Speech/Language Specialist

Mantua Township Schools•Sewell, NJ

46d

About The Position

Provides a full range of services in the identification and diagnosis of speech, language, communication, and hearing disorders and in the recommendation and delivery of appropriate educational services and programs to eliminate, reduce, or accommodate disabilities that interfere with the student's meeting and exceeding the New Jersey Student Learning Standards.

Requirements

Hold a valid New Jersey educational services certificate in accordance with the requirements of N.J.S.A. 18A:27.1 et seq., and N.J.A.C. Title 6A Chapter 9 with a Speech Language Specialist or a Speech Language Specialist endorsement (N.J.A.C. 6A:9-13.6) and other appropriate endorsement(s).
Demonstrate the ability to evaluate, provide therapy, and provide strategies for the prevention and remediation of speech, language, and hearing disorders.
Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of speech-language pathology, child growth and development, learning assessment and diagnosis, and research related to learning.
Demonstrate an understanding of current rules and regulations regarding Child Study Teams and special education assessment and program requirements.
Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and the interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
Demonstrate the ability to use technology effectively.
Provide proof of U. S. citizenship or legal resident alien status by completing Federal Form I-9 in compliance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986.
Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education.
Provide evidence that health is adequate to fulfill the job functions and responsibilities with reasonable accommodation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. 12101 and in accordance with N.J.A.C. 6A:32-6.1 et seq.
Meet such alternatives to the above qualifications as the Superintendent may find appropriate and acceptable.

Responsibilities

Provide comprehensive services for students with speech and/or language disorders, following N.J.A.C. 6A:14 et seq. and other State and District rules, regulations, and procedures.
Develop and implement screening procedures to identify students who are in need of corrective speech, language, and/or hearing instruction (N.J.A.C. 6A:14-3.6).
Participate on the Child Study Team when students with communications disorders are referred to the Team. Use observation, conferences with the instructional staff, and various assessment techniques to make diagnostic evaluations. Participate in Team conferences and communications with parents and students, and recommend intervention strategies for the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Monitor the Plan's implementation, and participate in the Annual Review.
Plan and deliver therapy for students with speech, language, and/or hearing deficiencies in individual and small group settings.
Assist with referrals of students to agencies and resources in the community when appropriate.
Develop and provide a means for the identification of pupils with disorders of language and/or speech.
Develop necessary screening and evaluation procedures to determine the nature, etiology, and severity of the specific disabilities of the individuals identified with speech and/or language problems.
Arrange through the designated administrative official and Child Study Team appropriate referrals of individuals whose communication problem requires additional diagnosis and/or treatment.
Plan a therapy program and develop the IEP for those individuals diagnosed as having speech and/or language problems and arrange for the implementation of this program within the educational setting with involvement of parents.
Conduct a therapy program that modifies the behavior that characterizes the speech and/or language disorder.
Maintain accurate and detailed records of IEP plans, evaluations, and data from therapy on a continuous, systematic basis.
Arrange parent and teacher conferences to inform and assist in the pupil's progress.
Serve as a consultant to the classroom teacher regarding speech and language development activities.
Identify community resources which can be utilized by and for the communication disabled and cooperate with these agencies in providing a program of services for a pupil.
Provide information and counsel to parents and teachers which may lead to the prevention of communication disorders.
Meet with parents and teachers in regard to their role in facilitating an effective facilitative program for a particular pupil with a communication disorder.
Perform Annual Review of each pupil's IEP with involvement of parents.
Perform speech and language evaluation when required by the Child Study Team and participate in staffing conferences of these required cases.
Coordinate with outside agencies who provide Teacher of the Deaf consultation and audiological services.
Keep aware and up to date of current rules and regulations governing application of the total speech program and recommend appropriate modifications to maintain this program consistent with requirements.
Continue to evaluate effectiveness of communication devices and programs for students using Assistive Technology.
Provide in class language lessons to designated groups as determined by need.
Serve as a member of the designated Intervention and Referral Team, when requested.
Consult with parents (or guardians) and members of related disciplines, including outside agencies regarding the needs of an individual with a communicative disorder.
Recommend and participate in Assistive Technology and Augmentative Communication Evaluations for students in need.
Provide regular evaluation of students receiving speech, language, and hearing specialized instruction to determine the effectiveness of services.
Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the Director of Special Education.
Assist the instructional staff through conferences, consultations, observations, and demonstrations with classroom organization and the implementation of effective instructional strategies and materials for students with speech, language, and hearing disorders.
Maintain positive, cooperative, and mutually supportive relationships with the administration, instructional staff, students, parents, and representatives of other school districts and agencies within the community.
Recommend appropriate communication devices for non-verbal students and provide training for parents and staff members.
Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees.
Participate in faculty, school, parent, and community meetings and programs, sharing observations, issues and resources available.
Conduct or provide staff development sessions and educational programs for parents to promote an understanding of effective strategies to accommodate speech, language and hearing disorders.
Notify immediately appropriate personnel of evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical or social conditions, potential suicide or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol, controlled substances, or anabolic steroids.
Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in speech and language pathology through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.
Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences. Complete the required hours of State-approved continuing professional development in accordance with State and District procedures, as specified in the Professional Improvement Plan (N.J.A.C. 6A:9-15.1 et seq.).
Maintain in safe working condition and operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.
Perform any duties that are within the scope of employment and certifications, as assigned by the Principal or Director of Special Education and not otherwise prohibited by law.
Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and contractual obligations.