OB TITLE: SPEECH LANGUAGE SPECIALIST (Tenure Track position)
REPORTS TO: Director of Special Services
NATURE AND SCOPE OF JOB:
Provides a full range of services in the identification and diagnosis of speech, language, communication, and hearing disorders and in the prescription and delivery of appropriate educational services and programs to eliminate, reduce, or accommodate disabilities that interfere with the student’s meeting and exceeding the Core Curriculum Content Standards.
QUALIFICATIONS:
The Speech Therapist shall:
1. 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 6 Chapter 11 with a Speech Language Specialist
or a Speech Correction endorsement (N.J.A.C. 6:11-11.9) and other appropriate endorsement(s) in accordance with the requirements of N.J.A.C. 6:11-10.1 et seq.
2. Have excellent experience in teaching and working with children with exceptional needs.
3. Possess a valid N.J. Driver’s License.
4. Have at least three years experience.
5. Demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the specialized certification area, including an understanding of the current rules and regulations regarding special education assessment and
program requirements.
6. Have excellent integrity and demonstrate good moral character and initiative.
7. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of child growth and development, children with disabilities, effective instructional strategies, classroom management, learning assessment and
diagnosis, and research related to learning and children with exceptional needs.
8. Exhibit a personality that demonstrates enthusiasm and interpersonal skills to relate well with students, staff, administration, parents, and the community.
9. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing, using proper grammar and vocabulary.
10. 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.
11. Provide evidence that a criminal record history check has been conducted and clearance has been given by the Department of Education. During the initial six month period provide a sworn
statement that the individual has not been convicted of a crime or a disorderly persons offense in accordance with 18A:6-7.1.
12. 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. 6:3-
4A.4.
13. Pass the state required Mantoux Intradermal Tuberculin Test as required by N.J.A.C. 6:3-4A.4.
14. Meet such alternatives to the above qualifications, as the Superintendent may deem appropriate, acceptable, and legal.
VERIFICATIONS OF COMPETENCY:
1. District application and/or resume.
2. Required documentation outlined in the qualifications above.
3. A minimum of three references from former employers, teachers, professors or other professional sources, or copies of recent evaluations and observations of teaching performance.
4. Employment interview.
5. High school transcripts and official college transcripts if applicable.
EMPLOYMENT TERMS:
The Special Education Teacher shall be employed under the following terms:
1. Work year of ten months.
2. Salary, benefits, leave time and conditions as negotiated.
3. Conditions established by laws and codes of the State, and policies, rules, and regulations established by the Board of Education (N.J.S.A. 18A:27-4 et. seq.).
JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Speech Language Specialist shall:
1. 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.
2. 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).
3. 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.
4. Conduct a thorough written formal assessment of all students referred for an evaluation.
5. Plan and deliver treatment for students with speech, language, and/or hearing deficiencies in individual and small group settings.
6. Assist with referrals of students to agencies and resources in the community when appropriate.
7. Provide regular evaluation of students receiving speech, language, and hearing specialized instruction to determine the effectiveness of services.
8. Complete in a timely fashion all records and reports as required by law and regulation or requested by the principal or the director of special services.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. Attend required staff meetings and serve, as appropriate, on staff committees.
12. Participate in faculty, school, parent, and community meetings and programs, sharing observations, issues and resources available.
13. 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.
14. 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.
15. 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.
16. Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences. Complete the required 100 clock hours of State-approved continuing professional
development every five years in accordance with state and district procedures, as specified in the Professional Improvement Plan (N.J.A.C. 6:11-13).
17. Maintain a safe working condition and operate electronic and other equipment needed to carry out job functions and responsibilities.
18. Display the highest ethical and professional behavior and standards when working with students, parents, school personnel, and other agencies associated with the school.
19. Serve as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, and an effective work ethic.
20. Protect confidentiality of records and information about district staff, and use discretion when sharing any such information.
21. Adhere to federal statutes and regulations, New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and procedures, and contractual obligations.
22. Perform any duties and responsibilities that are within the scope of employment, as assigned by their supervisor, and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.
23. Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, school regulations and procedures, and contractual
obligations.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job.
Unless reasonable accommodations can be made, while performing the job the staff member shall:
1. Use strength to lift items needed to perform the functions of the job.
2. Sit, stand and walk for required periods of time.
3. Speak and hear.
4. Use close vision, color vision, peripheral vision and depth perception along with the ability to focus vision.
5. Communicate effectively in English, using proper grammar and vocabulary. American Sign Language or Braille may also be considered as acceptable forms of communication.
6. Reach with hands and arms and use hands and fingers to handle objects and operate tools, computers, and/or controls.
ENVIRONMENTAL DEMANDS:
The environmental demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential responsibilities and functions of the job and are not meant to be all inclusive.
1. Exposure to a variety of childhood and adult diseases and illnesses.
2. Occasional exposure to a variety of weather conditions.
3. Exposure to heated/air conditioned and ventilated facilities.
4. Exposure to a building in which a variety of chemical substances are used for cleaning, instruction, and/or operation of equipment.
5. Function in a workplace that is usually moderately quiet but that can be noisy at times.