Speech Language Pathologist(SLP)

POSITION SUMMARY: Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) will provide specialized services in a state-approved private school setting for students with disabilities and severe behavioral challenges. The SLP will assess, diagnose, and treat speech, language, communication, and feeding disorders using evidence-based practices. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, the SLP will develop individualized therapy plans aligned with students’ IEPs and behavioral goals. 

ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION 

1. Conduct comprehensive speech, language, and communication assessments.
2. Use standardized tests, observation, and data collection to develop individualized treatment plans.
3. Participate in Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) as needed to support students' communication needs.

THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTION

1. Provide individual and group therapy focused on speech, language, and social      communication skills.
2. Implement AAC tools (e.g., PECS, communication devices) for non-verbal students.
3. Address feeding and swallowing difficulties, as appropriate.
4. Use behavior management strategies to support students with severe behavioral challenges.
5. Develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) tailored to each student's unique needs.
6. Plan and deliver individualized instruction aligned with students' IEP goals and state standards.
7. Utilize various instructional strategies and resources to engage students and accommodate  different learning styles.
8. Employ special education strategies and techniques during instruction to improve the development of sensory, perceptual, motor skills, language, cognition, and memory.
9. Modify and adapt curriculum content as needed to ensure student accessibility.
10. Monitor and assess student progress regularly, adjusting instruction to meet IEP goals.
11. Instruct students in speech and language subjects using a variety of techniques.
12. Provide coaching and modeling on all speech language programming to paraeducators.
13. Assist in the collection of data.
14. Use visual supports, technology, and other tools appropriate for students with disabilities.
15. Review and analyze the collected data to determine potential modifications to goals and to educational delivery of goals.

CLASSROOM AND BEHAVIOR SUPPORT

1. Assist in creating communication-friendly environments within classrooms.

2. Provide in-the-moment behavioral support during therapy sessions, as needed, in collaboration with behavioral staff.

COLLABORATION AND TEAMWORK

1. Work closely with teachers, behavior clinicians, occupational therapists, and other team members to ensure comprehensive support for students.
2. Communicate regularly with parents/guardians regarding student progress, challenges, and successes.
3. Engage parents and caregivers to support students’ progress and maintain open communication.
4. Participate in IEP meetings, parent-teacher conferences, and other relevant meetings to support student achievement.
5. Attend meetings and training sessions related to special education as deemed appropriate by the Operations Manager.
6. Develop, provide, and promote regular in-service training to the BHA Academy team regarding special education procedures.
7. Train staff and parents on communication strategies and AAC use to promote consistency across settings.

MANAGEMENT/LEADERSHIP

1. Serve as a role model to establish and foster a positive culture based on trust, respect, collaboration, and integrity. Through personal example, demonstrate the style and approach that will characterize the Company’s dealings with the marketplace. 
2. Manage and develop a team of employees per BHA’s policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing and recommending candidates; training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; recommending rewards and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems; and building an effective team dynamic.
3. Participate in the national healthcare community; stay abreast of trends, competitors, and legislation.

COMPLIANCE AND DOCUMENTATION

1. Track progress toward communication goals and maintain thorough documentation for IEPs.
2. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of student progress, IEP implementation, and other required documentation.
3. Ensure compliance with all state and federal regulations pertaining to special education, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
4. Conduct assessments and evaluations following legal and district requirements.
5. Enforce all relevant policies and procedures for BHA Academy.
6. Ensures compliance with BHA procedures and state and federal laws in relation to Special Education and IEPs.
7. Provided input and support in completing and sending quarterly progress reports to parents and school districts.
8. Maintain productivity efficiency as outlined and defined.
9. Records billable services in the company platform.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

1. Stay current with best practices in special education through ongoing  professional development and training.
2. Engage in reflective practice to continuously improve teaching strategies and student outcomes.
3. Collaborate with colleagues to share resources, strategies, and ideas for effective therapy instruction.

OTHER DUTIES

1. Perform other duties and special projects to support various organizational initiatives as assigned.
2. Responsible, either directly or indirectly, for filing all expense reports according to company policy.
3. Directly or indirectly responsible for completing time reports on or before the defined due date. 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: General note: When moving residents or other heavy items, please make sure to ask for assistance if the task you are trying to complete requires more than one person. Please consult with your HR team for a full definition of any terms used below..

Seldom (1–5%): Balancing, crawling, pinching.

