Description

Assesses individuals to identify the presence of communication disorders.  Plans, directs, and/or conducts habilitative and rehabilitative treatment programs to develop or restore communication efficiency of individuals diagnosed with communication problems of organic and/or non-organic etiology.  Serves as a campus consultant regarding typical communication development, as well as communication disorders and their impact on access to and ability to benefit from classroom instruction. Available positions at elementary and secondary schools.

Requirements

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Conducts assessments for students suspected of having speech and/or language impairments when referred for special education services or for re-evaluation.
• Reviews assessment data, completes a diagnosis of communication delay and/or disorder, determines eligibility for speech therapy services, and recommends placement.
• Designs and implements a program for individual and/or group speech-language intervention and determines appropriate delivery model.
• Participates in campus multidisciplinary team to develop solutions for struggling general education students, as well as special education students.
• Serves as a member of Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) committees.
• Coordinates programs for students identified with speech, language and/or hearing impairments within the scope of the Fort Worth Independent School District.
• Consults with parents, teachers, and other professionals regarding educational management, assessment, IEP, appropriate classroom modifications and progress of students.
• Makes appropriate referrals to other professionals when necessary.
• Maintains eligibility file on speech impaired students and utilizes Special Education Electronic Management system for all information and ARD documentation.

Supervisory Responsibilities (for SLPs who are eligible to supervise)

• Provides practicum supervision to graduate students in speech/language pathology as well as supervision of Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY) interns as determined by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA).
• Provides direct and indirect supervision of Bachelor level Speech-Language Pathology-Assistants including the development and implementation of a plan of supervision and maintenance of appropriate documentation.

Personal Work Relationships

• All Fort Worth ISD employees must maintain a commitment to the District's mission, vision, and strategic goals.
• Exhibits high professionalism, standards of conduct and work ethic.
• Demonstrates high quality customer service; builds rapport/relationship with the consumer.
• Demonstrates cultural competence in interactions with others; is respectful of co-workers; communicates and acts as a team player; promotes teamwork.
• Responds and acts appropriately in confrontational situations.

 
Other Duties as Assigned

Performs all job related duties as assigned and in accordance to the Board rules, policies and regulations.  All employees are expected to comply with lawful directives in rare situations driven by need where a team effort is required.
 
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of federal and state guidelines and District policies and procedures regarding special population students' services and programs.
• Skill in written and oral communication including ability to interact with and influence all levels of central office and campus staff as well as parents..
• Ability to consider academic, social, and emotional needs of students in making decisions about academic settings and accommodations for individual students.
• Ability to exercise discretion regarding matters of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Ability to accurately prepare and maintain records, files, and reports.
• Ability to design, organize, plan, implement, and evaluate programs.
• Ability to organize and coordinate work, including maintaining attention to details and quality, and prioritize work while meeting multiple deadlines.
• Ability to use software to create spreadsheets, databases, and do word processing.
• Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.

Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
 
Travel Requirements

Travels to school district buildings and professional meetings as required.
 
Physical & Mental Demands, Work Hazards

• Tools/Equipment Used:  Standard office equipment, including computer and peripherals.
• Posture:  Prolonged sitting; occasional stooping, squatting, kneeling, bending, pushing/pulling, and twisting.
• Motion:  Frequent repetitive hand motions, including keyboarding and use of mouse; occasional reaching.
• Exerting:  Occasional force of 20 pounds, frequent 10 pounds of force, and/or negligible amount of force to constantly move objects.
• Lifting:  Occasional light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds).
• Environment:  Works in an office setting; occasional work outside to travel between buildings or in the preparation/completion of meetings; may require occasional irregular and/or prolonged hours.
• Attendance:  Regular and punctual attendance at the worksite is required for this position.
• Mental Demands:  Maintains emotional control under stress; works with frequent interruptions.

 
Minimum Required Qualifications

• Education:  Master's degree from accredited college or university in Speech-Language Pathology or Communication Sciences & Disorders.
• Certification/License:
  • Required - Licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) Committee of Examiners of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology as a Speech-Language Pathologist, OR be able to obtain the license with 90 days of hire.
  • Preferred - Certificate of Clinical Competence from ASHA, or completion of the equivalent education requirements for the certificate, or completion of the academic program and preparation to complete the Clinical Fellowship Year (CFY);
• Experience:  5 years' working with special populations preferred.
• Language:  Bilingual (English/Spanish) working proficiency preferred in some settings.