Speech-Language Pathologist (Long-term Substitute)

Created: 3/22/82 Revised: 10/12/2010 Edina Public Schools Job Description

Speech/Language Pathologist

Reports to: Director of Special Services

Purpose of Position: A Speech/Language Pathologist is responsible for diagnosis and treatment of communication anomalies - specifically, speech, language, and hearing problems. The goal is to normalize the communication processes within the limits of the child's capacity.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Diagnoses speech, voice, language, and hearing problems. o Schedules screening and diagnostic evaluations and carries out these activities in accordance with the State of MN objectives. o Administers screening tests of articulation to selected grades. o Administers diagnostic tests to children selected from the screening procedures, classroom and other referrals. o Interprets test results to parents, teachers and other staff members.
• Determines the course of action and develops and carries out program as indicated by findings of the diagnostic evaluations. o Corrects speech, voice and language problems through speech therapy. o Conducts regularly scheduled speech therapy sessions in accordance with established rules and regulations of the school district and the Special Education Sections, Minnesota Department of Education. o Communicates this program to all levels within the school in such a manner that the program is understood. o Conducts evaluations of the speech program and the student's progress. o Selects and/or creates materials appropriate to the individual needs of the child. o Conducts and/or participates in conferences with parents, teachers, and administrators, in addition to other special education personnel to discuss individual problems. o Advocates methods to be used to further improve speech carryover in the classroom and home according to the individual needs of the child. o Submits reports the Director of Special Services, principals, and parents and year-end reports for the individual student's cumulative folder.
• Cooperates with the classroom teacher in scheduling classes, classroom observation, testing and conferences. o Conducts demonstrations in classrooms for general speech improvement. o Answers questions about speech problems and the handling of speech cases in the classroom. o Supplies materials as request for general speech improvement in the classroom.
• Answers questions relative to speech development, improvement and correction for parents and staff members.
• Submits upon request reports to physicians, dentists, school psychologists, resident speech and hearing camps, family counseling services and the University of Minnesota and other speech and hearing clinics. Created: 3/22/82 Revised: 10/12/2010
• Provides a professionally specialized service for those students whose needs cannot be adequately met in the classroom.
• Maintains permanent speech records of all individuals seen for speech therapy.
• Continues to develop professionally. o Attends professional meetings, keeps up to date on the latest methods and ideas in the field.
• Performs other duties as may be reasonably assigned for effective school operation.

Required Qualifications:

• Education consistent with the requirement of the State of Minnesota for licensure as a Speech Language Pathologist.
• Current and valid Minnesota teaching license.
• Effective communication skills.
• Ability to operate a computer and necessary software.
• Ability to utilize technology in learning opportunities.
• Ability to maintain professional composure while dealing with a variety of personalities and situations.
• Adapts and responds appropriately to unexpected or adverse situations.
• Ability to handle stress appropriately.
• Displays enjoyment and enthusiasm for teaching.
• Ability to inspire and to motivate students.

Additional Information:

• Must be willing and able to work in the following conditions: busy, noisy, with consistent interruptions.
• Ability to perform the following actions occasionally: sitting, using hands dexterously, talking, hearing, lifting and carrying up to 25 pounds, reaching, stooping, walking, standing, bending, crouching.