SPEECH-LANGUAGE PATHOLOGIST

Job Title:                            Speech-Language Pathologist                        

Wage/Hour Status:          Exempt

Reports to:                         Director of Early Childhood Intervention     

Service Area:                     Head Start & Early Childhood Development

Component:                        Early Childhood Intervention

Location:                             Various, includes virtual and in person                                                            

Date Revised:                    August 30, 2023

Primary Purpose:

Upholds ECI mission, values, and goals by providing direct services to eligible children and their families. To coach parents/caregivers within the context of daily routines and activities to promote improvement of child outcomes across all developmental domains.

Qualifications:

             Education/Certification:

• Master’s Degree in speech-language pathology from an accredited or approved institution required
• Certification of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association required
• Current Texas licensure in speech-language pathology required

             Special Knowledge/Skills/Experience:

• Experience in pediatric speech-language therapy and feeding therapy with an understanding of global child development preferred
• Experience working with young or severely/profoundly delayed children preferred
• Knowledge of child development and infant/early toddler assessment preferred
• Training or experience in record keeping and parent training preferred
• Knowledge of assistive technology designed to improve children’s functional abilities
• Ability to work cooperatively with the ECI team, families, community agencies, medical personnel, and local education agencies
• Ability to take initiative in completing job tasks required
• Knowledge and experience using Microsoft Office programs and ability to learn new technology systems required

Working Conditions:

• Tools/Equipment Used: Standard classroom and nursery equipment such as toys, playgrounds, multiple-rider strollers, etc.; personal computer and printer
• Posture: Must be physically able to tolerate frequent standing, kneeling/squatting, bending/stooping, pushing/pulling, and twisting
• Motion: Must be physically able to participate in moderate to high levels of physical activity, such as, but not limited to, standing for moderate to lengthy periods of time, frequent walking, and overhead reaching
• Lifting: Must be physically able to tolerate regular light lifting and carrying (less than 15 pounds); may require occasional heavy lifting and carrying (45 pounds or more)
• Environment: Must be physically able to tolerate cleaning products and sanitizers, work inside and outside (exposure to sun, heat, cold, and inclement weather); exposure to noise; frequent exposure to bodily fluids
• Mental Demands: Must be able to work with frequent interruptions, maintain emotional control under stress and self-control in the presence of children
• Regular Attendance is an essential function

Major Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Participates in the evaluation and assessment processes for children to determine eligibility and need for services.
2. Serves as a Licensed Professional of the Healing Arts providing necessary clinical knowledge for the IFSP team to plan and implement individualized, goal-oriented services within an interdisciplinary approach.
3. Participates in the development, review, and evaluation of the Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) which is based upon the child’s developmental history, parent’s input and the results of all evaluations and assessments.
4. As LPHA, provides ongoing monitoring and assessment of the IFSP, at least once every six months as part of the periodic review, to provide professional opinion as to the effectiveness of services.
5. Collaborates on an ongoing basis with the ECI staff and parents to establish and review needs.
6. Identifies goals for child and family that are routines-based, functional, timely, and measurable.
7. Provides direct speech-language, oral motor therapy, or consultative services for children and families within twenty-eight (28) days of enrollment.
8. Provides direct speech language therapy services using approved delivery methods.
9. Coaches parents/caregivers within the context of daily routines and activities to promote improvement of child outcomes across all developmental domains.
10. Maintains and submits all required written documentation and forms through use of electronic records system and according to established timelines. Completes documentation according to the program, ESC, HHSC and TAC rule, and Medicaid requirements.
11. Completes productivity documentation per program requirements within established timelines.
12. Participates as a Skilled Professional Medical Personnel (SPMP) in the required “Random Moment in Time Studies” which helps the program secure additional federal funds in order to serve clients within mandated timelines.
13. Makes referrals to outside agencies and other professionals for further diagnosis or to access durable medical equipment to meet the children’s needs when indicated.
14. Upholds the ethical standards applicable to licensure boards. Maintains all licensure requirements per state/federal rules.
15. Engages in continuing efforts to improve professional and personal competency through individual study, training programs, workshops, and seminars.
16. Maintains in -service training requirements for professional growth and development and other program records such as inventory of equipment and materials. Is responsible for distribution of borrowed equipment and technology.
17. Participates in public awareness and child find activities that promote quality referrals from appropriate referral sources.
18. Checks and responds to emails and voice mails within 24 hours during regular workdays.
19. Maintains a functioning cell phone and is accessible through this phone as deemed appropriate by the director. A functioning cell phone means that it is charged, activated, messages checked, and mailbox emptied regularly.
20. Reports for work ready to perform responsibilities.
21. Performs duties that directly and/or indirectly impact student performance in Region 16.
22. Maintains a professional level of confidentiality regarding all ESC matters.
23. Supports the mission, goals, and objectives of the ESC strategic plan.
24. Upholds and adheres to safety rules and policies of the ESC safety program.
25. Performs professional responsibilities as required by ESC policies, processes, and procedures.
26. Manages time, calendar, and job responsibilities to meet deadlines.
27. Meets proficiency levels of required technology skills as outlined by supervisor.
28. Incorporates appropriate technology in daily work and exhibits continual growth in technologies as outlined by supervisor.
29. Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None

The foregoing statements describe the general purpose and responsibilities assigned to this job and are not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills that may be required.

Evaluation of the performance of this job will be based on a combination of self-evaluation and the supervisor’s evaluation according to the procedures developed for all Education Service Center personnel.  Employment in this position is contingent on performance, need, and funding.

I have read and received a copy of my job description.  I understand this overrides anything I have been given or told in the past.  I further understand that I am expected to follow my job as outlined above and if I have any questions concerning what is expected of me, I will speak with my immediate supervisor.