K-4 Speech Pathologist

POSITION: K-4 Speech Pathologist (Part-Time) 

SCHOOL YEAR: 2023-24 

REPORTS TO: Director of Student Services, and Lower School Building Principal 

WAGE/HOUR STATUS: Exempt/10 month 

Mission: Educating and inspiring a diverse community of K-12 learners by engaging them in rigorous real-world learning experiences which prioritize intellectual, social and emotional growth. 

Vision: Tapestry is a vibrant, sustainable school that empowers learners and leaders to make a positive impact in our communities and beyond. 

Values: Perseverance, Integrity, Respect & Responsibility (PIRR). 

POSITION SUMMARY: A Speech Pathologist  is a highly-qualified teacher who works with students who require strategic intervention in whole-group and small-group settings. The focus of the teacher is to evaluate, diagnose, and treat students with speech or language disorders. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Deliver services as mandated by Individualized Education Plans.
• Performs instruction and/or activities in the classroom setting to commensurate with the school's stated philosophy, objectives, and purposes.
• Participate as part of the educational/clinical team for each student.
• Have knowledge of the resources and supports available to assess the daily language skills and functioning of students with disabilities, particularly students with autism, cognitive and pervasive developmental delays.
• Possess an ability to work effectively as a member of a multidisciplinary team, as well as schedule and coordinate intervention with a variety of service providers.
• Have knowledge of the resources and supports available to assess, design, train and monitor the use of assistive technology and augmentative communication devices.
• Have excellent, well-developed written and oral communication skills, and proven ability to interact positively with students, parents, colleagues, and third-party agencies.
• Have effective case management and resource management skills, and the ability to create and maintain all required documentation.
• Have demonstrated experience in applying research-based therapeutic and instructional methodologies when working with students with disabilities.
• Compiles case history data on those cases where additional family history, health history, early developmental history, and environmental history are deemed appropriate.
• Have the ability to remain flexible and respond effectively as emergent classroom situations warrant, and/or the ability to manage behavioral challenges.
• Understand importance and possess the ability to consult with administration on school/community issues that interfere with educational performance.
• Cooperate with and participate in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the total school program.
• Educates students, family members, and in-service education and serves as a consult to teachers and school staff on topics concerning speech/language skill development, speech disorders and causes, including disabilities and traumatic events, and inclusion of students with disabilities within the general education setting.
• Serves as a resource to school staff in the development of a balanced program for oral communication and speech/language development.
• Collaborates with classroom teachers and other school staff members to implement prescribed language intervention, assistive technology and/or augmentative communication through suggestions for the students daily activities.
• Develops in-service programs to assist teachers in understanding issues.
• Develop and foster positive student relationships, as well as monitor, encourage and provide guidance to students on the individual progress which will promote educational development.
• Observe and evaluate student performance and development.
• Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.
• Facilitates the acquisition of skills necessary for a student's transition to post-high school settings.
• Stay current with most recent developments in appropriate subject areas as initiated by the school or district.
• Participate in department, school, and district meetings and professional development activities as appropriate and as necessary to maintain licensure.
• Participates in the school community outside of the classroom and school day.
• Other responsibilities as assigned by Administration as required.

ADDITIONAL DUTIES:

• Demonstrate knowledge of, and support, Tapestry Charter School mission, vision, value statements, standards, policies and procedures, operating instructions, confidentiality standards, and the code of ethical behavior. 
• Prepare progress summaries using the reporting procedures agreed upon by the teaching staff, Director of Student Services  and the Principal. Collaborate as needed with other teachers.
• Check voicemail and email daily and respond promptly or within 24 hours to requests from families, administrators and colleagues.
• Participate in appropriate professional development activities.
• Perform other related duties as required and assigned. 

SCHOOL CULTURE/CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Create and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment for students that includes SEL and restorative practices. Model, practice and discuss respectful, unbiased and effective communication with students.
• Demonstrate preparation and skill in working with students from diverse cultural, economic and ability backgrounds.
• Encourage parent and community involvement, obtain information for parents when requested, promptly return phone calls and answer emails.

QUALIFICATIONS/KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Have experience as a Speech Language Pathologist, with demonstrated opportunities to work with students with medical/health issues and/or developmental delays.
• Have knowledge of a variety of disabilities and the potential effects upon a student's expressive, receptive, and pragmatic language functioning.
• Possess strong understanding of Federal & State Mandates pertaining to supporting students with disabilities, as well ability to learn and adhere to District policies and procedures.
• Have demonstrated skill in Speech Language Assessment and the development of intervention plans and goals appropriate to address all facets of communication needs of the student.
• Strong communication skills.
• The ability to work as a team or independently.
• Analytical skills for selecting the best diagnostic tools and analyzing results to identify an accurate diagnosis while developing an effective treatment plan.
• Communication skills for communicating diagnoses, test results and available treatments in terms that clients and their families can understand.
• Compassion when working with individuals frustrated by the difficulties they are experiencing
• Critical thinking skills for adjusting treatment plans as required and identifying alternative ways to help.
• Attention to detail for maintaining notes on treatment and progress.
• Listening skills for listening to concerns and symptoms of clients so they can decide the most appropriate course of treatment.
• Understanding about speech-related conditions and therapies.

EXPERIENCE AND EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS: 

• Professional/Permanent certification in an applicable area with 3 years of experience.  
• NYS Certification/Licensure in Speech Pathology or Speech preferred.
• Knowledge of Expeditionary Learning is a plus. 
• Classroom experience is essential. 
• A concentration in, master's degree, or higher, in Special Education.

Please make sure to complete an application by clicking here for this job posting.