Early Childhood 1.0 FTE Speech Language Pathologist

Job Title: Speech Language Pathologist
 
Department: Special Education
 
Education Level and Certification: Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology required.  Must possess at all times during employment a Nebraska Teaching Certificate with a speech endorsement and such other endorsements as may be required by NDE Rules 10 and 24 or state licensure by the Nebraska Licensure Board.
 
Reports To: Special Education Director and Building Principals
 
Performance Responsibilities
 

• Assess and treat students with speech, language, voice, and fluency disorders. May select alternative communication systems and teach their use. May perform research related to speech and language problems.
• Provide speech-language services to assigned students and perform related duties as set forth under Job Tasks.
• Provide for the reasonable care and safety of students under the Speech Language Pathologist’s supervision.
• Supervise students in out-of-classroom activities as assigned.
• Provide care for students, including reporting suspected child abuse or neglect to supervisor and provide medication administration as assigned.
• Participate in team meetings for the identification of students with disabilities (MDTs) and the development of IEPs and 504 Plans and implement provisions of IEPs and 504 Plan accommodations for students.
• Participate in faculty committees and the sponsorship of activities as assigned.
• Participate in professional activities and staff development as assigned and as needed to maintain professional competence and to perform duties.
• Develop and maintain a positive rapport with students and parents.
• Develop and maintain a positive and professional working relationship with other staff and administration.
• Maintain confidentiality of information concerning colleagues, students, and parents in accordance with law and District rules.
• Provide for proper care, maintenance and reasonable security of all District property in the Speech Language Pathologist’s custody.
• Utilize instructional materials and other resources in a competent and effective manner, including computer, e-mail, and other technology to perform assigned duties.
• Adhere to all district policies, rules, regulations, and supervisor directives.
• Maintain confidentiality of information concerning staff, students, and parents in accordance with law and District rules.
• Adhere to the code of ethics of the District and Nebraska Department of Education (NDE Rule 27). The Speech Language Pathologist must serve as a positive role model for staff and students.
• Perform other tasks or duties as assigned by the Board, the Superintendent or the supervisor.

 
Job Tasks
 

• Monitor students’ progress and adjust treatments accordingly.
• Evaluate hearing and speech/language test results and medical or background information to diagnose and plan services for speech, language, fluency, voice, and other speech language disorders.
• Administer hearing or speech and language evaluations, tests, or examinations to students to collect information on type and degree of impairments, using written and oral tests and special instruments.
• Record information on the initial evaluation, treatment, progress, and discharge of students.
• Develop and implement treatment plans for problems such as stuttering, delayed language, inappropriate pitch or harsh voice problems, and other speech language disorders, based on own assessments and recommendations of physicians, psychologists, counselors and other professionals as outlined in Rule 51.
• Develop individual and group programs in schools to deal with speech or language problems.
• Instruct students in techniques for more effective communication, including sign language, lip reading, and voice improvement.
• Teach students to control or strengthen tongue, jaw, face muscles, and breathing mechanisms.
• Develop speech exercise programs to reduce disabilities.
• Consult with and advise educators and other professionals on speech or hearing topics, such as communication strategies or speech and language stimulation.
• Advise educators, students and parents in strategies to cope with or avoid communication-related misunderstandings.
• Design, develop, and employ alternative diagnostic or communication devices and strategies.
• Conduct lessons and direct educational or therapeutic games to assist teachers dealing with students with speech problems.
• Refer the parents and the student as appropriate to additional educational or professional services if needed.
• Utilize resources to effectively communicate with others with different communication abilities (e.g. non-English speaking, hearing impaired).

 
 
Working Conditions
 
Inside; some classrooms and areas are not air conditioned.
Outside for activities and student supervision.
In private homes, preschools, daycares, and other facilities, as needed or required to provide therapy services.
 
FLSA Status: Exempt.  Professional exemption:  The employee has a primary duty of performing work requiring knowledge of an advanced type in a field of science or learning customarily acquired by a prolonged course of specialized intellectual instruction and study or has a primary duty of teaching, tutoring, instructing, or lecturing in the activity of imparting knowledge and is employed and engaged in this activity as a teacher.