Services preschool-8th grade students

SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPIST
Logan County School District Position Description
Requirements stated herein are minimum levels of knowledge, skills and/or abilities to qualify for this position. To perform the duties and responsibilities of this position successfully, the employee must possess the abilities and aptitudes to perform each task proficiently. "Ability" means to possess and apply both knowledge and skill.
The methods of meeting these requirements are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Some requirements, however, may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health and safety of themselves or others.
REPORTS TO: Principal or designee
EXEMPT STATUS: Exempt APPROVED: Board Order #78, 2-10-15
SUMMARY
Under direction, to plan, organize, and provide diagnostic services and therapy for children with speech, hearing, and language disabilities; to demonstrate, teach, and instruct pupils in language and speech development processes; to perform diagnostic assessment in determining speech and language performance levels; to aid in the development of academic, social, behavioral, and other educational skill areas; and to do other related functions as required.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
This position classification requires subject matter expertise in speech and language assessment and development. Directly related assessment and language development experience is required to perform problem analysis and to arrive at alternative solutions to speech and language problems, issues and concerns. The position classification performs decision analysis continually, and makes judgments and decisions of considerable consequence. The functional role of this position classification requires the application of a variety of assessment protocols, and interpretation of data, facts, procedures, and policies pertaining to student educational and speech and language development programming. The incumbent meets frequently with school administrators, teachers, other educational staff and parents to communicate information, data, and alternative problem solutions. This is a sedentary position classification and performs light work that involves sitting a portion of the time, but does require walking and standing for extended periods. This position requires accurate perceiving of sound, near and far vision, depth perception, handling and working with educational and speech and language development materials, and providing highly technical oral and written information.
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable a person with a disability to perform the essential functions of the job.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Perform diagnostic assessments of pupil speech and language development using standardized tests and developmental speech and language inventories.
Consult with teachers regarding pupils' speech and language status and management.
Confer with parents regarding speech and language status and management, and coordinate parent activities in relation to classroom and therapy instructional processes.
Confer with instructional staff in the assessment and remediation of speech and language disabilities.
SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPIST
Provide individual and group stimulation of speech and language abilities, utilizing behavior modification, oral facilitation, phonemic vocalization, vocabulary development, auditory memory, and expressive language.
Plan, organize, and perform intensive individualized speech and language programs for students experiencing multiple handicapping conditions.
Maintain clinical file recordings of speech and language evaluation information, observations, and recommendations for the remediation of speech and language disabilities.
May develop an individualized speech workbook to supplement home training and to facilitate speech and language exercises and activities.
Utilize a variety of instructional aids and equipment in remedying speech and hearing disabilities and may demonstrate uses of the instructional materials and equipment to instructional personnel.
Evaluate students experiencing speech and language difficulties and report therapy progress to the instructional staff and parents.
Maintain appropriate standards of pupil behavior, utilizing a variety of behavior management strategies and techniques, emphasizing positive reinforcement and behavior shaping procedures.
Maintain an effective therapy environment through the proper control of heating, lighting, and ventilation, and the utilization of exhibits, displays, and independent therapy sessions.
Select and requisition appropriate instructional supplies, materials, equipment, and learning aids.
May perform a variety of non-instructional duties, including therapy and instructional development activities, student supervision, and advisory and consultation functions.
QUALIFICATIONS
Knowledge of:
Principles, theories, methods, techniques, and strategies pertaining to the diagnosis and remediation of speech and language disabilities;
Developmental, social, and behavior characteristics of students aged 3-21;
Speech and language remediation goals and objectives, and the trends and research findings of speech and language remediation processes;
Behavior management and behavior shaping strategies, techniques, and methods;
Socio-economic, cultural, and language differences of the general school population.
Ability to:
Plan, organize, develop, and conduct an intensified diagnostic and therapy program for children experiencing speech and language disorders;
Provide appropriate and effective language and speech therapy experiences for students from a wide range of socio-economic and cultural backgrounds and with varying mental, social, and emotional abilities;
Effectively assess speech and language disorders and implement sound and appropriate remediation programs;
Provide a stimulating speech and language therapy environment;
Perform research and development functions and activities pertaining to speech and language therapy programs, and to motivate pupils experiencing speech and language difficulties in the resolution of specific speech disorders.
EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION
Experience:
Successful completion of a speech and language clinical experience at a recognized college or university, and two years of speech and hearing service in private practice or in the field of public education.
SPEECH/LANGUAGE THERAPIST
Education:
Possession of an earned masters or higher degree from an accredited college or university, with emphasis in speech and language disorders, psychology, linguistics, and language development.
Certification Requirement
Possession of certification as required by Kentucky law.