Speech-Language Pathologist

Description

 Job Purpose

The Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) works collaboratively with Behavior Analysts and Special Education Teachers to develop and provide educational and clinical programming related to communication goals in the classroom for students with autism and related disabilities. The SLP engages in active consultation with all classroom staff. During active consultation, the SLP observes the staff work with the student, reviews data, models various clinical and teaching strategies for the staff, provides corrective feedback to staff, and directly works with the student in order to revise or probe techniques. The SLP will serve as an active member of the students’ Individualized Education Plan teams and will provide parent consult and training as needed. The SLP takes an active role in ensuring all speech services are delivered in accordance to each student's IEP-mandated services and utilizing current evidence-based practices and ethical practices.

Duties and Responsibilities

IEP Development, Implementation, and Progress Monitoring

• Review students’ histories, conduct assessments, consult with parents and educational team to determine students’ need for therapy and incorporate results into IEP.
• Administer assessments within the domains of articulation, expressive and receptive language, pragmatics, and alternative and augmentative communication. Assist Special Education Teacher and Behavior Analyst with administration of classroom, functional, and behavioral assessments as appropriate.
• Develop observable and measurable IEP goals across the domains of articulation, expressive and receptive language, pragmatics, and alternative and augmentative communication. Collaborate and coordinate with Special Education Teachers and Behavior Analyst in the development of related goals.
• Participate in student IEP meetings as needed.
• Create and implement an evidence-based, therapeutic program for each SLP goal in the IEP. Provide consultation and support to the classroom to address related collaborative IEP goals.
• Collect and summarize data on related IEP goals and programs for assessment and progress reporting.
• Prepare progress reports on SLP related IEP goals in accordance with current procedures

 Direct Speech-Language Services

• Conduct therapy sessions in a 1:1 or small group setting.
• Remain up-to-date on student behavior support plans, independently implement them in therapy sessions, and manage challenging behaviors effectively
• Deliver instruction in accordance with current student protocols specific to error correction and errorless teaching when appropriate.
• Probe proposed changes to communication programs and make recommendations to the Special Education Teacher and Behavior Analyst to address student needs.
• Engineer and maximize opportunities for using a variety of language (e.g., requesting, labeling, commenting, answering questions, etc.)

Consultative Services

• Closely monitor student programs through direct observations and review of data
• Coordinate and collaborate regularly with Behavior Analysts and/or Special Education Teachers
• Provide formal and informal training to staff and families as needed
• Program and maintain individualized alternative and augmentative communication systems

Professional Development

•  Maintain national certification (CCC-SLP) with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) by participating in continuing education opportunities
• Maintain state licensure
• Supervises graduate students, volunteers, and clinical fellowships (as appropriate)
• Maintain commitment to professional growth and competency through attending seminars, workshops and conferences
• Incorporate current research in the field of speech-language therapy and autism

Position Type

This is a full-time position. This position involves working with students who exhibit challenging and/or aggressive behavior and participation in community outings. 

Requirements

Qualifications

• Valid driver's license required
• Master's degree in Communication Disorders, Speech-Language Pathology, or related field required
• CCC-SLP credential preferred, CF supervision available for strong candidates
• Virginia speech-language pathology licensure or provisional licensure from the Virginia Board of Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology required
• Experience with alternative and augmentative communication and individuals with autism preferred
• Experience in the application of applied behavior analysis (ABA) preferred