Job description

Summary: To provide therapy to help reduce or eliminate speech and hearing impediments that interfere with the individual students ability to derive full benefits from the districts educational program. To provide therapy services to special education students with a variety of needs and severity of disabilities to help students develop the strength and skills needed to participate in the school environment. Provides direct speech/language therapy to special education students, according to IEPs.Conducts screenings and/or formal Speech/language evaluations to assess students speech and language needs, tailoring each evaluation to referral questions.Supervises, observes and evaluates Speech Assistants in implementing treatment plans; adjusts plans/programs as needed; collaborates with the Principals, Special Education Coordinators and Administrator as needed.Serves as a resource to principals and teachers of special and regular education, as well as with parents, on questions related to speech and/or language development and/or difficulties. Assists the Administrator of Special Education and Principals in program planning, budget development and monitoring throughout the year.Works with respective speech assistants to plan, implement and monitor Speech/Language Therapy Programs, using a variety of approaches and models.Fully prepares for and participates in Special Education and/or Section 504 Team evaluation and/or review meetings, including writing pertinent sections of a childs IEP or 504 plan.

Actively works with the Special Education Team in the development of IEPs including proper language and the completion of service delivery grid to match identified speech/language needs; consults with pertinent team members to ensure understanding of students language needs and the appropriate implementation of accommodations and instructional strategies. Conducts comprehensive and thorough evaluations of children identified through the Special Education Evaluation process; follows all timelines and DESE guidance regarding content of reports. Ensures written reports are completed and submitted to TEAM evaluation leader at least 3 school days prior to the Team meeting. Conducts screenings as requested and appropriate by TAT, CST, 504 Team, or Special Education Coordinators; completes related paperwork in a timely fashion.Assists in the development of and/or provision of professional development for regular and special education teachers, paraprofessionals and speech assistants in areas related to Speech/Language.

Provides direct services to special education students as identified in IEPs and those general education students. Prepares and/or collaborates on the written progress reports for students with special educators, according to DESE and district quality expectations and timelines.Communicates directly with parents as needs arise, in a timely fashion, and keeps Special Education Liaison or Coordinator/Administrator informed of issues as needed.Determines the need for a speech/ language evaluation, selects and administers a variety of appropriate assessment tools to evaluate the student, interprets evaluation data, writes comprehensive reports, and recommends and provides lessons based on evaluation information.Evaluates the students current functional status and implement strategies to improve students functional abilities in school classrooms, hallways and other areas that may be part of their educational program (i.e., community facilities and vocational settings using a variety of functional, behavioral, and standardized assessments, skilled observation, checklists, histories, and interviews.Uses two-way communication with families about student performance and responds promptly and carefully to communication from families with consideration of cultural differences.Clearly communicates and consistently enforces specific standards for student work, effort, and behavior. Documents speech therapy services to ensure accountability of service provision and meet standards for reimbursement of services as appropriate Educational Leadership: Serves as a resource to school staff members in the development of a balanced program for oral communication and speech improvement, and provides information, support, and counseling to parents and families when appropriate.Consistently seeks outs and applies ideas for improving practice from supervisors, colleagues, and professional developmental activities to gain expertise. Participates in continuing education for professional development to ensure practice consistent with best practice and to meet Massachusetts Licensure requirements.Assists the Special Education Coordinators/Administrator in monitoring student performance, keeps Special Education Coordinators/Administrator/ Principals informed of difficulties and potential problems, whenever possible.

Monitors and reassess the effects of speech therapy intervention and the need to continue, modify or discontinue intervention and provides regular, specific feedback to students and families on student performance, including how it can be improved. Uses professional Code of Ethics and standards of practice to guide ethical decision making.Educates school personnel about the different considerations and accommodations required for students with a communication disability. Collaboration: Works with teachers and other disciplines to evaluate students and develop Individualized Education Programs to meet student needs and ensure team understanding of student strengths and needs, through evaluation, educational program planning, and service delivery which integrate services, goals and a program plan into the Individual Education Program in the least restrictive setting. Provides targeted, evidence-based therapeutic interventions with measurable objectives and appropriate student engagement strategies to facilitate student participation, independence, and speech/ language performance within the school environment and assists the teachers in modifying classroom activities.

Professional Development experience including assessment, design, facilitation, and evaluation of learning experiences.Perform other duties as required by the Director

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