Speech-Language Therapist

Since 1893, Helen Keller Services (HKS) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are blind, visually impaired, or have combined hearing and vision loss. HKS serves the New York City/Long Island area from its new headquarters in dynamic downtown Brooklyn and the Helen Keller National Center for Deaf-Blind Youth and Adults of Sands Point, New York, which has a network of regional offices that extends HKS’ reach across the United States.

We currently have an exciting full-time career opportunity available to join the HKS team as a Speech Therapist in our Children Learning Center located in Brooklyn, NY.

The Speech Therapist must demonstrate a sincere commitment to HKSB’s Mission and Values. Must possess the knowledge and competencies to perform the job duties; conduct him/herself at all times as a professional. Works in the CLC’s preschool program which is a full-day center-based classroom of 9 children, one teacher and 2 assistant teachers. Provides one to one with preschool children who have special needs and whose IEP mandates speech therapy, up to 10 sessions per day. This also involves writing daily session notes into EasyTrac, quarterly report writing, report cards and IEPs. Required to attend IEP meetings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the development and execution of function/program within his/her span of control in accordance with HKS’ Mission and Strategic Objectives. Specifically responsible for:

Understand Relevant Medical Information

(This should apply to all direct staff within the training building at HKSB.)

• Describe the anatomy and physiology of the visual system.
• Describe common eye conditions/etiologies (i.e. macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, retinopathy of prematurity, glaucoma, cataracts, cortical visual impairment, etc.) of consumers and their implications on visual functioning and be able to interpret eye reports.

Plan and Conduct Children’s Learning Center IEP Assessments

• Understand and execute a formal case review of the student’s history including educational, rehabilitation and medical information that is available.
• Gain an understanding before formal in-person assessment through dialogue with the student’s parents and school district administrators as to the child’s present functioning level.
• Assess the student’s present level of functioning in the following areas related to their speech therapy needs:
  • Speech and Language
  • Cognitive
  • Social / Emotional
• Based on the student’s IEP evaluations and accompanying medical assessments and the student’s parent’s input, determine appropriate short term instructional objectives and annual goals.

Children’s Learning Center Speech Therapist Related Concepts

Must be able to explain, demonstrate, provide instruction and reinforce speech therapy goals to both the student’s parents and in-classroom staff. This will be done through working collaboratively with his / her follow therapists, teachers and the school principal to incorporate monthly curriculum themes into therapy sessions. The key elements of therapy sessions will include the following, when appropriate:

• Student’s communication skills, these include both receptive and expressive language skills
• Student’s articulation skills.
• Oral motor skills, this includes feeding, swallowing, chewing skills.

Commitment to the Students and their Families

1. Respect the rights of each student’s family to participate in decisions regarding their assessment and instructional program.
2. Effectively monitor the development of each of his / her student’s skills, assess risk to the student during all assessment and instructional activities, and protect the best interest of each student via intervening as appropriate to ensure consumer safety.
3. Facilitate each student’s independence and problem solving in their speech / language, cognitive and social emotional skills.

Commitment to the Profession and HKSB

1. Required to complete 30 hours of continuing competency learning activities during every three-year registration cycle. Of these 30 hours, at least 20 must be completed in a "professional" area, and the remainder may be in a "related area." The registration is through the NYS Office of Professions.
2. Enter daily session notes into the New York City, Department of Education’s EasyTrac system.
3. Compose and submit all Children’s Learning Center Report Cards, Quarterly and Annual Reports written based on observations and data collected from the student in an objective and professional manner.
4. Participate and contribute in weekly team meetings and all full staff meetings.
5. Maintain a professional demeanor at all times and contribute to the upkeep of their personal space and shared workspace.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in the field of Speech Therapy.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES:

ASHA Certificate. Each licensed speech-language pathologist and audiologist in practice is required to complete 30 hours of continuing competency learning activities during every three-year registration cycle. Of these 30 hours, at least 20 must be completed in a "professional" area, and the remainder may be in a "related area." The registration is through the New York State Office of Professions.

WORK LOCATION: Brooklyn, NY

JOB TYPE: Full-time

SALARY RANGE: From $70.000 to $80,000.00 per year

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees. We offer generous paid time off and a comprehensive benefit package including:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental Insurance
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Paid time off
• Life Insurance

WORK SETTING:

• In-person
• School

ABILITY TO COMMUTE/RELOCATE:

• Brooklyn, NY 11201