POSITION: Speech Therapist

ORGANIZATION / LOCATION: Special Education Support Programs & Services Office/Speech Language Pathologists Services

REPORTS TO: Supervisor for Program & Services and Special Language Instructional Specialist

REVISION / REVIEW DATE: March 7, 2014

JOB CODE:100

UNION: PGCEA

CLASSIFICATION:

GRADE: 2-7

POSITION SUMMARY:  The Speech Therapist is responsible for providing comprehensive speech and language services to meet the needs of students with oral communication and speech/language impairments. This position is responsible for screening, evaluation, assessment, diagnosis, goal development, program planning, remediation and implementation of appropriate speech and language services to improve students learning in natural environments or that supports student’s ability to participate in and access the general education curriculum.   

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Working with students who cannot make speech sounds, speech rhythm and fluency problems, voice quality problems, problems understanding and producing language, cognitive communication impairments, and hearing loss who use hearing aids or cochlear implants in order to develop auditory skills and improve communication;

Administering and interpreting speech language assessments for the purpose of diagnosis and eligibility decisions;

Participating in team meetings, including parent conferences;

Assessing, diagnosing, treating, and helping to prevent speech, language, cognitive, communication, voice, swallowing, fluency, and other related disorders;

Selecting augmentative or alternative communication methods for students;

Teaching students how to make sounds, improve their voices, or increase their language skills to communicate more effectively;

Helping students develop, or recover, reliable communication skills so students can fulfill their educational, vocational, and social roles;

Collaborating with and providing consultation and support to family members and other services providers regarding the appropriate implementation of speech language services identified in Individual Family Service Plans or in Individual Education Plans.

Evaluating the functional status of students, designing treatment and providing safe, effective and efficient therapy to students or infants and toddlers with speech language impairments;

Interpreting assessment result to assist in appropriate program planning.

Selecting and developing appropriate speech language goals, instructional materials and lesson plans in order to meet students speech language needs;

Selecting, recommending, and implementing a continuum of speech language services that facilitates the provision of speech language services in the Least Restrictive Environment;

Attending continuing education courses relative to school based practice to insure maintenance of Maryland State Licensure or American Speech Language Hearing Association Certification; and

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of the principles and practices of speech-language pathology as applied to children in the natural or school environment;

Knowledge of the normal development of speech language skills;

Knowledge and skills relative to the selection and use of augmentative communication devices to enhance a student’s speech language skills;

Ability to infuse the use of appropriate technology for implementation of speech language services;

Ability to maintain accurate, complete records, including but not limited to the completion of Individual Education Plans, Individual Family Service Plans, progress reports, related services logs, assessment reports and other documents as required by program regulations, Board policies, federal, state and local laws;

Ability to work effectively with diverse school populations;

Exhibit excellent oral and written language skills; and

Exhibit effective human relations skills and leadership qualities.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:   Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s degree in Speech and Language Pathology; experience providing speech language therapy in school based setting preferred; experience working cooperatively with professionals in related disciplines; and skill in working with parents (i.e., parent counseling, parent training, etc.).   

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:   Possession of or are eligible for a Limited or Full License in Speech-Language Pathology issued by Maryland Department of Mental health and Hygiene; holds or is eligible for a Professional Certificate appropriate to area of assignment issued by the Maryland State Department of Education; Certificate of Clinical Competence in Speech Language Pathology preferred; candidates completing Clinical Fellowship Year considered.   

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:   Providing supervision of professional students during school based clinical practicum.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands 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 frequently required to stand, talk, hear, walk, sit, and use fingers, tools or controls. The employee is occasionally required to reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision such as to read handwritten or typed material, the ability to adjust focus, and depth perception. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally push or lift up to 25 lbs.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT: Normal

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: None.

Prince George’s County Public Schools • www.pgcps.org • 14201 School Lane, Upper Marlboro, MD 20772