JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title
Speech Language Pathologist
Evaluation Type
Professional
Department
Special Programs & Services
Pay Grade
A3
FLSA
Exempt
Date Revised
May 2025
Supervisor
Director of Special Programs & Services
BASIC FUNCTION & RESPONSIBILITY: Plan and provide speech-language pathology services to students with speech, voice, or language disorders. Assess students and provide therapeutic intervention to eliminate or reduce problems or impairments that interfere with their students' ability to derive full benefit from the educational program.
QUALIFICATIONS:
Education/Certification:
- Master' s degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited college or university
- Valid Texas license as a speech-language pathologist granted by the State Board of Examiners for Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology (SBESLPA) ASHA Certificate of Clinical Competence
Special Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
- Ability to use the accepted tests and measurements to assess communication disorders and conditions
- Knowledge of evaluation, habilitation, and rehabilitation of speech-language disorders and conditions
- Ability to instruct and manage student behavior
- Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills
Experience:
- One year of supervised clinical speech-language pathology experience preferred
CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: The essential functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the characteristic duties, responsibilities, knowledge, skills, and abilities noted herein; however, this is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by positions found in this job description.
Therapy:
- Plan and provide appropriate individual and group therapy to students consistent with speech and language goals contained in Individual Education Plans (IEP).
- Evaluate student progress and determine readiness for termination of therapy services.
Assessment:
- Conduct independent evaluations to assess students with speech or language disorders and conditions to determine eligibility for services.
- Develop clinical management strategies or procedures and diagnostic statements by interpreting observations or data.
- Participate in the Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee to assist in interpretation of assessment data, appropriate placement, and goal setting for students with communication disorders or conditions according to district procedures.
Consultation:
- Counsel and involve parents in remedial process.
- Collaborate with classroom teachers to plan and implement classroom activities to improve communication skills of students.
- Provide professional development in assigned schools to help school personnel identify and understand communication deficits in students.
- Communicate effectively with colleagues, students, and parents regarding the accomplishment of therapy goals and needs of the student.
Student Management:
- Create an environment conducive to learning and appropriate for the maturity level and interests of students.
- Establish control and administer discipline according to the Student Code of Conduct and student handbook.
Program Management:
- May supervise licensed speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).*
- Develop and coordinate a continuing evaluation of speech-language pathology services and make changes based on the findings.
- Assist in the selection of equipment and instructional materials.
Administration:
- Compile, maintain, and file all physical and computerized reports, records, and other required documents.
- Comply with policies established by federal and state laws, State Board of Education rule, and board policy.
- Comply with all district and campus routines and regulations.
- Participate in professional development activities to improve skills related to job assignment.
SUPERVISION EXERCISED: May direct and monitor the work of speech-language pathology assistant(s) or speech aide(s).
MENTAL DEMANDS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS/ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS:
- Tools/Equipment Used: Standard testing equipment; standard office equipment including computer and peripherals
- Posture: Frequent sitting, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
- Motion: Frequent walking, grasping/squeezing, wrist flexion/extension
- Lifting: Regular light lifting and carrying (under 15 pounds), occasional heaving lifting (45 pounds or more) and positioning of students with physical disabilities; controlling behavior through physical restraint; assisting non-ambulatory students
- Environment: Exposure to biological hazards, bacteria, and communicable diseases; may require districtwide travel
- Mental Demands: Work with frequent interruptions; maintain emotional control under pressure
- Supervisors of licensed speech-language assistants must be licensed by SBESLPA as speech-language pathologists.