Summer Esy Speech Therapist (Internal Pool Only)

During the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) Extended School Year Period, provides prevention, assessment and remediation services for students who exhibit difficulties in and meet the Tennessee Department of Education (TDOE) eligibility criteria in the areas of language impairment and speech impairment including articulation, voice and/or fluency, receptive language, expressive language and/or pragmatic language. These services are designed to help children meet their educational goals.

1. During the Extended School Year Period, assesses students' communication skills including articulation, voice and/or fluency, receptive language, expressive language and/or pragmatic language to identify communication disorders, determine program eligibility and develop recommendations for treatment.
2. Collaborates with a variety of groups and/or individuals including parents, teachers, physicians, SCS administration, intervention assistance team members, psychologists, social workers, and other professionals to communicate information, resolve issues, develop treatment plans and provide services in compliance with established guidelines.
3. Coordinates services for eligible students including testing, screening, Individual Education Plans (IEP), parent conferences, pre-referral staffing and meetings to present evaluation results, develop treatment plans, and/or provide training to students, staff and parents.
4. Develops treatment plans, speech and language interventions and/or educational materials to minimize the adverse impact of communication disorders in compliance with regulatory requirements. Instructs students in techniques for more effective communication. Educates parents on strategies to cope with and avoid misunderstandings in communication.
5. Instructs eligible students in the use of appropriate communication technologies including augmentative communication devices, etc. to minimize the adverse educational impact of communication disorders in accordance with established guidelines and legal requirements.
6. Instructs assigned support staff on communicative disorders, use of assistive devices, feeding techniques and/or implementing prescribed treatment plans.
7. Interprets, within the scope of Speech/Language Pathologist’s experience, medical reports and goals to provide information and/or to ensure that treatment and/or intervention plans are appropriate.
8. Maintains knowledge of and strict adherence to Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA).
9. Maintains files and/or records including progress reports, activity logs, treatment plans, required documentation and screening results to ensure the availability of information as required for reference and/or compliance. Completes medical and treatment records for each student accurately and timely and uploads speech IEP documents into EASY IEP software.
10. Participates in and writes reports for meetings regarding student’s progress, including IEPs, in-service training and training to convey and/or gather information.
11. Travels to multiple school locations.

12. Performs other related duties as assigned to ensure the efficient and effective functioning of the work unit.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communicative Disorders, Speech and Hearing Language Impaired, Speech Pathology or a closely related field plus a minimum of three (3) years of experience as a Speech Therapist/Pathologist required. Experience in school based practice or pediatrics preferred.  TDOE license as a Speech Therapist/pathologist, Certificate of Clinical Competence (CCC) from the American Speech and Hearing Association and a valid Tennessee Driver’s license required. Current SCS Speech Therapist/Pathologist in good standing preferred.  Master’s degree in Communicative Disorders, Speech and Language Impaired, Speech Pathology, or a closely related degree in the field of speech & language preferred.  

The following special conditions are required: Commitment for the entire Extended School Year Period.  May involve missing some district training opportunities.  Attendance at ALL preparatory planning sessions and periodic administrative meetings.  Availability for Extended School Year Period closeout operations which may occur after new academic year contract has started.

This position is for EXTENDED SCHOOL YEAR PERIOD ONLY.

Knowledge of habilitation and rehabilitation of speech, language, and hearing disorders. Knowledge of anatomy and physiology of speech and hearing mechanisms and disorders and principles and practices of speech and language therapy.
Ability to communicate with diverse groups; utilizing specialized equipment for communication disorders. Ability to translate therapy data into meaningful educational activities.
Knowledge of pertinent SCS policies, rules, regulations and/or laws governing special education, Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (504) and the role of Speech Therapists/Pathologists as a related service.
Ability to effectively communicate orally and in writing with physicians, other health care providers, staff and parents or guardians
Ability to use logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to medical problems. Ability to analyze information and evaluate results to choose the best solution to solve problems.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with students, staff and parents or guardians. Knowledge and use of principles and processes for providing customer service, personal care and therapy services.
Ability to enter, retrieve, transcribe and understand medical information and terminology in written or electronic health information exchange (eHIE) format. Ability to use SCS software - EASY IEP.
Ability to keep up-to-date on medical and technological advances and to apply the new knowledge to their therapy responsibilities.
Excellent organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Physical Demands: Requires work involving standing or walking frequently and occasionally crouching and/or stooping.  Repetitive use of arms, wrists, hands.  Exerting up to 10 pounds of force on a regular basis and may be required to occasionally lift and/or carry up to 20 pounds.  Some dexterity in operating office equipment.  Must be able to use hands and fingers

Unavoidable Hazards:  The position is exposed to the usual environmental hazards posed by working with children including coughing, sneezing, drooling, retching, spittle, incontinence, etc. and the biological discharges associated with them.

Sensory (ADA) Requirements: The position requires normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT COMPLIANCE

MSCS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. SCS provides reasonable accommodations to qualified persons with disabilities. Prospective and current employees are encouraged to discuss ADA accommodations with management.

MSCS does not discriminate in its programs or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, handicap/disability, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetics, or age (40 or older).