Speech Pathologist

Position Purpose Under the general supervision of the Director of Student Services, the Speech-Language Pathologist is responsible for identifying, evaluating, and providing therapeutic services to students with speech and language disorders.

The Speech-Language Pathologist supports student access to the educational curriculum by developing and implementing individualized interventions that address communication needs.

This position collaborates with educators, families, and interdisciplinary professionals to ensure students receive appropriate services in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations governing special education.

Essential Functions * Screening, Evaluation, and Eligibility: Screens newly enrolled students within the school division to identify possible speech and/or language disorders.

Conducts comprehensive evaluations for students referred for speech or language concerns in order to determine the nature of the disorder, the area of need, and the level of severity.

Completes required assessments and documentation within established timelines to determine eligibility for services under the Speech or Language Impairment category and/or the need for speech therapy as a related service under special education regulations.

* Individualized Education Program (IEP) Development: Develops and implements appropriate Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) for eligible students.

Ensures all services and goals are delivered in compliance with state and federal special education regulations.

* Therapy Services: Provides speech and language therapy services tailored to individual student needs and aligned with state guidelines.

Therapy services are provided in accordance with each student's IEP.

Delivers services in the student's least restrictive environment, which may include public schools, daycare centers, private schools, home settings, or other approved educational environments as outlined in the student's IEP.

* Collaboration and Consultation: Collaborates with teachers, administrators, and school staff to provide guidance related to speech and language impairments.

Shares strategies and information to support student communication development within the educational environment.

Participates in eligibility meetings, comprehensive evaluation meetings, IEP meetings, and other school-based meetings to support students receiving speech-language services.

* Interdisciplinary Team Participation: Participates as part of a multidisciplinary team to support programs serving students with diverse educational, developmental, and medical needs.

Responsibilities may include: * Assisting with development and implementation of medically prescribed feeding plans for students with feeding or swallowing needs.

* Supporting the development and use of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) systems.

* Assisting with implementation of assistive technology (AT) related to communication needs.

* Facilitating speech and language development within classroom settings.

* Medicaid Documentation: Completes and submits required documentation for Medicaid reimbursement through the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) for eligible health-related services provided by the school division.

* Professional Development: Provides training and professional development for school faculty and staff as appropriate.

Participates in division-sponsored professional development opportunities to support continuous professional growth.

* Documentation and Reporting: Maintains accurate documentation including therapy session records, accommodation logs, evaluation reports, and student progress monitoring.

Submits required reports and documentation to the Department of Student Services according to Local Education Agency (LEA) timelines.

* Equipment and Materials Management: Maintains therapy equipment, communication devices, and instructional materials in good working condition.

Returns borrowed materials to the Department of Student Services when requested or at the end of each school year.

* Legal Compliance: Ensures full compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations governing the education of students with disabilities.

Additional Duties Performs other related duties as assigned by school administration, the Director of Student Services, or other designated leadership.

The above description is illustrative of tasks and responsibilities and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties performed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities * Knowledge of speech and language development, communication disorders, and evidence-based therapeutic practices.

* Knowledge of federal and state regulations governing special education services, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.

* Knowledge of evaluation methods, therapy techniques, and intervention strategies for students with communication disorders.

* Ability to conduct diagnostic assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.

* Ability to collaborate effectively with teachers, administrators, parents, and interdisciplinary teams.

* Strong written and verbal communication skills.

* Ability to maintain accurate documentation and meet required timelines.

* Ability to utilize technology, communication devices, and assistive technology tools to support student learning.

* Strong organizational and time-management skills to manage caseloads and documentation requirements.

Educational Requirements and Certifications * Certification / License: Must hold or be eligible for a School Speech-Language Pathologist License issued by the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology.

* Education: Master's degree in Speech-Language Pathology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, or a closely related field from an accredited college or university.

* Experience: Prior clinical or school-based experience in speech-language pathology is preferred.

Physical and Mental Demands * Work is typically performed in a school setting including classrooms, therapy rooms, and other educational environments.

* Must be able to move between multiple school locations or service environments as required.

* Requires the ability to operate standard office and therapy equipment, including computers, communication devices, and therapy materials.

* May require occasional lifting or transporting of therapy equipment and instructional materials.

FLSA Status: Exempt 10 Month Position