Occasionally (6-33%):  Reaching, standing, walking, talking. Sedentary to light work: Exerting 10-20 lbs. of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or consistently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.

Frequently (34-66%): Climbing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, repetitive motion. Medium to heavy work: Exerting 50-100+ lbs. occasionally and/or in excess of 50 lbs. of force frequently to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body. 

Continuously (67-100%): Hearing and visual acuity required for the position (including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus). If required by position “driver status”, the employee must maintain visual acuity adequate to operate a motor vehicle.  Ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents, including the ability to speak, hear, and observe students to assess their needs and progress.

Machines, Tool and Equipment:

Seldom (1 –5%): Hardware tools, shower

Occasionally (6-33%): Cooking tools, cleaning tools, and automobile (driver status only).

Frequently (34-66%): Computer, copier, fax, calculator, writing instrument and telephone.

Continuously (67-100%): Frequent use of hands and fingers for handling, reaching, and manipulating objects, tools, or controls. Ability to operate standard classroom equipment such as computers, projectors, and other instructional tools.

WORKING CONDITIONS: This position is performed primarily indoors at the administrative office.

Work is typically performed in a school environment, which may involve exposure to moderate noise levels, potential exposure to bodily fluids, and other conditions associated with working closely with children. 

ACCESS TO PHI/CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION: The Substitute Special Education Teacher will have access to Protected Health Information (PHI) and confidential information, including financial information, employee relations information, etc.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT: Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment based on their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination based on their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy shall not be interpreted so as to violate the legal rights of religious organizations or the recruiting rights of military organizations associated with the Armed Forces or the Department of Homeland Security of the United States of America.

ADA STATEMENT: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each essential job duty. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

ACCOUNTABILITY/IMPACT (Degree of answerability for actions, consequences of errors in judgment, and legal liabilities): Errors in judgment or mistakes could cost the organization loss of revenue, loss of clients, and/or negatively impact KCBHH’s reputation.

CORE COMPETENCIES

1. Integrity and Professionalism: Operates with professionalism and integrity in all aspects of role, including interactions with coworkers, clients, and external contacts. Communicates in an open, honest, respectful, and consistent way. Demonstrates humility, sharing recognition and fault equally. Treats all employees as equal contributors.

2. Collaboration and Teamwork: Works cooperatively to achieve common goals by establishing and maintaining productive working relationships, sharing knowledge, and building consensus. Shows willingness to understand, respect, and support alternative perspectives, opinions, and ideas. Willingly contribute to other teams as Subject Matter Experts and shares knowledge with others. Recognizes the contributions of others and gives credit when credit is due.

3. Client/Customer Focus: Establishes and nurtures strong, sustainable, and collaborative relationships with clients, both internal and external. Actively seeks to understand and exceed internal/external client needs. Seeks and uses input and feedback to strengthen internal/external customer relationships and improve outcomes. Engages the internal/external customer as a partner in delivering service.

4. Innovation and Initiative: Voluntarily looks for better ways to get things done and/or generate new ideas; acts on own without waiting for direction. Shows interest in learning new skills and performing new tasks. Sees beyond the “tried and true”; avoids staying a comfort zone. Identifies ways to incorporate new practices into existing framework.

5. Adaptability: Responds positively to changing circumstances by altering behavior to better fit different situations. Willing makes appropriate changes in work methods/processes. Overcomes obstacles to achieve results. Adjusts timelines, results, and expectations appropriate to changing needs.

6. Accountability: Takes responsibility for all work activities and personal actions. Respects confidentiality – appropriately handles confidential information. Meets or exceeds agreed upon expectations; follows through on commitments. Accepts responsibility for positive and negative outcomes of work.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT 

1. Required company trainings.

2. Trainings deemed necessary by supervisor.

QUALIFICATIONS: 

Master’s degree in Speech-Language Pathology.

Current Missouri licensure or certification as a Speech-Language Pathologist. ASHA (American Speech-Language-Hearing Association) Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC-SLP) preferred.

Experience working with students with disabilities and severe behaviors. Familiarity with AAC devices, PECS, and social communication interventions is highly preferred. Knowledge of ABA principles and behavior management strategies is a plus.

Must be proficient with Microsoft Office (i.e. Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).

Strong time management skills and ability to prioritize work. 

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to work independently as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Demonstrates taking initiative, anticipating needs, and exercising independent/sound judgment. 

Ability to demonstrate fiscal responsibility.