Speech and Language Specialist

PASSAIC BOARD OF EDUCATION

Passaic, New Jersey

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Speech Language Specialist

QUALIFICATIONS:

1. A master’s degree, or higher.
2. Hold a valid New Jersey educational services certificate in accordance with the requirements of the New Jersey statutes and regulations; or the appropriate endorsements(s) in accordance with the requirements of New Jersey statutes and regulations.
3. Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of speech-language pathology, child growth and development, learning assessment and diagnosis, research related to learning, instructional strategies, and classroom management.
4. Demonstrate the ability to assess, treat, and provide strategies for the prevention and remediation of speech, language, and hearing disorders.
5. A record of strong instructional or educational support services experiences and skills.
6. Demonstrated management, communication, and interpersonal skills.
7. Excellent collaboration, organization, and outreach skills.
8. Required criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status.

REPORTS TO: Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, Supervisor, or other certificated administrative or supervisory personnel

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Provide comprehensive services for students with speech and/or language disorders, following district policy and state regulations and statutes.

2. Plan and deliver treatment for students with speech, language, and/or hearing deficiencies in individual and small group settings.

3. Provide regular evaluation of students receiving speech, language, and hearing specialized instruction to determine the effectiveness of services.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. Provide specialist services as a member of the Child Study Team and the Intervention and Referral Services (I&RS) team in the assessment of, educational planning for, monitoring of, and re- evaluation of students in need of special services, in accordance with all applicable federal, State and local codes and regulations.

7. Ensure that the instructional program for the identified student addresses the curriculum standards and any accommodations, and that the IEP clearly specifies the performance levels in the standards at which the student is expected to demonstrate competency.

8. Maintain an on-going relationship with families for the purposes of sharing information regarding the student’s educational program.

9. Provide support services, including crisis intervention, to students experiencing difficulty with student growth and performance, referring students to other resources and agencies as needed.

10. Serve as the school liaison to all community agencies by consulting and collaborating regularly with school personnel, social agencies, and other community resources to establish and provide coordinated social services to students and families.

11. Provide a follow-up program with the student, parents, school personnel, and community resources to support the progress of the student toward a satisfactory personal and school adjustment.

12. Work closely with teachers, administrators and other professional staff members, providing information and assistance where needed for the ultimate benefit of students.

13. Assist in the evaluation of current curriculum offerings and in the planning, selection and implementation of new course offerings.

14. Conduct conferences with students, parents, teachers, or administrators to help all to understand and assist students in achieving success in the school and in positive personal growth.

15. Assist with approved research and follow-up studies related to student achievement, effectiveness of curriculum, student attitudes and perceptions, parent and community perceptions, status of graduates, and other information useful to the school to assess the overall program effectiveness for students.

16. 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.

17. Participate in staff meetings, administrator meetings, and committee meetings.

18. Report on the status of district programs and services.

19. Maintain copies of all necessary records and forms related to supervised programs and services.

20. Prepare district, state, and federal reports as required.

21. Keep the staff informed and seek ideas for the improvement of the district. Conduct meetings as necessary for the proper functioning of the district. 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.

22. Maintain visibility with students, staff, parents, and the community, attending school functions regularly to demonstrate a genuine interest in the students and staff.

23. Maintain effective communications with agencies and resources outside of the district, representing the district at community, state, and professional meetings.

24. Continue to grow professionally through collaboration with colleagues and professional growth experiences. Summarize, interpret, and disseminate current developments in the field of speech and language pathology, through reading of professional journals, participation in professional development, and involvement in professional organizations.

25. Protect confidentiality of records and information gained as part of exercising professional duties and use discretion in sharing such information within legal confines.

26. Observe strictly and exceed, to avoid the appearance of conflict, all requirements of the School Ethics Act and board policy on vendor relations regarding conflicts of interest in employment, purchasing, and other decisions, including solicitation and acceptance of gifts and favors. Submit in a timely fashion the required annual disclosure statement regarding employment and financial interests, if applicable.

27. Adhere to New Jersey school law, State Board of Education rules and regulations, Board of Education policies and regulations, and contractual obligations.

28. Perform all other duties as required by law, code, or Board policy.

29. Perform such other tasks and assume such other responsibilities as the Superintendent or his designee may assign from time to time and not otherwise prohibited by law or regulation.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT:

1. Ten (10) months, Eleven (11) months, or Twelve (12) months.
2. Contract terms, salary, and benefits as established by the collective bargaining agreement.
3. Conditions established by laws and codes of New Jersey; and policies, rules, and regulations established by the Passaic Board of Education.
4. Tenurable.

EVALUATION: Evaluated by a Director, Principal, Assistant Principal, Supervisor, or other certificated administrative or supervisory personnel.

APPROVED: December 21, 2015