Speech & Language Specialist at Atlantic County Special Services School District
Position Purpose
Provides screening, diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic services to the school's population, as well as, act as a consultant to the classroom teachers.
Essential Functions
- Screens children to determine those with inadequate speech and language development and/or swallowing function.
- Administers in depth diagnostic test battery for I.E.P./Annual Reviews one time per year for all students in caseload. Completes a written evaluation of findings to be used for the Current Status Report and IEP, which includes precise, clear measurable goals and objectives. Provides same if requested by Supervisor to assist district in special circumstances.
- Conducts ongoing evaluations of all children in one's caseload to determine appropriateness of their program and to evaluate their progress.
- Provides suggestions for speech and language development and/or remediation procedures to classroom teachers as requested.
- Consults with interested parents on the nature of their child's communication handicap and discuss progress as per the Individualized Education Program. Provide home speech and language suggestions and activities to parents, when appropriate.
- Submits requests for therapeutic and educational materials to Supervisor.
- Implements the I.E.P. using instructional techniques, designed activities and materials appropriate for each student.
- Assists in the development and review of the I.E.P. in conjunction with parent/guardian and sending district representatives.
- Documents student progress by maintaining a therapy log on each student to be used to review and report student progress on I.E.P.'s and completing report cards. It should include, but not be limited to the date. I.E.P. goals, materials, activities and statement of student progress. This file should be photocopied and passed on to the successive therapist.
- Consults and collaborates with other school personnel as needed to assist in evaluation problems and establishing and planning programs to help students function in the school environment.
- Collaborates with other professionals to provide adaptive equipment and techniques to maximized student feeding and swallowing potential.
- Evaluates the need for augmentative communication systems on caseload or as assigned.
- Develops and modifies augmentative communication systems as needed. (Electronic, manual language boards, etc.)
- Acts as a student advocate to facilitate insurance funding for augmentative communication devices.
- Works cooperatively and objectively with other professionals to provide an integrated program for the students
- Accepts responsibility for student duties such as recess or lunch supervision, as assigned.
- Makes provisions for being available to students and parents for educational related purposes outside the instructional day when required or requested to do so under reasonable terms.
- Maintains accurate and complete records as required, and completes recordkeeping tasks and paperwork in an efficient and timely manner.
- Communicates in a professional manner with parent/guardians and out of district personnel while maintaining good public relations.
- Attends staff meetings and participates in staff development and in-service activities, Serves on committees to plan, promote, or assist in specific school projects, as required.
- Examines his/her effectiveness and continues to seek improvement in knowledge, competencies and techniques as a means of promoting professional improvement.
- Maintains a consistent pattern of attendance that is in accordance with Board policy and procedures.
- Maintains standards of ethics and confidentiality, as required by law and Board Policy.
- Keeps informed of all Federal, State and County laws, code and regulations as they pertain to his/her area of responsibility.
- Complies with the provisions of the law regarding health and security checks.
- Performs all duties in a manner consistent with law, code, and policy.
- Performs such other tasks and assumes such other responsibilities as may from time to time be assigned.
Skills, Knowledge, Abilities
- Knowledge of Special Education principles, theories, testing, methods, etc. as well as proven methods of maximizing the educational experience of students with special needs.
- Knowledge of differentiated instruction based upon student learning styles.
- Knowledge of data information systems, data analysis and the formulation of action plans.
- Knowledge of applicable federal and state laws regarding education and students.
- Ability to use computer network system and software applications as needed.
- Ability to organize and coordinate work.
- Ability to communicate effectively with students and parents.
- Ability to engage in self-evaluation with regard to performance and professional growth.
- Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with others contacted in the course of work.
Qualifications Profile
Certification/License:
- New Jersey Speech and Language Specialist Certification
- Possess or eligible for Certification of Clinical Competency, or hold New Jersey State License – Speech/Language Pathologist License.