• Instruct students in techniques for more effective communication, including social skills training, sign language, lip reading, and voice improvement.
• Refer clients to additional medical or educational services if needed.
• Consult with and advise teachers or medical staff on speech or hearing topics such as communication strategies and speech and language stimulation.  Conduct lessons and direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with speech problems. 
• Work closely with parents and make suggestions on things they can do at home to build strong skills in their child.
• Observes, evaluates, and prepares quarterly progress reports and annual/triennial reports for each student.   Completes all required records, keeping each student’s IEP updated on the appropriate timelines.
• Participate in conferences or training, or publish research results, to share knowledge of new hearing or speech disorder treatment methods or technologies.
• Keep records pertinent to the special education program for the state reports and program accountability.
• Participates in all staff meetings called by the principal and Director of Special Services.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrates knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions.
• Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Demonstrates knowledge of the information and techniques needed to diagnose and treat human injuries, diseases, and deformities. 
• Demonstrates knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
• Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts
• Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, students or families.
• Demonstrates competency in the following areas:

           -  Oral Expression – ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so othes will understand.

           -  Written Comprehension – ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

           -  Oral Comprehension – ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

           -  Speech Clarity – ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

           -  Written Expression – ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

           -  Speech Recognition – ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

           -  Deductive Reasoning – ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

           -  Auditory Attention – ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

           -  Inductive Reasoning – ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

           -  Problem Sensitivity – ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.  It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• A valid California Speech-Language Pathology Services Credential
• Two years or more related experience and Master’s degree preferred