Speech and Language Pathologist

An opportunity to Inspire, Challenge, and Empower!  

JOB SUMMARY:

The Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP) support Shelton School District's Strategic Plan and School Improvement Plans through  individualized speech and language assessment and therapy for students, as well as support and consulting services to staff in Shelton and the special services cooperative districts. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Eligible for or currently holds a Washington State Certificate as an Educational Staff Associate with an endorsement as a Speech Language Pathologist.
• Ability to pass a Federal Criminal Background Check.
• Demonstrated commitment to students with special education needs and their families.
• Training and experience in assessment, evaluation, and consultation.
• Ability to incorporate lightheartedness, humor, and fun into the workplace.
• Ability to develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with staff, students, families, and community partners.
• Ability and willingness to support and follow the Shelton School District Strategic Plan, School Improvement Plans, School Board Policies and Procedures, all regulations pertaining to public education and special education, and District initiatives.
• Knowledge in all phases of the special education process, procedures, and disability categories.  Some assignments may require special expertise in early learning and/or atypical impairments.
• Ability to plan, organize and implement all phases of special education identification.
• Ability to utilize effective communication including active listening, two-way communication, and using the appropriate communication channel.
• Ability to listen and professionally mediate toward solutions.
• Ability to provide innovative and responsible leadership to buildings and districts.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and tact in all aspects of employment.
• Ability to organize activities, written work, and peers for teaming.
• Ability to use various assessment tools for various ages and diagnostic investigations.
• Ability to drive and work in different locations daily.
• Ability to remain flexible to changes in assignments or situations.
• Ability to follow and give directions.
• Ability to set priorities.
• Ability to work with several office staff and supervisors with ease.
• Ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to participate in conferences, workshops, and training sessions.
• Ability to work flexible hours.
• Ability to use the district’s online IEP system.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position with or without reasonable accommodations.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provides consultative and advisory services to school personnel within the service area in the diagnosis and remediation of all children.
• Conducts screening and, when appropriate, evaluation assessment of speech, language, articulation, audition and normal language growth and development of students referred for special education. 
• Performs as a member of the multi-disciplinary team providing and interpreting information on speech and language functioning, specific student observations, testing and planning for an IEP.
• Maintains effective communication with individual staff members, families, school personnel, and health care agencies in the service area to track progress and changes in the student's development.
• Works directly with children that have speech and language impairments to help them communicate in a way that best supports their personal and academic growth in the classroom and community.
• Assists regular and special education staff in appropriate language program development in the classroom or community settings.
• Works in cooperation with the teachers and other professionals to help them understand the student's disorder in relation to the child’s academic and social learning, inform of the child's progress, and provide materials and consultation upon request.
• Works in cooperation with families to help them understand the student's disorder in relation to the child’s academic and social abilities, advise in ways that they can help their child make language or articulation progress or learn functional communication adaptation skills and keep them informed of their child's progress.
• Updates individual short-term objectives and long-term goals as indicated by formal and informal assessment.
• Maintains files and forms for special education compliance in a timely manner that meets all federal, state, and district guidelines.
• Records and submits timely signed and dated reports for each student assessed and served.
• Maintains written systematic and objective records of each student's therapy program and progress.
• Updates own knowledge and evaluates own practices and applies it toward the development of a continually evolving and quality Speech and Language department.
• Provides workshop opportunities for staff and community to enhance the general knowledge of psychological, social, emotional, behavioral development, and learning difficulties in children.
• Plans activities and manages day-to-day functions of the language Para Educator as needed.
• Trains and monitors the activities of other instructional assistants in their duties for students with speech or language impairments.
• Maintains updated knowledge of school policies and procedures that affect this position.
• Attends trainings and meetings as required or appropriate.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

REPORTS TO: Director of Special Education or designee.

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

SCHEDULE: 1.0 FTE (180 days per school year plus trainings and meetings, 7 hours per day).

LOCATIONS: Olympic Middle School (5th-6th grade) and Oakland Bay Junior High School (7th-8th grade). Location(s) subject to change based on program and student need. 

SALARY: $62,585 - $113,364 annually, depending on experience and education.

BENEFITS: 12 sick leave days of which 6 can be used for personal leave each school year; 5 days bereavement leave per school year; health insurance benefits through the School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) including medical, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance. Retirement through the Washington State Department of Retirement Systems (DRS); other fringe benefits as allowed under the Shelton Education Association (SEA) Collective Bargaining Agreement.