About the position
Speech-language pathologists assess and treat the communication disorders of articulation, language, voice, and stuttering for students age 3 through 21. Services are provided through direct contact with students and through consultation with teachers and/or parents and include a combination of classroom-based instruction, consultation, and group and individual therapy. Speech pathologists work collaboratively with the other members of the school team to ensure that students with communication disabilities have full participation in the learning environment and experience academic success. Speech-language staff partner with teachers to support language learning and literacy in the classroom. This position reports to and is evaluated by Related Services. This position requires a valid Alaska educator certificate. The number of work days is based upon the AEA negotiated pay scale. Information on the pay scale can be found online on our Labor Relations Department website. This position's grade level, content area taught, and work site may change dependent upon student enrollment and district staffing needs. Positions that are 0.50 FTE to 1.0 FTE are associated with the Alaska Teachers' Retirement System (TRS), positions that are 0.40 to 0.49 FTE are associated with the Alaska Employees' Retirement System (PERS). Positions that are 0.39 FTE or less are not eligible for state retirement benefits.
Responsibilities
- Participates with pre-referral teams and multidisciplinary teams for student screening, diagnosis, eligibility and intervention.
- Selects and administers standardized and non-standardized assessments, scored according to procedural manuals, and determines eligibility for speech-language services in the educational setting.
- Follows current departmental/district eligibility criteria for speech-language services.
- Establishes appropriate functional, school-based goals for addressing student needs in the areas of articulation, language, voice and fluency skills within the school environment.
- Uses technology (keyboarding, data entry, word processing) to manage work tasks including record keeping, IEP development, communication, research and to enhance instruction.
- Maintains required records (attendance, IEP paperwork, log book, progress notes) based on department, district and state standards.
- Documents services and completes required paperwork.
- Supervises paraprofessionals, as assigned, in the provision of speech-language services.
- Establishes and maintains standards of student behavior needed to provide an orderly, productive environment for learning in a variety of school settings.
- Develops and varies therapy techniques and service delivery specific to each student's communication needs, emphasizing integration within the general education curriculum.
- Regularly collects and documents accurate data on speech-language goals and objectives to indicate student progress.
- Reassesses therapy plans on an ongoing basis and modifies as needed.
- Effectively presents information and responds to questions clearly and concisely from parents, supervisor(s) and team members regarding issues related to speech-language therapy.
- Functions as a team member and collaborates with regular education and special education staff in planning, supporting and providing instruction in a variety of school settings.
- Establishes and maintains high standards of professionalism and diplomacy when working with students, peers, parents, private providers, related medical agencies and community agencies.
- Serves as a resource to school staff, parents and community.
- Attends and participates in staff meetings and department committees.
- Develops and maintains professional competency through in-service education, coursework and/or professional growth activities to apply best practice knowledge to speech-language therapy program.
Requirements
- A master's degree in speech and language.
- A valid Alaska type C special services certificate with an endorsement for speech/language pathology or related endorsement.
Nice-to-haves
- Evidence of experience working with special education students.
- Experience working collaboratively to support the Individual Education Plan (IEP) needs of special education student(s) in a public school setting.
- Experience or evidence of the ability to meet and maintain punctuality and attendance expectations.
- Demonstrate knowledge of normal speech/language development.
- Demonstrate knowledge of teaching/training methods, curricula and strategies regarding communication disorders.
- Handle confidential matters and information in a professional manner.
- Demonstrate organizational skills to assess, schedule, and manage a wide variety of students in multiple locations.
Benefits
- Salary: B00/00 - B72/20 ($56,823-$100,155) DOE
- The successful candidate will receive an additional 6% increase on their annual salary.
- Positions that are 0.50 FTE to 1.0 FTE are associated with the Alaska Teachers' Retirement System (TRS).
- Positions that are 0.40 to 0.49 FTE are associated with the Alaska Employees' Retirement System (PERS).
