Speech and Language Pathologist (TK-8th Grade)

The Community Honoring Inclusive Model Education (CHIME) Institute, a nonprofit organization established in 1990, is a national leader in the development and implementation of a unique model of inclusive education. Inclusive education at CHIME Institute means that children who reflect the demographics of the surrounding region—including children who develop typically, children with special needs and children who are gifted—learn side by side. Whether you are an experienced professional or emerging talent, we are seeking innovative, passionate, and collaborative individuals to join our team. If you share our commitment to creating an inclusive learning community that appreciates and values diversity in all its forms, please apply to CHIME Institute today!

Job Title: Speech and Language Pathologist

Responsible to: School Site Administrator(s)

Responsible for: Speech and Language Therapy Assistants as assigned

Status: Exempt; Full Time; Salary

Job Purpose

Conducts speech and language therapy assessments, diagnoses, and case manages programs for students with communication needs in the school-based setting.

Functions

Essential Functions

• Prescribes and implements speech and language therapy designed to meet the individual communication needs of eligible students, in accordance with school policies and procedures, and IEP goals.

• Conducts formal and informal assessments of students to determine eligibility for speech and language therapy using school-approved assessment instruments.

• Develops, implements, and uses authorized multimodal communication techniques, materials, and resources.

• Manages the use of Assistive Technology (AT) devices, including installation, distribution, and resolving technical issues.

• Collaborates with school medical staff to coordinate medical care protocols and acts as a resource to school staff in interpreting speech and language therapy.

• Supports teachers in identifying, selecting, and modifying instructional material and curriculum to meet the needs of students with varying backgrounds and learning styles.

• Participates in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings to present assessment results and progress reports; provides for continuous evaluation of students’ progress toward IEP goals; identifies students’ eligible for service completion and adequately prepares students, parents, and school staff, for a transition phase of services prior to the recommendation for dismissal.

• Maintains accurate and timely student data in school-approved software systems (e.g. PowerSchool, Welligent, etc.).

• Uses school-approved behavior modification techniques to implement 504 plans, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) programs, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) programs, and IEP goals.

• Communicates with families to create a partnership around student success by providing information about the speech and language therapy program and the progress of their child(ren).

• Maintains a positive and safe learning environment that is inclusive and supportive, facilitates the achievement of speech and language therapy goals, and staff-student interactions are respectful and polite.

• Conducts training for parents and school staff on speech and language therapy strategies and practices.

• Trains, manages, and evaluates assigned Speech and Language Pathology Assistant(s), providing continuous feedback and coordinating schedules to ensure continuity of student support.

• Attends scheduled meetings (TTM, professional development, faculty meetings, etc.).

• Serves as a mandated reporter and follows school policies and procedures for reporting student injuries and incidents (i.e. child abuse, substance abuse, sexual harassment, violence, etc.).

Other Functions

• Assists students with all aspects of toileting; changing, lifting on/off the toilet, changing tables or mats.

• Assists students with the use of mobility equipment such as leg braces, walkers, mobile standers, and tricycles.

• Lifts students in and out of holding or locomotive devices.

• Feeds students or helps students feed themselves, including but not limited to the use of feeding equipment.

• Administers first aid and provides basic nursing care to students, including but not limited to the use of airway suctioning equipment.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education

An earned master’s degree in communicative disorders or speech pathology from a college or university accredited by the Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB).

Experience

Three to five years of school-based speech and language pathology experience with students of varying needs, abilities, and backgrounds preferred.

License

A current and valid Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) license issued by the California Speech- Language Pathology and Audiology and Hearing Aid Dispensers Board (SLPAHADB).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of the fundamental principles and accepted practices, current trends, literature and research in the field of speech and language pathology.

• Knowledge of federal, state and local policies, rules, laws, regulations and legislation pertaining to speech and language pathology.

• Knowledge and understanding of the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act, California Speech and Language Hearing Association (CSHA), school systems, and special education programs.

• Knowledge and skill in the use of a variety of service delivery models including direct push-in and the collaborative practices of consultation and co-teaching.

• Understanding of the physical, intellectual, social, and emotional growth patterns of students.

• Ability to use a variety of modern methods, techniques, and practices in speech and language therapy including assistive technology.

• Ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality of information pertaining to students and their families.

• Ability to observe and evaluate subordinate’s activities.

• Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with students, parents, and school staff, both individually and as a group.

• Ability to work effectively with all racial, ethnic, linguistic, special needs, and socio-economic groups.

• Ability to compose and comprehend written communication and communicate effectively with students, parents, and school staff, both individually and as a group.

• Ability to effectively utilize computer technologies and associated software.

Physical Requirements

• Continual speaking, hearing, seeing, walking, and standing (67% - 100% of shift);

• Frequent sitting, reaching, bending, squatting, twisting, kneeling, grasping, and typing (34% - 66% of shift);

• Occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling of weight up to 50 pounds (11%-33% of shift);

• Seldom running (1%-10% of shift)

Environment

This position will include indoor and outdoor work (classrooms, offices, cafeteria, eating area, common area, auditorium, playground(s), restroom(s), stairs if applicable, roof(s) and parking lot(s)) and/or shop environments including confined spaces with the following possible exposures: dust; wind; sun; insects; chemicals including hazardous chemicals, solvents and oil; fumes from chemicals and odors; grease; bloodborne pathogens and biohazardous waste; variances in temperature; variances in weather conditions (snow, rain, sleet, etc.); electrically and mechanically operated equipment with moving parts; noise which can range from quiet to loud; playground projectiles such as baseballs, footballs, basketballs, etc.; intervening physically to stop conflicts between angry or emotionally upset students; and, dealing with students, parents, employees and the general public who may exhibit unpredictable or anti-social behavior.

This class description is not a complete statement of essential functions, responsibilities, or requirements. Requirements are representative of the minimum level of knowledge, skill, and/or abilities. Management retains the discretion to add or change typical duties of the position at any time.

CHIME Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The information in this job description is for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (A.D.A.). Reasonable accommodations are made under A.D.A. as required by law.