Speech Therapist

The Speech Therapist is to help reduce or eliminate a speech and hearing impediment that interferes with the students’ ability to derive full benefit from the district’s educational program.

• Actively participate in ongoing quality improvement activities of The Legacy Treatment Services including but not limited to:  serving as a member of a quality improvement team, customer input, incident/accident and client grievance review, peer record review and program evaluation/quality improvement projects.

• Attend staff meetings and meetings with parents and/or school district personnel.

• Fulfill annual continuing education and professional development requirements established by the Department of Education.
• Provide direct management and supervision of students in non-instructional settings such as hallways, library, dining room, etc.
• Make assessments, analyses and classifications of students’ communication competencies and characteristics.
• Plan, prepare and deliver treatment programs for children with speech and language deficiencies.
• Provide diagnostic evaluations of pupils referred to the child study team for communication disorders and participate in team conferences related to those pupils.
• Develop and implement an individualized educational program (IEP) in conjunction with parents and teachers for pupils who are eligible for speech correction and identifies pupils in need of related services.
• Provide individual and small group intervention sessions with students who have been classified.
• Conduct classes in language stimulation
• Keep those records necessary for each child and completes all required local, state and federal reports.
• Participate in the development and improvement of opportunities for disabled/exceptional students by providing individual or group in service experiences for staff and parents.
• Conduct ongoing evaluation of all children in the program to determine appropriateness of their program.
• Act as educational consultant to classroom teachers, guidance counselors and administrators as required.
• Assist in proper referrals of individuals to agencies and specialists in the community.
• Assume primary responsibility for requisitioning and maintaining needed equipment and supplies.
• Maintain professional competence through in service education and other professional growth activities.
• Observe children identified as needing service in classroom settings on an ongoing basis.
• Attend and participates in meetings as deemed necessary and consistent with the needs of the district.
• Perform all duties required by administrative code, state and federal laws, and policy.
• Coordinate or conduct workshops to inform parents about community and school services and programs.
• Assist students with preparing for and moving to other classrooms, school activities, outside activities and arrival and departure from school.
• Notify immediately appropriate personnel of any evidence of substance abuse, child abuse, child neglect, severe medical conditions, potential suicide, or individuals appearing to be under the influence of alcohol or controlled substances.
• Display ethical and professional behavior in working with students, parents, school personnel, and outside agencies associated with school.
• Serve as a role model for students and staff in demonstrating positive attitudes, appropriate attire and grooming, and effective work ethic.
• Participate in appropriate in-service and workshop programs and attend any required meetings.
• Build relationships with parents/guardians, families, school districts and social service agencies to support student’s learning and overall wellbeing.
• Maintain a supportive, safe and respectful learning environment.
• Document significant incidents and physical restraints involving students utilizing The Legacy Treatment Services Critical Incident and Restrictive Behavior Management Practice Reporting System.
• Demonstrate teamwork, cooperation and courtesy in the workplace.
• Attend Legacy Treatment Services Open Houses and evening function (i.e. Art Exhibit /Parent Groups).
• Utilize verbal de-escalation interventions to defuse potentially volatile situations prior to escalation and passive physical restraint techniques to prevent seriously acting out students from harming themselves or others.
• Utilize the “Nurtured Heart Approach” to enhance student self-esteem and promote positive student behaviors.
• Perform all additional duties as assigned by the Principal.

Hours:

Full time; follows the school calendar

This position also has the following benefits:

• Paid time off and holidays per the school contract
• Medical, vision, dental and life insurance
• 403(b) employee participation and employer match

Qualifications:

Valid New Jersey DOE Certificate for Speech-Language Specialist. Demonstrated comprehensive knowledge in the field of Speech-language pathology.

Ability to effectively apply the principles of assessment, treatment and prevention of speech, language and hearing disorders. Strong interpersonal and communication skills. Required DOE criminal history background check and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal resident alien status. Required to participate in CPR and First Aid training and required to perform techniques as needed.  Ability to work on site during the hours required.

Legacy Treatment Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

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